Blog Feed: If you are looking for a little daily haunting, this is the place. Every day will bring you a new terror, or at least a..
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Do Ghosts Set Off Smoke Alarms?
Published on 2013-05-15 22:45:00
For the past week,
The White Queen of Chenonceau
Published on 2013-05-11 13:31:00
During my castle tour of the Loire Valley, I listened to many audio tours and studied the history of each castle. There was no mention of anything supernatural. The tours
Amazon Giveaway!
Published on 2013-05-02 20:05:00
It is give away time again!
Deep South Paranormal
Published on 2013-04-25 11:39:00
The Haunting on Larrabbee Street
Published on 2013-04-20 13:43:00
This haunting story has always been one of my favorites because it does not have a history. The haunting on Larrabbee Street has often been compared to the Amityville case, however, the house on Larrabee Street didn't have the history the Amityvil
Black Eyed Children
Published on 2013-04-14 13:06:00
Black Eyed Children are the cause of much debate.
The Spirit Gallery
Published on 2013-04-06 16:17:00
Whenever I imagine a medium at work, I think of the mediums of the Spiritualist Movement of the turn of the 20th century.
The Phantom Lion
Published on 2013-03-23 11:32:00
The Cincinnati Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the nation.
The Grand Hotel
Published on 2013-03-05 22:10:00
The Grand Hotel embodies
A Photographic Journey Through Nashville's City Cemetery
Published on 2013-02-25 11:56:00
Nashville City Cemetery is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Tennessee.
Movie Review: The Awakening
Published on 2013-02-22 01:26:00
I try to watch all the haunting movies I can find.
How Valentine's Day Started with Naked Ladies and Dead Animals
Published on 2013-02-13 11:58:00
It is time for my annual Valentine's Day Post.
Insatiable: The Magazine of Paranormal Desires
Published on 2013-01-27 16:28:00
I have been a fan of White Cat Publications for some time.
The Vengeful Ghost of Emily's Bridge
Published on 2013-01-23 12:02:00
In Alabama, the stories of haunted bridges fill almost every small town and county.
The Ghosts of Native American Burial Grounds
Published on 2013-01-15 13:01:00
One of my ex high school classmates posted an interesting bit of news on Facebook this morning.
The Horrific and Beautiful Franklin Castle
Published on 2013-01-10 09:04:00
The Franklin Castle is a house surrounded by sorrow.
The Mummy of Bessemer Hall
Published on 2013-01-06 20:26:00
Hazel Farris was a beautiful woman in life.
Goodbye 2012
Published on 2012-12-30 21:47:00
As the sun sets tonight, 2012 will come to an end and a new year will begin.
The Most Haunted Asylums
Published on 2012-12-27 13:26:00
Dark and Wonderful Christmas Cards!
Published on 2012-12-24 11:36:00
Edward Gorey is the master of all things dark and wonderful.
Happy Apocalypse From Lil Cthulhu
Published on 2012-12-21 18:23:00
Since it will all be ending in a few hours, I thought I would post a video about the great lord Cthulhu. I believe if the end comes tonight, it will be at his hands. He will rise up from his watery slumber and devour all our souls. Mostly I believ
The Phantom of the Orpheum Theater
Published on 2012-12-15 16:00:00
The Orpheum Theater in Memphis Tennessee's is a gilded theater of unforgettable beauty.
New Houses, Book Tours, and Signings
Published on 2012-12-11 11:11:00
I have been a little slow in keeping up with my ghosts lately.
Happy Krampus Day!
Published on 2012-12-05 11:29:00
Last year, I was thrilled to discover Krampus Day.
Kindle Book Give Away!
Published on 2012-11-24 07:54:00
My next book is out!
My Black Friday Wish List: Johnny the Skull
Published on 2012-11-22 22:13:00
I saw a commercial for this and I've decided that this is what I want for Christmas.
Ghostly Comments and Fabulous Stories
Published on 2012-11-21 11:48:00
I love comments on my blog.
Only 33 More Shopping Days Until The Apocalypse
Published on 2012-11-17 11:04:00
According to some, the world is about to end.
How Moving and Remodeling Affects Hauntings
Published on 2012-11-15 15:47:00
It is commonly believed that haunting activity can be stirred up by remodeling.
Monsters, Queens, and Books!
Published on 2012-11-13 20:40:00
Over the last few weeks, I have been working very hard to finish editing The Monster Hunter's Manual, my first middle grade book.
The Haunting on Larrabee Street
Published on 2012-11-07 16:59:00
This haunting story has always been one of my favorites because it does not have a history. The haunting on Larrabbee Street has often been compared to the Amityville case, however, the house on Larrabee Street didn't have the history the Amityville
The Breathtaking, Haunted Beauty of The Linn-Henley Library
Published on 2012-11-02 13:55:00
Halloween is over.
Vintage Halloween Postcards
Published on 2012-10-29 11:03:00
I have been doing this blog for some time now and I noticed that every Halloween I do a series of Halloween posts that feature vintage Halloween postcards as the image.
$50 Halloween Giveaway!
Published on 2012-10-24 07:22:00
Halloween is my favorite time of year.
The Halloween Party!
Published on 2012-10-23 10:35:00
Every Halloween we have a Halloween party. It is my favorite part of Halloween. This year I dressed as Mary Kelly, Jack the Ripper's final victim. Mary Kelly's ghost is still said to haunt the streets of London in White Chapel to this day and I thought that being a famous ghost would be perfect for my Halloween Soiree. My husband was Jack the Ripper. Other ghosts and ghouls came and made the party. I was shocked to learn that 50% of the people at my party didn't know who Jack the Ripper [..]
American Horror Story and Waverly Hills Sanitorium
Published on 2012-10-19 16:39:00
American Horror Story is one of my favorite television shows.
Five Historic Halloween Traditions to Bring Back
Published on 2012-10-15 10:35:00
Those of you who have been following my blog for a while might remember this post. As I hang spiders and mummies for this year's Halloween party, I thought it might be nice to reuse my favorite Halloween post from last year. Halloween is my favorite Holiday. It has a very long history that is often forgotten. Although Halloween's roots can be traced back to pagan practices, it's name came from Christians. Halloween was the time of year when the ancient Celts believed that the veil between this [..]
