WEIRD WEDNESDAY

This plant/flower looks like a spider or something like that. How strange things can grow sometimes.

Join Me at Concarolinas This Upco0miong QWeekend!

I'll be attending as a guest at Concarolinas 2011 this weekend (June 3rd, 4th and 5th) in Charlotte, North Carolina. It will be held at the Charlotte Hilton University Place 8629 JM Keynes Dr. ( Located within the Shoppes at University Place) For more information plus about other guests: http://www.Carolinas.org

This will be my first time at this convention, so yeah, I am excited.

Starfleet Atlantic's SciFi Yard Sale Happened May 28, 2011!

As you can above from the photos, it was a great day--with friends, great food, and many sales. People came, checked out all the tables, and many bought items to take away with them. The day started out warm with some mugginess, cooled off, then clouds rolled in with a bit of rain only to leave the same way they arrived, and then we nasty muggy heat for a while. Finally the sauna left and we just got hot but not muggy weather to end the yard sale.

I sold some of my own books, plus some of the used things I brought. By 3PM, the sale done, we all packed up and most left. Bill and I stayed to talk a bit to Liz Albitz who had graciously allowed the sale to be held in her front yard, and also talk to friends, Bob, Mark and Richard. By 5PM, Bill and I climbed in our car and drove home.

If you live in Virginia and never been to this annual event, keep your eyes peeled next May for when it will happen. Where else can you find a free event where you can converse with fellow fans of science fiction, Star Trek, Star Wars, fantasy, horror and find some cool stuff?And if you are looking for a great little club and you're a Star trek fan, the club holds its next meeting June 11th at the Indian River Library 2320 Greenbrier Road, Chesapeake, Virginia, at 11 AM.

SUPERNATURAL FRIDAY: Interview with Lewis Powell, Owner of Southern Spirit Guide Blog

Today, I interviewing Lewis Powell. He blogs at Southern Spirit Guide about nonfiction ghost books and the blog is very good.

1.) -Please tell us why you started blogging about nonfiction ghost books?

My blog really covers Southern ghosts in all aspects. The entry I wrote on ghost books was an inventory of my personal library. In covering ghosts, I think it’s important to examine the sources in addition to the stories themselves. I was reorganizing my library and decided to post an inventory of my books. This is just the beginning of my attempt to create a comprehenxive library on Southern ghosts. But it also serves as evidence of one issue I see in this area. The issue is that some places, parts of Virginia for example, are very well covered in the literature while other places, most of Mississippi as another example, are very poorly covered.

2.) – Have you always read books on the paranormal?

As a kid, I heard ghost stories from adults, friends and around the campfire at Boy Scout campouts and was mesmerized. Coming from a household where I was surrounded by books, it’s only natural that I would create my own library. I got my first ghost book around 3rd or 4th grade and I’ve been acquiring them ever since.

3.) – Among your own books, have you a favorite book?

I really can’t say I have one particular book that I really consider a favourite, but there are several books and authors that have inspired me recently. Two marvelous writers have really inspired me: David Domine and Craig McManus. David Domine is the author of a series of three books on the Old Louisville neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky. Not only are his books wonderfully written and researched, but they are very readable. Craig McManus’ series of four books on Cape May, New Jersey are just as well written and researched, but, as a psychic, McManus provides his own insights into each case.

Very recently, I read Barbara Sillery’s The Haunting of Mississippi, not only was I happy to see a good book about this poorly covered state, the book provided wonderful insights into both the dead and the living.

4.) – Which author got you into reading these books?

An author in my library dedicated her book to Kathryn Tucker Windham with the statement, “Miss Windham, it’s all your fault.” Kathryn Tucker Windham, one of the early authors on Southern ghosts has had a huge influence on me as well. Her 13 Georgia Ghosts and Jeffrey was one of the first books in my library and I have loved it ever since. I paid homage to her in my first blog entry by covering a location that she covered: the Ezekiel Harris House in Augusta, GA.

5.) - Have you ever thought about writing your own book on the subject?

Writing a book about ghosts has been a dream of mine since high school. A few years ago, I started work on a book about Columbus, Georgia (I was living there at the time and the city is lacking a book on its ghosts) and that was still on my mind when I started this blog. I edited and co-wrote a book on the historic and haunted Springer Opera House in 2006 and discovered that I really enjoyed writing. I decided to use the blog as a way of networking with other paranormal researchers and writers but also to build my name within the paranormal community.

