Thank You

Thank you to all made the 1st Crystal Ball such a success. From those that dressed in costumes, to the fantastic DJ, to Devyn who helped with lighting and design - we could go on and on and on! The night was amazing and we certainly hope that you agree that it set the spooktacular season off on the right foot!

Trick or Treat

The large October moon hung low in the sky doing its best to illuminate the darkened streets. The leaves crunched underneath my footie pajamas which was a makeshift bunny rabbit costume for that one magickal night; Halloween. A tail made out of cotton balls, whiskers painted on my face with eyeliner and felt ears. It was a poor man's excuse for a costume, but being young and excited about getting candy and whatever else I might receive in my pillow case, it was nothing less than fabulous. I hopped as best as I could, feet freezing, but refusing to put on shoes (rabbits don't wear shoes!) as the temperatures dipped and the frost began to set on the already curled leaves. My brother begrudgingly followed me as my parents despised this 'dark' holiday. The first house I hopped to (always staying in character) had eerie lights which cast a green glow on to the blackened street. The preparation for this one night began...but instead of excitement and anticipation, I was overwhelmed with fear. If I called out Trick or Treat would there really be a possibility of a trick and not a treat at all, I wondered? I was paralyzed by the unknown. Who would meet me at the door? Would it be a grandma or a monster? Maybe this wasn't worth it, I analyzed. I had begged my mom to allow me to go out, but maybe I should've taken her up on the offer of a bag of candy and hot chocolate. I stood there, listening to the sounds of others calling out for treats, but I was afraid. I could sense my brother losing his patience with me and I wasn't sure what would be worse - being dragged back home, a humiliated bunny without any candy, or taking a chance and ringing a doorbell. The panic and indecision was almost too much for me to handle. Until.

Raggedy Ann skipped happily up to me. A girl dressed as Raggedy Ann, that is, and asked if I wanted to go with her. I wiggled my blackened nose and shyly nodded. She grabbed my hand as we entered into the unknown of the night. Hours later, I happily poured my treasures and treats on to the green shag carpeting, very grateful for the costumed girl who gave me the confidence to get exactly what I had wanted.

Life is very much like Trick or Treating with so many unknowns. You don't know what you will encounter at the new job, after the divorce, or when you hold that new baby in your arms, but you know what you want out of it. Sometimes we are given tricks instead of treats, but it is how you handle that very obstacle that determines how many treats you get. If you stay glued to the darkened street and decide to go home without going up the door, you will never find out what treats and treasures you might receive. Excuses or analyzing the 'what ifs' may make you feel better about not taking chances, but in the end it is a disservice to your future. And it always helps to have a Raggedy Ann in your back pocket who has enough confidence for the both of you, but sometimes you have to channel that within yourself.

So...are you going to Trick or Treat or stay home? I know that I am prepared for whatever door opens and if I need to be someone's Raggedy Ann, my hand is stretched out to help! Let's go!

In Search of Spirits - Historic White Horse Inn

Join the team of S.H.E. On Wednesday, October 13th at Historic White Horse Inn (haunted by Lorenzo) in Metamora, Michigan as we discuss paranormal investigations and have a seance to see what spirits there may be lurking.

Reservations thru restaurant and tickets selling quickly.

http://www.historicwhitehorseinn.com/octoberhalloweenevents.html


6:30 – 7:00pm Private Reception, Hors ‘dourves, Cocktails-Cash Bar. Meet special guest Kristy Robinett and Paranormal Ghost Hunting team Michigan Paranormal Encounters.

7:00pm Dinner – Three Course Meal, Soft Drink, Tea or Coffee

8:00 – 9:00pm For decades the Historic White Horse Inn has been known to be haunted. Lorenzo, our resident ghost has made and continues to make numerous appearances to guests and staff. Meet a local investigation team. See several types of investigation equipment and learn how they work. Kristy will demonstrate a Victorian séance and learn how a paranormal investigation is done.

9:00pm – 9:15pm Question and answer period.