Stumbling Upon a Haunted Pizza
Published on 2012-10-09 13:06:00
I have been meaning to go to Sam and Greg's Pizza in downtown Huntsville, Alabama for sometime.
The Story of Jack O' Lantern
Published on 2012-10-05 10:19:00
One of the most common Halloween traditions is the placing of a Jack O'Lantern on the front porch. On Halloween night, these grinning pumpkins illuminate the street with their devious grins. But where does this tradition come from?The Irish brought the story of Jack O' Lantern with them from the old country. According to legend, Jack was a mischievous man who spent his time playing terrible tricks on all those around him. He knew his soul was in danger due to his terrible behavior, so he tr [..]
Decorating for Halloween
Published on 2012-09-30 12:10:00
My Internet has been down for four days now and blogging has been impossible. However, I discovered this wonderful app on my phone that let me at least do this tiny post. We are beginning our Halloween decorating and here is a brief look at our work in progress.- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneLocation:Holly Park Blvd SW,Huntsville,United States
Getting in Trouble Looking for Ghosts
Published on 2012-09-24 14:03:00
I spent this weekend at my sister's wedding.
All things dark and wondeful: Movies that I love this fall!
Published on 2012-09-17 19:47:00
Over the years, some of my favorite movies have been dark movies for children.
The Origin of The Halloween Costume
Published on 2012-09-12 12:04:00
For those of us who passionately love Halloween, the season's preparations have already begun.
Reader Story: Get Out of my Room
Published on 2012-09-07 09:32:00
When I was twenty one years old, my new husband's family offered to sell us a house that had been in his family for generations at an incredibly cheap price. They had a difficult time keeping it rented and did not want to hassle with it anymore. We jumped at the opportunity and moved in almost immediately. It was only a matter of hours before strange things began to happen. It did not take me long to decide there was something or someone else other than us in that house.Almost every night we wou [..]
The Tortured Spirit of Mary Kelly
Published on 2012-09-06 11:28:00
Jack the Ripper is probably the best known serial killer in history.
The Halloween Wish List
Published on 2012-09-04 20:59:00
I have to start planning for Halloween early.
My Top Picks for This Year's Halloween Costume!
Published on 2012-09-01 05:00:00
September is here and I can almost hear Halloween knocking on the door.
Happy Hungry Ghost Festival!
Published on 2012-08-29 10:16:00
Belief in ghosts is one of those universal archetypes that Carl Jung found across all cultures.
The Ghost of the Smithsonian Castle
Published on 2012-08-27 11:39:00
The Smithsonian Castle is a beautiful building. Washington DC is a stunning city whose classic architecture makes a traveler feel like they have been transported back to ancient Rome. Doric and Corinthian Columns grace the facades of elegant white buildings and the unity of architecture makes me imagine that this is what the great white city must have looked like. The Smithsonian Castle, however, is utterly different. Built in 1855 by the renowned architect James Renwick, this redbrick, Goth [..]
A Photographic Journey Through Piere Lachaise
Published on 2012-08-22 08:23:00
Piere Lachaise is one of the most beautiful places on earth. This necropolis sprawls through downtown Paris with monuments of such exquisite beauty it is easy to forget you are in a cemetery. Wandering this cemetery is one of my favorite things to do in Paris. Here are a few of my favorite pieces of this otherworldly cemetery.
Returning to the Land of the Living
Published on 2012-08-18 11:27:00
Ghost Stories and Haunted Places will be taking a little break for the next few weeks.
Voodoo and Ghosts in Bayou Myth
Published on 2012-08-17 05:00:00
I don't do many book reviews here, so you know when I do a book review it is because it is particularly ghostly and because I really thought the book was interesting and worth reading.
Ghosts in the Bible
Published on 2012-08-15 11:57:00
It probably won’t come as any surprise that I am no biblical scholar.
When The Dead Speak
Published on 2012-08-07 22:00:00
When I first heard about Searcy State Psychiatric Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Alabama I was more than intrigued.
The Kildare Mansion
Published on 2012-08-04 13:00:00
I did this post on The Kildare Mansion a couple of years ago.
Wandering in the Shadows Mounds State Park
Published on 2012-08-01 12:27:00
Mounds State Park is located in a tiny corner of Indiana by Indianapolis.
An Indian Ghost Story
Published on 2012-07-27 23:20:00
While I was traveling this summer, I was lucky enough to visit with an old friend.
What Causes Poltergiest Activity?
Published on 2012-07-23 15:03:00
In folklore, a poltergeist is the apparent manifestation of an imperceptible but noisy, disruptive or destructive entity.
$40 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!
Published on 2012-07-22 16:57:00
This week I will be taking my books on tour.
A Survivor's Story
Published on 2012-07-21 21:56:00
As all of my regular readers know, I rarely write about anything but ghosts. I try to stay on topic so that my readers can dependably find ghost stories and learn about haunted places at this blog. However, I was touched by this story and wanted to share it. This was sent to me by Heather Von St. James and she wanted to share her story of survival on my blog. I love ghosts stories, but I love survivor's stories even more. So here is Heather's Story:You have heard the old adage, “it takes a vil [..]
The People Behind the Painting
Published on 2012-07-17 23:15:00
The old Rathbone house is the creepiest house in Lafayette Square.
The Ghosts of Lafayette Park
Published on 2012-07-16 10:16:00
I spent last week touring our capitol.
The Twilight Saint
Published on 2012-07-13 09:57:00
HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13th!
The Ghost of Phillip Barton Key
Published on 2012-07-08 19:05:00
I have been traveling through Washington DC for the last few days.
The Ghosts of Macknac Bridge
Published on 2012-07-05 19:03:00
The Mackinac Bridge is always impressive.
The Moving Doll of Allaire House
Published on 2012-06-30 16:50:00
For the last week, I've stayed in my family home.