Recently, I was contacted by a publisher who would like me to write for them. I’ve seriously thought about it and still want to do it, but issues in my personal life have conspired to keep me from writing a book until they clear up. So, it will likely be something that will happen in the near future.

6.) - Besides these kinds of books, do you read anything else?

Most of my life, I’ve been a voracious reader and bibliophile. My tastes range from history to poetry and include a good deal of dramatic literature, the occasional novel but also books on art, the natural world, politics and Eastern religions.

7.) – Have you ever thought about joining a paranormal investigation group?

I’ve certainly considered joining a group, but I have not found any local groups that are what I’m looking for. Ideally, I’d like to find a group that has a good deal of knowledge and experience, though many of the groups I’ve encountered don’t seem to fit that bill.

8.) – What is the most rewarding thing about blogging?

So far, I’ve encountered some really delightful people, some of whom have shared their experiences. Having a blog on the paranormal can open up the subject in conversations and I have heard stories from people I would have normally tagged as skeptics. Perhaps the most interesting story came from a former boss whose late son, whom I knew, had appeared to a family friend. It forever amazes me how deeply some ghost stories can affect people.

9.) - Where do your ideas for blogging come from?

My initial ideas for this blog came from seeing a lack of good writing and research on the paranormal in general. When it came to narrowing that down to a more narrow blog topic, I figured my own Southern roots gave me some expertise about the American South.

As for deciding what to cover, I leave that to fate. Sometimes, I’ll be influenced by a news article or something I’ve read somewhere. In other cases, I maysee a lack of coverage on a specific topic and I’ll work to amend that.

10.) - Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

I’m a Georgia native and my roots in this state date to the late 18th century. Most of my family arrived in the New World via Virginia and settled throughout the South migrating to Georgia later. I grew up here in LaGrange leaving to attend Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia just after high school. Initially, I majored in music and voice but switched to theatre part way through and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. While in school, I worked as an assistant in the university archives and dealt with researchers while doing research as well.

Sticking around in Columbus after school, I helped found the Chattahoochee Shakespeare Company and worked by day in corporate America. After corporate America laid me off at the height of the Great Recession, I was forced to return home and started the Southern Spirit Guide blog as an escape from the ennui and rigors of job hunting. At the moment, I’m trying to survive as a professional actor and trying to find other ways to capitalize on my talents.

When I’m not doing theatre or blogging, I spend time singing with a few local musical groups. I also enjoy travelling, birding and drinking fattening coffee drinks at Starbucks.

11.) - Tell where people can find your blog?

Southern Spirit Guide can be found at http://southernspiritguide.blogspot.com/.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY

No doubt this was a bush, but what the heck is this supposed to be? A man?

Starfleet Atlantic's Annual SciFi Yard Sale in Virginia Beach, Virginia Saturday, May 28th

I'll be not only selling some collectibles, used books and clothing, but also some of my own books at Starfleet Atlantic's annual SciFi Yard Sale. I will have a couple of copies of Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales, a couple of copies of Haunted Richmond, Virginia, and a couple of copies of my fiction collection of horror/dark fantasy short stories, Spectre Nightmares and Visitations. I also write paranormal romance under the pseudonym, Sapphire Phelan, and will be selling some Forbidden Love print books and some eBooks on CDs.

Find the yard sale at 4844 Linshaw Lane Virginia Beach. For more information on the sale plus directions: 757-499-2359. Besides me will be other vendors selling collectibles (Star Trek, Star Wars, Babylon 5, much, much more) and more. The event is FREE.

Interviewing Author O. Warfield about Her Book, Omar Blue and K-9 Town, USA

O. Warfield and I are both members of a local writer's group and I told her wanted to interview her about her book. So please read the interview and do leave her some comments and questions about her and her book, and most of all about Omar Blue.


1). Please tell us about your book.

Omar Blue and K-9 Town, USA is about a mighty Doberman and his pack of fierce canines, comprised of purebreds, rare breeds, mixed breeds, large and small. One day while doing their usual wandering Omar Blue decides it’s time for them to settle down. Without question, K-9 Town, USA is formed. A town like no other, where the bond between them and their love for each other outweighs any danger. K-9 Town is structured like Any City, USA, from the puppies being trained by Rottweiler Brady the Professor to the female Elders hanging out at Ms. Bee Bee’s space chatting while getting groomed. There is a mysterious wit surrounding their unique leader Omar Blue. They don’t understand it but don’t need to. They know they are engulfed in his mystery and wouldn’t have it any other way. They love their peaceful existence and will do anything, barring nothing, to keep it. Enemies beware!

2.) What can we expect from you in the future?