GLASSCON 2010 in Coldwater, Michigan

I hope you will join us on September 17th at 18th at GLASSCON 2010 in Coldwater, Michigan. Affordable tickets, great speakers, a beautiful historical location and a ghost hunt. Visit www.teamglass.org for more information.

Happy Friday the 13th

Last night I was amazed at the meteor shower that sparkled above the tree tops and this morning I awoke to a giggle of today's date - Friday the 13th.

Most people cringe at the sight of the date, but well, this spooky girl here was born on this very date, except it was on a cold November many years ago. The irony was that it was also a Full Moon and so the beginning of my life was very much scripted to include the path that I now walk.

I don't much believe in luck, but in synchronicity and that goes for the superstitions that exist today. In fact I tend to go way against the grain to challenge them as much as I can, but I wanted to share some common superstitions with you and ask...will you walk underneath a ladder?

Black Cats. Black cats have been thought to be a bad omen since the time of the witch hunts. Many believed that they were a witch's familiar and that they were evil. A black cat that crossed your path was thought to be bad luck. I own a black cat and love him dearly. Oh, and I am not a witch. Most of the time anyhow!

Number 13. Always considered unlucky that even many motels and office buildings refuse to mark a floor 13. Well, my suite at my office is 113 and I was born on the 13th of the month. Muah!

Friday the 13th. The fear of Friday the 13th dates back to the time of mythology when it was said that there was a dinner party with 12 gods. Loki came, uninvited and making the 13th guest, and killed another god. The earth grew dark and that date. The Bibilical story is very similar with the Last Dinner and Judas being the 13th guest and the belief that Jesus was crucified on a Friday. I was born on a Friday the 13th and so far so good.

Don't Step Under A Ladder. Back in the day, people were hung from the top step of the ladder so by walking underneath, you would come into contact with spirit who hasn't crossed over and possibly venturing into a portal. Ironically, this is one superstition that I always follow and I don't quite know why....

Palm Itching. If your palm itches, you will receive money soon, but it you scratch it - it won't come.

Ear Ringing. If you ears are ringing, someone is talking about you.

See a Penny, Pick It up. Tails down, leave it for its bad luck. Well, I pick them up whether heads or tails.

Shoes or Socks on a Table and you will never marry. This was a Scottish tale that my mom would tell me. Honestly, I think she just said that so that I wouldn't leave my socks or shoes on the table.

So if you hid in the house today because of the day, let it be of comfort to you that this is the only Friday the 13th for 2010 and only one in 2011, but get prepared because 2012 has 3 and 2013 has 2 Friday the 13ths. Da Da Dahhhhhhh.

Speaking of Psychometry

I like to do fun experiments, all designed to try to test myself. Are they scientific? No. But here's one I'm thinking of.

The next time S.H.E. has an overnight at a B&B or Inn (which will be very soon!), I'm going to bring settings of my grandmother's china. We can sit and have a meal using the china. I'm wondering what impressions we might get. At the very least we'll have delicious food on beautiful china!

Has anyone else ever tried anything like this? What were your results?

Things That Make Me Go HMMMM

When I do investigations, I like to sit in one spot and "feel" the energy. That's how I like to connect. I don't consider myself a paranormal investigation expert by any means but I am discovering what my psychic "gifts" are. And I find I really like psychometry...touching an object/person to read the energy and psychic impressions they emit.

The other morning, I was practicing psychometry with some trusted friends. I had my eyes closed and my fingertips were lightly touching my partner's knees. All of a sudden, I very matter-of-factly "felt" my youngest son, Torrion. I really couldn't understand why I felt Torrion's energy...he was at home! Not being able to shake the feel of him, I opened my eyes and, you guessed it...in walked Torrion. Made me go hmmmm. And it made me smile.

The point is...keep practicing and don't second guess your impressions. Check them out as best you can. That experience with Torrion's energy was a good reminder for me...I don't have to be like Kristy or Kathy. I CAN'T be. I have my own unique way of sensing spirit. I must remember to honor that.