A Photographic Journey Through The Haunted North Side of Mackinac Island
Published on 2012-06-29 09:53:00
My family has been in Northern Michigan for close to 200 years.
The Newton-Allaire House Revisited
Published on 2012-06-22 13:06:00
When I was a child, ghosts were very real to me.
The Pudwudgies of Mounds State Park
Published on 2012-06-19 14:17:00
I am preparing for another rode trip in my brand new caravan.
Ghosts from Around the Campfire
Published on 2012-06-16 14:36:00
A
Traveling Spirits and the Manassas Battlefield
Published on 2012-06-15 12:06:00
The Battlefield at Mannassas National Park has seen more than its fair share of bloodshed.
The Bones and Ghosts of St. Bernard's Prep School
Published on 2012-06-10 21:21:00
And Now For Something Completely Different.......
Published on 2012-06-07 19:01:00
I have slowed down a little while I struggle to make my deadlines for my next book.
The Island of the Dolls
Published on 2012-06-05 09:53:00
There is an island just South of Mexico City called Xochimico. Xochimico is famous for its beautiful gardens, scenic canals, and ancient history. Thousands of tourists travel through the canals of this beautiful island to gaze in wonder at the hanging gardens of Mexico. Hidden deep in these canals, far away from the normal tourist routes is a swamp with that is thick with scraggly trees that are all hung heavy with with the broken and shattered remains of an army of dolls.According to travelo [..]
Robert the Evil Doll
Published on 2012-06-01 10:46:00
My recent post about the evil doll, Annabelle got me thinking about dolls. It seems I am not the only one who is afraid of dolls and it also seems like there is a good reason. The association between dolls or poppets and witchcraft and evil goes back as long as there have been dolls. During the Salem witch trials, mere possession of one of these diabolical items was enough to earn you the title of witch. Dolls, throughout history, have been used in magic as symbolic ties to real people or [..]
Please Ignore My Evil Doppleganger
Published on 2012-05-31 08:35:00
I am being haunted by the living again and I find this type of haunting far more irksome.
Annabelle, The Cursed Doll
Published on 2012-05-26 16:30:00
Dolls scare the hell out of me so this story gave me nightmares. I'm not entirely sure why, but cursed dolls are particularly scary to
The Ouija Board
Published on 2012-05-23 16:56:00
Hollywood loves to make adaptations.
The Haunted ebay Painting
Published on 2012-05-19 09:16:00
Haunted objects have always held particular fascination for me and I found this story particularly creepy.
Free Kindle Copy of Death's Dream Kingdom
Published on 2012-05-15 11:19:00
I'm working on Haunted South Alabama and the sequel to Circe this week so I will be blogging slowly.
Haunted South Alabama
Published on 2012-05-13 17:53:00
I've been a little slow in blog posting this week because I have been working on my next History Press Book, Haunted South Alabama.
Fact or Faked: The History of Ectoplasm Done Wrong
Published on 2012-05-08 15:33:00
I don't watch much paranormal television, but I've been housebound lately and my television consumption has increased.
The Maiden's Ghostly Bell
Published on 2012-05-05 06:00:00
Frommer's describes the great bell in Da Zhongsi as a bell so vast and beautiful it could "bring out the hunchback" in anyone.
Zombie Repellent for May Monster Madness
Published on 2012-05-03 17:35:00
As the May Monster Madness Blog Hop continues, I wanted to remind everyone that protecting yourself from one of my favorite monsters,
May Monster Madness
Published on 2012-05-01 07:41:00
Welcome to the May Monster Madness Blog Hop.
The Ghost and His Mullet
Published on 2012-04-30 10:35:00
The Flora-bama sits on the boundary between Alabama and Florida near some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The Ghost of The Dorsey House
Published on 2012-04-28 08:05:00
The Dorsey House is located just outside of Port Huron Michigan.
Spring Fling Blog Hop and Book Giveaway
Published on 2012-04-24 10:22:00
Spring is in the air and I'm doing something a little different today.
Can Ghosts be Captured?
Published on 2012-04-23 15:13:00
Nganga was originally a word referring to a spiritual healer in the Bantu culture.
My Son's Ghostly Encounter
Published on 2012-04-18 10:09:00
I took these pictures of my sons using my iphone and these ghostly encounters are entirely fabricated by the new iphone app Ghost Exposure and the older one, Ghost Expose.
The Unlucky History of Friday the 13th
Published on 2012-04-13 07:38:00
Happy Friday the 13th.
My Vacation Pick of the Year: A Haunted Cruise
Published on 2012-04-12 09:36:00
Haunt Jaunts, run
Ghosts and Dying
Published on 2012-04-11 12:39:00
In
The Origins of Easter
Published on 2012-04-09 07:56:00
I like the idea of Holidays, but in reality they mostly seem like an excuse to work twice as much as you ever would normally and spend more money than you want to spend.
Can Children See Ghosts?
Published on 2012-04-02 16:04:00
A Congressman Talks About the Ghosts of Capitol Hill
Published on 2012-03-28 16:48:00
Someone sent me this youtube video that I thought was interesting enough to post.
Moaning Monks and Other Stupid Ghosts
Published on 2012-03-26 20:06:00
The Many Ghosts of King's Island
Published on 2012-03-21 13:19:00
It is amazing what you can find along the way when you go on a road trip.
Strange Photos
Published on 2012-03-18 19:07:00
I spent yesterday driving around Detroit. Its beauty still lingers in the shadows. Although much of the city has wilted and decayed, the architecture is still stunning in a way that would invite ghost stories and dark tales. I tried to capture a few photos with my phone, but didn't do a very good job. The last photo I took of one abandoned building was the most interesting. The picture didn't even look like a building. It looked more like an X-ray of someone's spinal cord. It is quite [..]
The Moonshiner's Ghost
Published on 2012-03-16 09:40:00
My family is from Michigan. On my grandmother’s side, the family has lived in the farmlands of the thumb of Michigan for many generations. The Washington Township Cemetery is filled with the gravestones of my ancestors going back for many generations. The Vincent name covers the stones that fill the pastoral cemetery. Wandering through the old graveyard is like wandering through my history. In the center of the old cemetery, there is a monument that tells a different story. It tells the story [..]