I’m already in the editing stage of book two of my saga. “Lead By An Eagle,” takes us deeper into Omar’s unique personality and the love and respect his pack has for him and each other. Their fearlessness plays a big part in this adventurous addition.

3.) How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?

In the beginning I was writing a light hearted family book that everyone could enjoy but some portions seemed too juvenile so it became a children’s book. Now, it’s being enjoyed by all ages so I’m back to it being a family book or I’d say for children of all ages. I don’t like being genre specific though I know I have to. I can truthfully say anyone can enjoy Omar Blue and K-9 Town, USA.

4.) What other genre would you like to write in?

I have no other desire right now. I’ve written several serious poems and a short story or two but nothing makes me as happy as when I’m thinking of new ideas for my mostly peaceful, mysterious town of canines. It’s like being able to mold a world any way I’d like to and that’s just what I’m doing. My first book is to lay the foundation for what’s to come. I want my characters to be interesting and well liked. Each and every one has something in common. They are fearless to a fault when it comes to protecting each other and their beloved K-9 Town, USA.

5.) What motivated you to start writing?

I’d write little poems for friends. Usually silly stuff about something that may have just happened or something they were going through, not realizing at the time how easy and comforting writing is to me. Then, I wrote a poem about my dog Omar Blue leading a pack, for a contest. It was longer than anything I had done before. I found that writing took me to another place, so I made up a place to go to, well, for Omar to go to. Writing is very relaxing to me.


6.) Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?

I can’t say anyone in particular. I’m more influenced by things people do and how they act. I may hear a story about someone doing something that sticks with me. If it’s a couple starting a romance, I might write a romantic chapter. I love hearing about small children doing the funny things they do. Gives me good ideas for my naughty puppies, and so on.

7.) Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I never thought about being a writer until I started this book. I thought I’d spend the rest of my life being an avid gardener in my spare time. I still love gardening but writing has won out for the most part.

8.) Where do your ideas come from?

They can come from people, as I mentioned above, places or things. Omar Blue is really my dog. I love to walk so we take long walks. I consider that some of my quiet time to think. He’s larger than most Dobermans at well over 100 lbs. and is definitely an alpha. I get some ideas from his actions. He makes a good leader. Sometimes I’ll see a picture of a friends pet, for instance the greyhound and potbellied pigs that I recently added on as characters were pets of friends. The potbellied pig’s “mom” was happy, pretending Sookie was going to Hollywood. I liked that.

9.) What kind of research do you do?

Since I sometimes talk about specific breeds, I’ll do some research. Usually on my computer and a few books that I have on canines. I don’t get too involved but do like to give a few pertinent facts, depending on the piece.

10.) Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

I just go with the flow. Having a 9 to 5 somewhat limits my productivity but sometimes I stay up pretty late making up for it. I think a lot of writers stay up late a good amount of the time. Our time of night. Quiet and peaceful.

11.) What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

Knowing that people are enjoying what I’ve written. My adult daughter, a close friend and I go into facilities for children and adults with special needs to do readings. We give out visual aids such as book markers with the character’s pictures on them and mini posters. In addition, while I read my book, each page is projected for additional visual stimulation. We are having lots of fun with this. A total success. How gratifying it is to have someone who has been brought in, in their hospital bed, who you can’t tell if they even care to listen, all of a sudden call out, “I wish I was at K-9 Town.” Or, having the last of our audience roll out in a wheelchair calling out, “we love you.”

That’s what I call rewarding.

I’ve just purchased a used projector for now, because some of the agencies don’t have one and the presentation doesn’t seem complete without it. I feel that financial rewards will come, because it’s good, fun material. It just takes a while, at least that’s what I’m told.

12.) Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?

I consider myself having two books, though “Lead By An Eagle” isn’t published yet. I like them both the same. One lays the foundation by introducing the characters, the other takes the characters to another level. I hope to publish within the next two months.

13.) Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)

I have a loving and supportive husband and an adult daughter who I call my silent partners because they feel the same as I do about bringing a little joy into the lives of those who can’t help themselves. Daughter Joy has sickle cell anemia and first hand knowledge of the gift we bring.

My education is not extensive, a few secretarial courses after high school, which is why I never thought about becoming a writer.

My hobbies include writing of course, gardening, though lately just enough to keep my garden up to par and learning more about the canines I write about.

14.) Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

If you are ready to give it all you’ve got, then go for it. If you think you can go into it half-heartedly then don’t waste your time. So many of us don’t realize that writing is the fun part. The hard part comes afterwards. But….if you’ve made up your mind this is what you want to do, there is nothing like it. I feed off of other writer’s willingness to help us newbys. That little push and even the constructive criticism helps so much. What a group!