The Lady of the Lake
Published on 2012-03-14 17:06:00
Huddled up against the shores of Lake Huron and tucked away in the shade of maple trees, there is a small cemetery. The cemetery is called Forester Cemetery and is the home of a lonely white lady ghost. The cemetery sits perfectly positioned to provide a perfect view of the great lake. The tombstones there are old and some have been broken and propped back up. Many of the markers have been so eroded that the names are gone. The wind from the lake has wiped away all traces of those who lie beneat [..]
The Ghost of a Girl Named Howard
Published on 2012-03-07 12:09:00
The Weedon House was built in 1817 and sits at the center of Huntsville, Alabama's historic district. It is surrounded by constitution village and other historic structures. It is a classic example of Federalist style architecture and was home to Howard Weedon, one of Huntsville's more renknowned female artists. Ms. Weedon was famous for her lovely and touching paintings of African Americans. In an era when most African Americans were depicted as either animals or fools, she captured the spir [..]
Night Shift Nightmares
Published on 2012-03-05 14:55:00
This is my final post in my series saying goodbye to the Alabama State Psychiatric Hospitals. This post is one I wrote when I was working the Night shift on a psychiatric floor. Sadly, psychiatric floors are becoming fewer and far between these days making the closure of the Alabama State Hospitals even sadder. I wrote this a couple of years ago when everything was quiet and the lights were out in the hospital. I'm working the night shift tonight. I don't usually work the night shift, but I [..]
Free Kindle Copy of Circe
Published on 2012-03-03 15:01:00
Inspired by the haunted hospital where I did my internship, Circe touches on my favorite parts of what makes ghost stories intriguing. If you would like a free copy of Circe, email your email address to me at jessica.penot@gmail.com.Dr. Black is a good man with a few vices. He is willing to sacrifice his career for his wife, Pria. He takes an internship at a hick institution in Southern Alabama to make his wife happy, but once he is situated in this old hospital, he finds that old habits die [..]
The Old Bryce Hospital for the Insane
Published on 2012-03-01 23:19:00
Earlier this week, I wrote about the closure of all of the Alabama state psychiatric hospitals. I thught I should do several posts in honor of the demise of such an important part of Alabama's healthcare system. After I wrote this post, I said I would do several posts on the ghosts of the Alabama psychiatric hospitals. This is my second post in that series. Today, I revisit Old Bryce Hospital and I add to my original post by posting two anonymous comments I got on the hospital. These commen [..]
The Moody Brick and the Tragic Story of Joseph Sanders
Published on 2012-02-27 21:33:00
One of my favorite chapters in my book Haunted North Alabama is the chapter about The Moody Brick. In fact, The Moody Brick is one of my favorite ghost stories. When I did a presentation on ghost stories at the library, a lovely lady named Ms. Dorothea came to see the presentation just to discuss the Moody Brick with me. She had read my book and wanted to share her family history with me. Although she was no ghost story junky, she collected stories about the Moody Brick because her fami [..]
Cracked Ghost Stories: The Anus Ghost
Published on 2012-02-21 10:06:00
Recently, cracked.com posted a list of the seven most ridiculous ghost stories. It was a wonderful list that I enjoyed on every level. I didn't agree with the writer on every count. He did seem to think all Japanese ghost stories are insane. I love Japanese ghosts and folklore and I know some of their ghost stories are silly, but I can't agree that all of them are ridiculous. I also have to wonder if some of the list just seems ridiculous to Westerners because there is cultural context we [..]
Alabama Psychiatric Hospitals Will Soon Be Ghosts
Published on 2012-02-18 17:24:00
This month Alabama announced its intentions to close all but two of its psychiatric hospitals. As an Alabama mental health professional, I saw this news as devastating. I've worked in inpatient psychiatric care for 4 years. The hospital I worked in was for short term care, three to five days was our average length of stay. Our biggest problem and my greatest challenge was trying to find sufficient aftercare for the seriously mentally ill. There are virtually no group homes available for [..]
How Valentine's Day Began With Naked People and Dead Dogs
Published on 2012-02-13 17:31:00
My favorite thing about holidays are there bizarre origins. Most of our modern celebrations have roots in old pagan traditions. Valantine's Day is no different. Its pagan roots are just more bizarre than most. They are so strange I like to write about them every year. I know it is slightly off topic, but naked people being flogged with animal hides is worth discussing in any forum. Apparently the ancient roots of Valentine's Day begins with the Romans. The Romans celebrated Lupercalia from F [..]
Ghosts on Airplanes
Published on 2012-02-10 16:27:00
I have been catching up on my ghostly movie watching lately, as evident by recent blog posts. In my viewing, a trailer for a new film caught my eye. The film is called 7500 and it appears to be a haunted airplane movie. All the early buzz confirms my thoughts on this. It looks really interesting and I have to wonder if it has any basis on the real haunted airplane story.American Airlines Flight 401 crashed into the Everglades on December 29, 1972. One-hundred and one people died in the cras [..]
The Woman in Black
Published on 2012-02-05 13:32:00
I have been spending a good deal of my time trapped at home lately. My adventures have been fewer and fewer and the only thing I really want to do is sleep when I have a few free minutes. I guess that is the price you pay for having a baby. That made it a miracle that I made it to a movie on Friday night and it was a fantastic movie. The Woman in Black stars Daniel Radcliff as a forlorn father who lost his wife in childbirth. He is trying to keep up with his job and his young son on his o [..]
The Innkeepers
Published on 2012-02-03 11:51:00
Last night I watched The Innkeepers on amazon prime. I was excited. I have noticed a new trend towards more classic ghost stories and haunting stories and have been really thrilled about several movies I have seen in trailers lately. The Innkeepers is the story of two young hotel clerks who are left in charge with running a hotel on its last weekend before it shuts down. The hotel is said to be haunted by a woman named Katherine O'Malley who hung herself after she was jilted by her fiance. [..]