15.) Tell us your website, MySpace, Blog, any urls so the readers can find out more about you.
Introduction video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sISrICMlZHU
Blog “My Dog Leads Two Lives”: http://omarblue.blogspot.com
Press Release: http://newbookjournal.com/2011/04/youve-stumbled-upon-the-perfect-surprise/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100001606294213
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4396689-o
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/OWarfield



16.) Now for something fun:
Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla.
Erotic or inspirational? Both.
Favorite books of all time? The first Harry Potter and I Robot.
What is your genre to read? Fantasy, Westerns, Detectives.
All time favorite actor? None in particular.
Actress? None in particular.
Favorite TV shows? Merlin and Closer.
Favorite Movie? The original King Kong.
What makes you laugh out loud? Other people laughing out loud. Infectious.
If you could go anywhere in the universe where would that be?
Alaska to see the northern lights or Arora Borealis.
A secret dream you’d like realized one day?
Omar Blue and K-9 Town, USA becoming as well known as Harry Potter or Avatar.


Book Blurb:

When mighty doberman Omar Blue and his pack of fierce canines form K-9 Town, USA, predators await them but they are in for a big surprise. Fearless to a fault, the pack survives, garnering strength and pride from their leader Omar Blue, from each other and from their love for the new town that is growing quickly. As the canine Elders and puppies settle in, there's no end to the adventure. What would make the grizzly Dirty Sam have second thoughts about attacking the female Elders? Why would Coyote Red think he and his pals could tear down the wedding space before rottweiler Brady and poodle Sophie Jean have their wedding?

The puppies share the joy of being naughty and learning the rules of survival.

Omar's pack are always ready for a challenge, but it's Omar's keen and mysterious wit that usually prevails.

Told in smooth rhymes, with a flow that takes the reader right into K-9 Town, USA.

Omar's pack is getting bigger and stronger, relying more than ever on Omar's wit and the mystery that surrounds him, to keep them worthy of K-9 Town, USA.

Omar Blue is up for the challenge, and wouldn't have it any other way.


PEEPING WOLF BENNIE BA
(Chapter 4)

Was a bright but chilly morning
in K-9 Town, USA
the male Elders were out searching
for the peeping wolf Bennie Ba.

The puppies were left happy
with lots of time for play
but who could have guessed
that darned wolf Bennie
would circle back that day.

But back now to the Elders
and their leader Omar Blue
the biggest, mightiest doberman
any canine ever knew.

He’d stopped
and some would later say
a fierce look had taken hold
the look of the mighty warrior
big, bad, brave and bold.
They knew that there was something
but none of them could see
that wolf Bennie Ba
was in their town
behind The Big Oak Tree.

Then Omar Blue was running
with his cool magnificent stride
they couldn’t keep up
no matter what
but dog-gone-it they sure tried.

A real tough pack of dogs they were
from the shepherd to the hound
and with their leader
ahead of the pack
Bennie Ba would sure be found!
Big Omar Blue outpaced them
got home to the puppies real quick
he found Bennie Ba
just a minute away
but the huge white wolf
was quite sick.
When the pack arrived
wolf Bennie Ba cried
“I won’t do it again!

Just wanted to be
with you and the pups
cause I’m lonely
I ain’t got no kin”.

The Elders faced each other
not knowing what to say
then Omar Blue
said loud and clear
“He needs us
let him stay.”



Author Bio:
O. Warfield was born in Brooklyn, New York, and now resides in Richmond, Virginia. Author and poet, O. lives with her loving husband and has one daughter. Her objective through her book, "Omar Blue and K-9 Town, USA" is to reach out to other dog lovers and avid readers through hours of reading entertainment. Her characters have personalities that draw fans young and old to their individuality.
To fulfill a wish to bring enjoyment to children and adults with special needs, this book is now being read along with a unique presentation, by the author, in resident care facilities, veteran’s and children’s hospitals, libraries and hopefully soon, schools.
At age --, O. Warfield feels her life gets more exciting every day.



BUY LINKS:
Amazon Book: http://www.amazon.com/Omar-Blue-K-9-Town-USA/dp/1452892318/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1305853385&sr=1-1
Kindle E-book: http://www.amazon.com/Omar-Blue-K-9-Town-ebook/dp/B004OR1CMA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1305853385&sr=1-2
Smashwords e-book: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Owarfield

Supernatural Friday-Pirate Legends and Myths of Virgina

A fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie was released today, and

I am sure people have pirates on the mind because of it. . In this one, it has a real-life historical pirate, Blackbeard. His real name was Edward Teach and he is entranced with Virginia, even in its legends and myths.

Enjoy the chapter Yo Ho Ho! Pirates Tales of Virginia from my book, Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales.

“Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates.” Mark Twain

No matter what the movie Pirates of the Caribbean says, pirates have also been seen along the Eastern seaboard from Florida to New England. There have been myths and legends told about them in the Old Dominion.

Because valuable cargoes traveled through the Chesapeake Bay, trade in Virginia often came to a standstill when pirates patrolled sea lanes and threatened vessels could not leave the safety of ports. During one six-week period, not a single ship dared to leave the safety of Virginia shores. Edward Teach, Blackbeard, as he was more known as, was the main cause of this maritime panic. Using a summit, now referred to as Blackbeard's Hill, the pirate and his watchmen had an open view of the Chesapeake Bay, which the British navy ineffectively protected.

Blackbeard has inspired a Pirate Festival here in Hampton that usually happens the first weekend in June. You can find out more about this festival at http://www.blackbeardpiratefestival.com/.

Blackbeard’s Skull
Author Deborah Painter told me a legend about Blackbeard the pirate. He was killed off the shores of North Carolina and his head was brought back to Hampton to be suspended from a pole on a pier at Sunset Creek, just a mile from where Ms. Painter works. The story goes on that, to this day, the decapitated pirate searches for his head in the Chesapeake Bay.

One evening Blackbeard moored his ship at the mouth of the Potomac River and went ashore. There were two parties. One was to procure provisions, the other to assist in secreting their treasures. An English sloop-of-war followed him and dropped anchor in just the right spot to prevent him from escaping. A manned barge was sent to capture his ship.

Blackbeard and his men went back to their ship. The commander of the men who boarded the ship was a Scotsman who desired the honor of subduing Teach himself. The men battled by sword. The Scot felled a strong blow upon the pirate’s shoulders, causing blood to flow.

“Ha!” said Blackbeard, “well struck, brother seaman.”

The Scot gave a reply, then with his next stroke separated Teach’s head from his shoulders.

The Scot ordered that the head be boiled in boiling water and thoroughly cleansed. As a sign to other pirates, Blackbeard's head was cut off and hung from the bow of a ship. Meanwhile, his corpse was simply thrown overboard. Then, the head was hung on a pole and placed at a point on the James River, also known as Blackbeard's Point. When the Scot went ashore he made a present of Blackbeard’s skull to the governor of the Virginia colony. Then the legend says that the skull was tipped with silver to become a drinking vessel.

Today, Ocracoke, with its history of piracy and maritime warfare is now a quiet island famous for vacationing tourists. The citizens of Ocracoke still continue to speak in the old English dialect, known as brogue. According to legend, Blackbeard's skull cup still exists around the island, even spurring accounts of locals and visitors sipping from the skull of the South's deadliest pirate.

Buccaneers at Carter’s Grove
There is a myth that three pirates were buried in the cellar at Carter’s Grove. It is also said that their ghosts still hold a card game there, every now and then.


Old House Woods in Mathews County
There is a story about Blackbeard involved with the hauntings of Old House Woods that says he killed other pirates burying a treasure there in the seventeenth century. You can read more about this in the Freaky Legends of Old House Woods chapter.

Buried Treasure of Blackbeard and Other Pirates on Assateague
Blackbeard and other pirates reportedly sailed the waters around Assateague Island and used the island as a hideout and as a place to bury their treasure. Whether it is true or not, standing on the island and looking out to sea makes the tales almost believable. One can breathe in the salt from the sea and hear the seagulls as they scream while soaring overhead. As I swept my gaze to the sea and watch a couple of ponies standing in the beach, I almost swore I could see a ghostly pirate ship forging through the white-capped waves. Then the vision vanished as I snapped some photos with my camera.

If Blackbeard or any of his cohorts had buried their ill gotten gains somewhere on the island, then only they, the ponies, and the seagulls know where for sure. For none has ever been found.


Not just pirates roam the pages of my book, but witches, ghosts, monsters, devil monkeys, Bigfoot, a serial killer in a bunny suit, sea serpents and much, much more. . .