The Ghosts of the Rawls Hotel
Published on 2012-02-01 14:01:00
The Rawls Hotel is in the Southern most part of Alabama. It is located in Enterprise, Alabama far from the larger cities like Birmingham or Mobile. Its history doesn't seem to be marred by murder or tragedy. Its story is the story of a normal historic, small town hotel. Japheth Rawls was a developer who had made some profit from turpentine plants. He decided to invest his money in a small hotel. He and his wife built the Rawls Hotel in 1903 and named it the McGee Hotel. It was a smal [..]
Baby Monitor Hauntings
Published on 2012-01-26 13:39:00
Baby monitors are often depicted as portals to the other worldly. In films such as Insidious, they pick up the voices of the ghosts haunting their house. In movies like Signs, they pick up Alien voices as the aliens plan an invasion. Baby monitors are natural receivers and many believe they pick up more than the sweet voices of the babies they are designed to monitor.Last night I tucked my baby in early. I turned on the baby monitor and in my exhaustion, I fell asleep beside him. I didn [..]
A Pact with The Devil
Published on 2012-01-22 12:54:00
This story came to me by way of people I know. It is a story with a loop. It looped back to a story I have blogged about before. It was a true story about a young man involved with Satanism who ended up hurting his family. I am not going to say any names here to protect the confidentiality of those involved, but I couldn't help but write about it. The story was too sad and seemed like it needed to be told.Some time ago, on a Friday 13th, a man walked into his living room with his wife and d [..]
Mylings: The Ghosts of Lost Children
Published on 2012-01-16 18:10:00
The Myling is a Scandinavian ghost. It is the ghost of an unbaptized child that is seeking solace. The old Catholics used to say that unbaptized children couldn't be buried in holy ground and couldn't find solace in heaven. This belief seems to have given birth to the folklore that the Myling springs from. The Myling is the spirit of an unbaptized child that is trying to find a living soul to bring it to hollowed ground. The usually hunt for their victims amongst those who wander in the w [..]
The Unlucky History of Friday the 13th
Published on 2012-01-13 12:33:00
This post has become an annual tradition for me. Those of you who have been following my blog for a while will recognize this post from past Friday the 13ths. I like Friday the 13th and this is my way of celebrating the 13th and its long history. Friday the 13ths is considered the most unlucky day of the year. Most people aren't entirely sure where this bad luck comes from, but fear of Friday the 13th can affect as many as 1 in 4 people. The fear of Friday the 13th is known as triskaidekaphob [..]
The Ghosts of Roosevelt Island
Published on 2012-01-12 13:01:00
Roosevelt Island is a narrow island in the East River of New York City. The island, now filled with towering high rise housing complexes, was once largely secluded from the rest of the city. Originally called Blackwell island, the island belonged to the Blackwell family for most of the 18th century and part of the 19th until it was bought by the state of New York as a location for charitable and corrective hospitals. The first such institution established on the island was a prison which was the [..]
Bizarre North Alabama
Published on 2011-07-04 10:13:00
I have been having a really rough time with my pregnancy this month and having my children pulling at my heals all summer has also slowed me down. Blogger has also been giving me a really tough time as well. I can't comment on
Haunted Chattanooga
Published on 2011-06-20 14:36:00
I'm going to have to quit my day job soon or go crazy trying to juggle everything. So here is the cover for my next book. I had help with this one from Amy Petulla of Chattanooga Ghost tours. She's absolutely brilliant and if you are ever in Ch
Haunted Chattanooga
Published on 2011-06-20 14:36:00
I'm going to have to quit my day job soon or go crazy trying to juggle everything. So here is the cover for my next book. I had help with this one from Amy Petulla of Chattanooga Ghost tours. She's absolutely brilliant and if you ar
Are Snakes a Sign of a Haunting?
Published on 2011-06-16 14:29:00
A reader sent me an interesting story a few days ago. He is a writer and has been following the story of a house close to where he lives with great interest. He wasn't entirely sure to make of events, but thought a haunting might be invol
Are Snakes a Sign of a Haunting?
Published on 2011-06-16 14:29:00
A reader sent me an interesting story a few days ago. He is a writer and has been following the story of a house close to where he lives with great interest. He wasn't entirely sure to make of events, but thought a haunting might be involved. A
The Kingdom: The Danish Miniseries From the Twilight Zone
Published on 2011-06-12 21:26:00
The Kingdom is a Danish mini-series that aired about seven years ago. The show begins with a rather poetic introduction about a marshland riddled with the dead. Time has passed and a hospital as been built on the marshland. It has b
The Kingdom: The Danish Miniseries From the Twilight Zone
Published on 2011-06-12 21:26:00
The Kingdom is a Danish mini-series that aired about seven years ago. The show begins with a rather poetic introduction about a marshland riddled with the dead. Time has passed and a hospital as been built on the marshland. It has become the ep
The Ghost of Six Flags
Published on 2011-06-10 20:31:00
Everyone has heard of six flags. Throughout the country, these parks are known for there thrilling rides that become increasingly more terrifying and death defying. This year when we went to Six Flags in Atlanta, we
The Ghost of Six Flags
Published on 2011-06-10 20:31:00
Everyone has heard of six flags. Throughout the country, these parks are known for there thrilling rides that become increasingly more terrifying and death defying. This year when we went to Six Flags in Atlanta, we found a roller coaster
The Remains of American Adventures
Published on 2011-06-08 09:29:00
One of my favorite blogs is Above the Norm, http://above-the-norm.blogspot.com/. This blog features many photos of forgotten and abandoned places. They are both beautiful and haunting. I thought of this blog when I went to White Wat
The Remains of American Adventures
Published on 2011-06-08 09:29:00
One of my favorite blogs is Above the Norm, http://above-the-norm.blogspot.com/. This blog features many photos of forgotten and abandoned places. They are both beautiful and haunting. I thought of this blog when I went to White Water in Atlant
My Daily Bedlam and the Ghosts of the Lost Regiment
Published on 2011-05-31 11:06:00
I have fallen quite behind on my blogging lately. I have also fallen behind on my blog reading. The world of haunted and dark blogs I usually keep up with has been lost in the fog of chaos that is my life. This is not surprising sin
My Daily Bedlam and the Ghosts of the Lost Regiment
Published on 2011-05-31 11:06:00
I have fallen quite behind on my blogging lately. I have also fallen behind on my blog reading. The world of haunted and dark blogs I usually keep up with has been lost in the fog of chaos that is my life. This is not surprising since I can har
The Ghosts of Fort Morgan
Published on 2011-05-26 09:21:00
The Fort Morgan area has become a vacation spot. Its beaches sit overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and tourists come from all over to watch the Dolphins and dip their toes in the sand. The sands of Fort Morgan carry an older, for
The Ghosts of Fort Morgan
Published on 2011-05-26 09:21:00
The Fort Morgan area has become a vacation spot. Its beaches sit overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and tourists come from all over to watch the Dolphins and dip their toes in the sand. The sands of Fort Morgan carry an older, forgotten history,
And the Free Kindle Goes to......
Published on 2011-05-24 23:14:00
A few weeks ago, when my first novel, Death's Dream Kingdom, came out, I said I would give away a free kindle to the person who helped me spread the word about the book's release. I have to say that one person really went above and beyond
And the Free Kindle Goes to......
Published on 2011-05-24 23:14:00
A few weeks ago, when my first novel, Death's Dream Kingdom, came out, I said I would give away a free kindle to the person who helped me spread the word about the book's release. I have to say that one person really went above and beyond to earn
Are You Ready for the Zombie Apocalypse Tomorrow?
Published on 2011-05-20 12:42:00
For those of you who haven't heard the news, Christian radio broadcaster and president of Family Radio Harold Camping has used complex biblical numerology to determine that the rapture is tomorrow. I am a little off topic h
Are You Ready for the Zombie Apocalypse Tomorrow?
Published on 2011-05-20 12:42:00
For those of you who haven't heard the news, Christian radio broadcaster and president of Family Radio Harold Camping has used complex biblical numerology to determine that the rapture is tomorrow. I am a little off topic here, but I figure si
Old Bryce Hospital for the Insane
Published on 2011-05-18 16:34:00
Alabama Hospital for the Insane was designed to be a refuge for the mentally ill. Its architecture was designed based on the ideas of Dorothea Dix and Thomas Story Kirkbride. It was meant o be moral architecture that would contribute tot
Old Bryce Hospital for the Insane
Published on 2011-05-18 16:34:00
Alabama Hospital for the Insane was designed to be a refuge for the mentally ill. Its architecture was designed based on the ideas of Dorothea Dix and Thomas Story Kirkbride. It was meant o be moral architecture that would contribute tot he heali
The Origins of Friday the 13th
Published on 2011-05-13 14:35:00
Friday the 13ths is considered the most unlucky day of the year. Most people aren't entirely sure where this bad luck comes from, but fear of Friday the 13th can affect as many as 1 in 4 people. The fear of Friday the 13th is
The Gaurdian Ghost of Cloudland Canyon
Published on 2011-05-10 11:51:00
Cloudland Canyon is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been camping. It is quiet and filled with the gentle sound of trickling water. It is known for its waterfalls, but the small waterfalls are just as beautiful as the bigger m
Spirit Cabinets
Published on 2011-05-07 17:30:00
In the late 19th century and the early 20th century that was a movement known as the spiritualist movement. I have written about the spiritualist movement before and those of you who know the paranormal well are probably very familiar with it.&
Death's Dream Kingdom Free Kindle Give Away Contest!
Published on 2011-05-04 08:09:00
I have been trapped in a disaster area since last Wednesday when the first tornado sirens went off. Since that time, I have been stuck in the dark and lost away from computers and modern conveniences. I go
Quiet Time In the Dark
Published on 2011-04-28 18:28:00
I will not be able to post here again for a while. Due to the terrible storms that tore through Alabama, I have power and no cell phone signal. Once my laptop runs out of juice, I will be officially trapped in the dark ages. T
Kuntilanak: The Monstrous Ghosts of Those Who Die in Childbirth
Published on 2011-04-26 18:13:00
The Kuntilanak is an extraordinarily malevolent spirit found in Malaysian folklore. A Kuntilanak is the ghost of a pregnant woman who died in childbirth or died from complications resulting from pregnancy. The Malaysian word for a K
The Easter Horror Movie
Published on 2011-04-24 20:59:00
Last year when I was a baby blogger, I asked a question on Easter. I asked where all the Easter horror movies were. Every other holiday has its own special horror movie. Christmas has Silent Night Deadly Night and it has a doz
Ghosts and Pregnancy
Published on 2011-04-22 21:24:00
I've heard many stories about crying child ghosts and the ghosts of women looking for lost children or lost babies. I've heard stories of phantom fathers looking for babies and creeks that wail like a baby in the night, but I have n
The Black Lady of Opryland
Published on 2011-04-19 23:10:00
I've lived in the South for a good while. I've lived here long enough to remember when Opryland was a theme park with short lines and a kennel for your dog. Those days are gone now and the once popular amusement park was transformed into
A Ghostly Archeologist's Guide
Published on 2011-04-15 11:38:00
I was told this story by a friend who said that he remembers hearing of a torso of a Roman Ghost that haunted a medieval English ruin. This vaporous torso wandered the medieval ruins seeming very out of place and appearing to so man
The Disgusting History of Ectoplasm
Published on 2011-04-13 09:26:00
I'm revisiting an older post tonight. I wrote this post back in the days when I only had one or two followers and many of my posts went unknown. I wrote this at the beginning of last year and I'm revisiting it, because I just watched
The Lonely Ghosts of Fort Gains
Published on 2011-04-11 11:04:00
Everyone is writing about the civil war this week. It is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and I thought it would be appropriate to write something related. Since I'm also planning my summer vacation, I thought it wo
One Lovely Blog Award
Published on 2011-04-09 19:33:00
A few days ago wubtowrite (http://mariatoth-wub2write.blogspot.com/ ) stopped by to give me a lovely award. It was a lovely award. It was a one lovely blog award. This was very nice of her since she has a very lovely blog as well.&n
The Children of Walker Street
Published on 2011-04-08 15:05:00
The Spanish Flu killed between 50 million and 100 million people between 1917 and 1920. It swept the globe, killing people in every corner of the world. It was a particularly cruel plague. Most illnesses prey on the weak.