Book Blurb:

Like every state in the Union, Virginia has unique myths, legends, and yes, even true stories that sound much like legends, but aren't. Learn about the urban legend of the Bunnyman and what happens to mortals at his Bunnyman Bridge in Clifton at midnight on Halloween. Prepare to discover the myths surrounding Edgar Allan Poe and other famous Virginians. See why Natural Bridge is actually a haunted tourist attraction. And what makes the Great Dismal Swamp so creepy: Is it the ghosts or Bigfoot? Meet the Witch of Pungo in Virginia Beach and find out that Mothman and the Jersey Devil actually visited Virginia. Read Virginian stories of witches, demons, monsters, ghosts, pirates, strange animals, and soldiers from the Civil War. Come visit a most amazing, frightening, and even intriguing Virginia that you never knew existed.


BUY THE book at AMAZON and at Barnes and Noble

Supernatural Friday-Friday the 13th

Do you believe in bad or good luck? Do you think there are bad connotations to the number 13? For me, I have used it and won over the years at contest, cake walks, etc....

Friday the 13th has for years been considered a day to watch out for. A 1993 study done by authors in the British Medical Journal have proven more car accidents are higher on the 13th than on normal Fridays.

Both the number 13 and the sixth day of the week have foreboding reputations since ancient times. Those who fear something bad will happen on the 13th, will not go to work, eat, etc...

The number 13 also is connected with a legend that if thirteen people sit down to dinner, one of them will die within the year. Many cities do not have a 13th Street or Avenue. There are buildings without a thirteen floor. Having thirteen letters in your name means you will have the devil's luck. People with 13 letters include Jack the Ripper, Jeffrey Dahmer, Charles Manson, Theodore Bundy, Albert De Slavo, to name a few.

Turks have a dislike so much for the number that it is almost stricken from their vocabulary. And of course, everyone knows there are thriteen witches in a coven!

To give the argument from the other side: Chinses consider the number to be a sign of luck. Egyptians used this for spiritual ascension--twelve in thei life and thirteenth beyond, meant to be eternal afterlife.

It is thought that western civilization reviled the number as it is considered feminine--used by prehistoric goddess-worshipping cultures. It corresponded to the lunar (menstral) cycles in a year.

Whatever or however you believe Friday the 13th to be, it's just another day--right?

OR IS IT?

WEIRD WEDNESDAY

Not a happy kitty--who would be weird enough to dress their cat like this?

Supernatural Friday-Ghostly Dreams-Guest Blogger Kit Wylde

Today, I have guest blogger author Kit Wylde blogging about ghostly dreams for Supernatural Friday.

Ghostly Dreams

Do you have them? If so, are they more often scary and unsettling, or just a dream with a ghost in it? Have you ever had them spill over into your every day life?
I have been plagued with ghostly dreams a good portion of my life. They don’t necessarily come during times of stress. Sometimes, a scary show will “inspire” one. Most of the time, they are unsettling and come out of nowhere. Sometimes, they carry messages, but not always.

Last week, I had a ghostly dream. It was an unsettling, if not a scary one. Unlike the dream I had over a year ago. My daughter was ill with a high fever. As she has had seizures in the past, fevers put me on high alert. This one particular night, I woke up because my daughter was making noises in her sleep and something had “disturbed” the atmosphere. It was an unwelcome visitor. Next thing I know, I am being dragged off the bed and hauled toward the door. Fear ratcheted through me, quickly followed by anger and determination. As my body flew toward the doorway, I braced my feet in front of me and said aloud, “Absolutely not. You are not welcome here. Leave now.”

I jolted awake in bed. It was only a dream…or was it? My daughter was sleeping more peacefully than she had that entire night. I did not sleep well after that, but my daughter did.

This dream was unsetting, but also empowering. Perhaps I had conquered a fear. Or perhaps it was something else. However, the most disturbing are the kind where I wake up and actually see whatever it was chasing me in my dream hovering over me. That’s only happened a few times. And once, I dreamt of visiting a house where a ghostly gentleman in 1800 garb lived. A few days later, I saw him standing outside the window at my parents’ house, looking in.
In high school, I had a week of prescient dreams. They showed nothing of great import, but little things like someone telling me something before they actually did. It became very confusing. For instance, someone would say, “I ran my best time today.”

I’d say, “Yeah, I remember you telling me that earlier.”

“No, I haven’t told you that yet,” they’d say.

“Are you sure? I swear you did. I know you did.” An image of a dream would appear in my mind at that point, and I’d remember the dream.

It got to the point where reality and dreams melded, and I had to stop the dreams. I couldn’t handle it.

In other paranormal dreams, I’ve been chased by demons, thrown around by ghosts, I’ve banished demons, exorcised ghosts, exorcised demons, fought monsters, traveled between dimensions, and numerous others that I don’t remember anymore. I’ve even dreamt of faeries. Some of my dreams have inspired stories. Others, I wonder if they are memories of past lives.

This particular story, Hieroglyphs, was not inspired by any dreams, but it did come to me almost as a dream, and as I researched Ancient Egypt, my “fictional” story was not so “fictional” as I thought. The more I discovered, the more I wondered whether I was writing fiction or if I had an ancient ghost whispering in my ear, telling me their story. Or was this story based on “memories” of a past life?

It’s hard to say.

Do you have ghostly dreams? Do they ever spill over into real life? Do you write about them? Or do you just love to read about it?

Blurb:

When a new hieroglyphic alphabet is discovered on an ancient Egyptian scroll, expert archaeologist Joslyn Wetherly is called in to decipher it. Joslyn is obsessed with the scroll, and that obsession threatens her marriage.

But soon her life is threatened as the secrets of the scroll prove dangerous. Before Joslyn realizes what is happening, she is embroiled in a rivalry between two long-dead pharaohs, their Egyptian gods, and past life karmas.

Will Joslyn survive the secrets revealed in the scroll? Or will she be the next victim of the ancient feud?

Excerpt:

Joslyn shivered in the oppressive, summer heat. The taxi, an old Mercedes, conveyed Sam and her to the university. It darted in and out of traffic, narrowly missing pedestrians and other vehicles on the packed roads. Her stomach churned as she clutched the safety strap.

When she’d come to Egypt for her thesis, its exotic culture, people and energy had enthralled her. The massive entrance building to Cairo University, with its white marble dome and beautiful Arabic architecture, never failed to humble her. It bespoke a veneration of learning seldom seen in the West. But the looming university’s white marble façade looked soiled from smog at a distance, and a mantle of foreboding settled over her.

Sam leaned forward, pointing to the entrance steps. “Right here.”

The taxi bumped up the curb and stopped partly in the walkway. Mistrusting, black eyes flicked over Joslyn’s blond hair before focusing on Sam. In heavily accented English, the driver demanded, “Forty pounds.”

“But you said thirty at the hotel,” Joslyn protested.

The man shrugged and smiled. “Forty pounds.”

“But....”

Sam cut her off. “Here.”

They climbed out of the taxi and started up the steps with Joslyn still objecting, “Sam, he said thirty.”

“So he did, but ten pounds is less than three dollars. Besides, I’d rather not waste time in an argument that wouldn’t have changed his mind.”

In companionable silence, Sam and Joslyn entered the university. The huge, marble columns beckoned. She wanted to lean against one and absorb its soothing coolness. Instead, she turned to Sam.

“Why meet here? I thought you and Dr. Yousef were friends.”

“We are, but Ali thought you might feel more comfortable in a more formal setting than his house...at least for the first meeting.”

“I don’t foresee us needing a second, Sam.”

“You never know.”

She studied him, not trusting his enigmatic reply. “Sam....”

“Ah, there you are, Sam.” A beautifully modulated voice broke in using perfect English. “And you must be the Miss Wetherly that Sam talks so much about.” Keen, dark eyes swept over her in an appraising manner. “It is a pleasure to meet such a lovely colleague.”

He said the words with such honesty she couldn’t take offense. “Thank you, Dr. Yousef.”

“Please call me Ali, and I will call you Joslyn. We do not stand on ceremony here, do we, Sam?”

“No, we don’t.”

“Now that we have that out of the way, why don’t we adjourn to my office so we can begin. Do you have the scroll?”

“Yes, of course,” Joslyn replied. She had to lengthen her stride to keep up with his quick pace.

“Have you been to Cairo before?”

“Yes. I came here for six months while I finished my Master’s thesis.”

“I don’t remember you.”

“You were on sabbatical that semester.”

“Ah.” Ali turned to Sam. “How long will you be staying?”

Sam glanced surreptitiously at Joslyn before answering. “A few days.”

“A few days?” Ali looked at Sam.

“Unless we have to stay a little longer.”

Joslyn eyed the two men. An undercurrent ran between them. Sam wasn’t telling her everything, but she couldn’t decipher his reasons for withholding any information. Any questions would have to wait until they returned to the hotel, if she read Sam right. “Well, I am expected back on Friday, but I will do everything I can to see that this is completed by then.”

“Here we are.” Ali held the door open for them to enter.