Movie Review: Insidious
Published on 2011-04-06 20:33:00
I love horror movies. I love b-grade horror movies and classics and everything in between. On most occasions, I realize the horror movie I love doesn't meet any standard criteria of quality. It can't be measured along good fil
The Athens/Limestone County Courthouse
Published on 2011-04-04 15:21:00
The Drive to Athens, Alabama was petulant today. Tornadoes are expected and a vicious storm is heading our way. It is preceded by shadow and wind so strong I had to cling to the steering wheel to keep the car on the road.
L'Ankou: The Cemetery Gaurdians
Published on 2011-04-03 15:23:00
A. Lee. Martinez is my favorite author. I have read his books backwards. I read his last book first and crept my way back to Gil's All Fright Diner, which was his first novel. This was an incredible read. I finished it in a da
Death's Dream Kingdom Cover Art!
Published on 2011-04-02 11:03:00
I have been slowed down this week as I have recovered from surgery. I have been low on ghost stories and high on announcements. That is because, despite my slow recovery, I've gotten lots of good news on other fronts this week.
My Great Aunt's Ghost Caught in Amazing Picture!
Published on 2011-04-01 14:13:00
Happy April Fools!
Searcy State Mental Hospital
Published on 2011-03-29 11:02:00
Circe was the first book I ever wrote and I got a publishing deal for the book. However, the publisher forgot about Circe and it was shuffled around and buried and I had gotten to the point where I thought it would never see the light of d
I've Become a Ghost
Published on 2011-03-27 11:30:00
I haven't been blogging lately. I haven't been commenting lately and truth be known, I haven't even been able to leave my house much lately. I am wrapped in ace bandages and stitched up and slightly delirious from too much lortab. L
The Limits of Paranormal Belief
Published on 2011-03-21 10:33:00
"Paranormal is a general term that designates experiences that lie outside the range of normal or scientific explanation or that indicates phenomena that are understood to be outside of science's current ability to explain or measure."I write ab
Chickamauga Battlefield in Pictures
Published on 2011-03-19 17:51:00
Today I went to Chickamauga Battlefield. It was a beautiful day and the sun bathed the battlefield in a gentle light that lent itself well to photography. The second most bloody battle in the Civil War was fought at this ba
Dead Man's Bridge
Published on 2011-03-18 18:00:00
Ditto's Landing used to be a thriving port town. It is now a ghost town. It really isn't even that. It has vanished completely. In 1807 James Ditto started to ferry people across the Tennessee River from what is now Ditto's La
The Ghost of the Lynched
Published on 2011-03-17 15:38:00
The Madison County Courthouse looks new. It is the center of downtown Huntsville, Alabama and it is known for its interesting architecture and murals. The structure that stands there today isn't more than forty years old. Its
The Demon in the Dark
Published on 2011-03-16 11:35:00
Last year at this time I was hard at work on Haunted North Alabama. I did numerous interviews with people to try to get interesting ghost stories. I got one of my favorite stories from a young woman who lived in Huntsvil
Guest Blogger Lisa Shoreland Discusses Biltmore Estate's Haunted History
Published on 2011-03-11 17:15:00
I am excited to welcome guest blogger, Lisa Shoreland, to my blog. I love writers and am always happy to have new writers on my blog, but I like this guest post more than usual because I believe Lisa has to be psychic. She has writte
Death's Dream Kingdom Book Trailer.
Published on 2011-03-08 12:58:00
I have the day off today and I am an absolute master in the art of procrastination. I have a deadline next month and two chapters of Haunted Chattanooga left to write. I have another book due to my publisher and a trip next week to plan,
The North Port Ghost
Published on 2011-03-07 10:43:00
My favorite ghost stories are the ones told to me by people. I always like to think of ghost stories as the last oral traditions. These days there a very few stories that are told around the table or camp fire like they used to before tel
Book Review: Ghosts and Haunts of Tennessee
Published on 2011-03-02 19:50:00
Tennessee has some of the best ghost stories I have ever heard. As an Alabama girl, I'm often jealous of the state just North of me. It is so rich in folklore and ghostly tales that it makes the rest of us look poor. The Belle
New Death in the Cemetery
Published on 2011-02-27 23:20:00
Cemeteries are filled with ghosts. Almost every large and historic cemetery has a ghost story or two tucked beneath the tomb stones. Even small cemeteries tell stories. I have been to large and small cemeteries and chase
The Ghost of Founders Hall
Published on 2011-02-22 22:29:00
Founders Hall is the tallest building in Charlotte, North Carolina. Its lean form towers over the city in classic elegance. It is home to the Bank of America Corporate Center. It is also home to a small mall and various shops.