Bookcases covered nearly every inch of wall space. Books and journals filled approximately half of the shelves. She recognized most of the titles. Many were Ali’s, but there were a few by other noted Egyptologists. A large number of the archeological journals had reputations for publishing his work. The other half of the bookcase held translations of ancient scrolls. Having spent hours of research pouring over such documents, Joslyn knew with a glance which translation belonged to which Egyptologist. Again, he had a mixture of his and other experts’, including herself. He had placed a few artifacts in precise positions that displayed them to their best advantage. And the replica of.... A replica? She moved closer to get a better look.

“Ah, I see you have caught me.” A smile warmed his voice. His proximity unnerved her. Reaching around her, he gently picked up the miniature, gold Tutankhamen mask. “Yes, it is an original. It was a ‘gift’ from the government. I only hold it in stewardship.” Abruptly, he replaced it and moved away, taking a seat behind his desk. “Come. Sit. Show me the scroll.”

Reverently, Joslyn removed the scroll from its protective waterproof container and laid it out on Ali’s massive, mahogany desk. They leaned closer to examine the ancient papyrus. The sunlight pouring in from the tall window behind them cast an ethereal glow on the scroll. Before her stunned gaze, the scroll gathered the sunlight into the hieroglyphs. The faded ink lines emitted the luminous, golden radiance of the sun. With each passing second, the light grew brighter. A whirring sound, like the flapping wings of thousands of ibises rising from the Nile, crescendoed to a deafening roar. With a loud clap, the roar softened to a hum that faded away to absolute silence. Golden points of light danced around Joslyn like a halo in a mystical painting, as if she was touched by the gods.

Everything melded into one, then split into tiny molecules that bounced and cavorted in the sparkling light. It seemed to have a will of its own, swirling as if in a kaleidoscope. Joslyn tottered and struggled to remain erect. Gripping the table, she blinked several times, futilely trying to clear her vision. The light coalesced into recognizable objects, and her legs collapsed. She clawed at the table as she slipped to the floor under the weight of nearly 4,000 years of waiting. Unable to move and terrified, she watched in fascinated horror while a gold mask materialized above her and floated down to lightly rest upon her face. The mask seeped into her pores, and a surge of energy jolted through her. Her body convulsed with the impact. It was then that she knew Hatchepsut had joined them.

“Joslyn?”

Sam’s voice barely penetrated the haze surrounding Joslyn’s consciousness. His face swam in front of her. She attempted to respond, but her lips wouldn’t move. Again, she tried. Nothing happened. She felt pasted to the floor for a split second, and then her soul slipped free to hover just below the ceiling. The silver strand of energy seemed far too fragile to keep her displaced soul attached to her possessed body. In disbelief, she watched the scene unfold.

“Joslyn?” Sam crouched down next to her.

“I am Maatkare.” The thready whisper of ancient Egyptian slithered past Joslyn’s lips.

“But there was only one Maatkare...Hatchepsut.” Ali’s eyebrows rose. “Sam, what is this—hocus pocus?”

With a jerk, her body stood and faced Ali. A fiery, angry, orange circle formed around her, pulsing. Heavily accented English grated out. “You doubt me?”
Both men physically flinched. The voice sounded like sandpaper on metal.

“I....” Ali scrambled in retreat.

“So, you are an unbeliever.” Scornful eyes raked Ali’s slim frame. “Perhaps the gods were mistaken.”

Ali visibly trembled under Hatchepsut’s menacing glare. “N-no. I am the one you seek.”

“Then prostrate yourself before your pharaoh.” Hatchepsut turned chilly eyes to Sam. One eyebrow raised in question.

“I am American. We don’t have a pharaoh.”

Her nostrils twitched in irritation.

He quickly added, “But I didn’t say that I didn’t believe you.”

Her gaze flicked back to Ali. “Up. Show me the scroll.”

Ali pointed to the desk.

Hatchepsut caressed the papyrus. A small smile flickered on her face, lighting it with affection before she returned her gaze to the quaking Ali. “Merit will translate this for you tomorrow. Listen carefully.” With a sigh, Hatchepsut left Joslyn’s body.

Joslyn’s soul snapped back into her body, and she slumped over the desk, exhausted. Painfully lifting herself from the table, she said, “Sam…can we return to the hotel now, please?”

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I have an unique opportunity and letting you all know that I will be signing my ghost book, Haunted Virginia: Legends, Myths and True Tales at Regal Cinema's Commonwealth 20 Theater's PIRATE WEEKEND May 20th (6:00 p.m. to 10:00p.m.) and May 21st (Noon to 10:00 p.m.). I have a whole chapter on pirate ghosts, legends and even on Blackbeard, in the book--"Yo Ho Ho! Pirate Tales of Virginia."

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