The Ghosts of Gimghoul Castle
Published on 2011-02-19 15:31:00
The ghost of Gimghoul Castle doesn't actually belong to the castle itself. In fact, the ghost was there long before the castle. The ghost belongs to a bloodstained rock. According to legend, Peter Dromsgoole died and was buried bene
The River of Blood
Published on 2011-02-17 16:13:00
Chickamauga Battlefield just South of Chattanooga is one of the most haunted battlefields in the world. In the United States, it is second only to Gettysburg. I have begun researching Chickamauga for my new History Press book,
The River of Blood
Published on 2011-02-17 16:13:00
Chickamauga Battlefield just South of Chattanooga is one of the most haunted battlefields in the world. In the United States, it is second only to Gettysburg. I have begun researching Chickamauga for my new History Press book,
How Valentine's Day Began with Dead Goats and Naked Ladies
Published on 2011-02-14 19:47:00
A friend of mine sent me a wonderful article on the origins of Valentine's Day on NPR. This article filled me with so much wicked happiness I had to blog about it. I know it is slightly off topic, but naked people being flogged with
How Valentine's Day Began with Dead Goats and Naked Ladies
Published on 2011-02-14 19:47:00
A friend of mine sent me a wonderful article on the origins of Valentine's Day on NPR. This article filled me with so much wicked happiness I had to blog about it. I know it is slightly off topic, but naked people being flogged with
The Rite
Published on 2011-02-13 12:00:00
Exorcism based films, books, and movies have become very popular over the last few years. The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Last Exorcist, And Exorcist Tells His Tale, have all been popular. Due to the rising interest in exorcism
The Rite
Published on 2011-02-13 12:00:00
Exorcism based films, books, and movies have become very popular over the last few years. The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Last Exorcist, And Exorcist Tells His Tale, have all been popular. Due to the rising interest in exorcism
The Phantom Bird
Published on 2011-02-10 15:10:00
Anyone who has ever read Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven knows that there is something terrifying about a ghoulish bird. Birds can be somewhat frightening to begin with. They loom over us and stare out at us with glowing eyes. The very
The Phantom Bird
Published on 2011-02-10 15:10:00
Anyone who has ever read Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven knows that there is something terrifying about a ghoulish bird. Birds can be somewhat frightening to begin with. They loom over us and stare out at us with glowing eyes. The very
Nightmares in the Sky
Published on 2011-02-06 16:11:00
When I was young I loved books of photography. Beautiful Death was one of my favorite books and Nightmares in the Sky was another one of my favorite books. Nightmares in the Sky was a collection of photographs from various cities. T
Nightmares in the Sky
Published on 2011-02-06 16:11:00
When I was young I loved books of photography. Beautiful Death was one of my favorite books and Nightmares in the Sky was another one of my favorite books. Nightmares in the Sky was a collection of photographs from various cities. T
The Green Orb
Published on 2011-02-05 00:08:00
Someone told me an interesting story this week. She had read my post about colored orbs and was very interested in the meaning behind the colors of orbs. She said she had an experience with a green orb several years a
The Green Orb
Published on 2011-02-05 00:08:00
Someone told me an interesting story this week. She had read my post about colored orbs and was very interested in the meaning behind the colors of orbs. She said she had an experience with a green orb several years a
Ghost Dogs of the South
Published on 2011-02-01 18:57:00
It doesn't take too much to get me really excited. I love the little things in life. I find immense joy in a good meal and a good book. Everything else can fall apart, but if I have the little things, I'm happy. The little thi
Ghost Dogs of the South
Published on 2011-02-01 18:57:00
It doesn't take too much to get me really excited. I love the little things in life. I find immense joy in a good meal and a good book. Everything else can fall apart, but if I have the little things, I'm happy. The little thi
The Rhine Research Center
Published on 2011-01-29 20:40:00
Whenever I think of parapsychology, images from Ghostbusters leap to mind. I see Ray and Igon telling the dean about their research right before they lose tenure and are asked to leave the University. The truth about parapsychology as a f
The Rhine Research Center
Published on 2011-01-29 20:40:00
Whenever I think of parapsychology, images from Ghostbusters leap to mind. I see Ray and Igon telling the dean about their research right before they lose tenure and are asked to leave the University. The truth about parapsychology as a f
The Haunting of Halcyon House
Published on 2011-01-24 11:57:00
Halcyon House is one of the most prominent and historical houses in the Georgetown area. It sits beside the Potomac with a quiet, historic beauty that invites ghost stories and its history doesn't disappoint. Halcyon House was built
The Haunting of Halcyon House
Published on 2011-01-24 11:57:00
Halcyon House is one of the most prominent and historical houses in the Georgetown area. It sits beside the Potomac with a quiet, historic beauty that invites ghost stories and its history doesn't disappoint. Halcyon House was built
The Archetypes of Hauntings
Published on 2011-01-19 14:21:00
The more I read about hauntings and discuss hauntings the more I have come to believe that hauntings fall into very similar categories and types. I am open to disagreement on this subject, but it seems to me that no matter where you are i
The Archetypes of Hauntings
Published on 2011-01-19 14:21:00
The more I read about hauntings and discuss hauntings the more I have come to believe that hauntings fall into very similar categories and types. I am open to disagreement on this subject, but it seems to me that no matter where you are i
The Cemetery in the Snow
Published on 2011-01-16 20:33:00
It rarely snows in the South. It snows so rarely that all of life seems to freeze when the first snow flake hits the ground. School stops, work stops, the stores are quiet. The snow casts a strange silence in the South and I couldn'
The Cemetery in the Snow
Published on 2011-01-16 20:33:00
It rarely snows in the South. It snows so rarely that all of life seems to freeze when the first snow flake hits the ground. School stops, work stops, the stores are quiet. The snow casts a strange silence in the South and I couldn'
The Ghosts of Antarctica
Published on 2011-01-13 15:44:00
Antarctica is the coldest, driest, windiest, and highest continent in the world. It is also the loneliest continent in the world. The very whisper of its name brings to mind images of desolate snow covered landscapes and aband
The Haunting of Snow Hill Inn
Published on 2011-01-10 21:12:00
If I were a rich woman, I would have bought this house. Snow Hill Inn is located in Snow Hill, Maryland and until very recently it was for sale. The Inn at Snow Hill has been many things. Its been a post office, a doctor
Should We Fear Ghosts?
Published on 2011-01-08 15:17:00
The long history of ghosts and ghost stories is deeply rooted in horror and fear. From such classic horror stories as The Haunting to the ghost lore that saturates folklore ghost stories are given a malevolent quality. They are told
The Cathedral of Learning
Published on 2011-01-04 12:05:00
Last year I went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for a writer's conference. While I was there, I met a young writer who had a passion for ghosts and ghost stories. She was working on a young adult novel about a ghost hunter.
A Look Back at 2010
Published on 2011-01-01 13:16:00
It is now officially 2011 and a new year has begun. New Years day is traditionally a day to make resolutions and plans for a better year, it is also a time to look back. I did a lot of blogging last year and it is interesting to me