A Strange Phenomenon

Last night something eerie happened! However, it wasn’t the first time, nor will it ever be the last time, I feel.

At home the light above the kitchen sink randomly started to flicker. (*No other lights in the house did this either.)

So, we decided to pull out the K2 Meters. They began lighting up! We were lucky enough to capture it on video.

Notice the stove light next to the sink light. It never flickered at all. Only the light above the sink kept performing its electrical theatrics, while both K2 Meters responded.

We bought the house nearly eight years ago. We were automatically drawn to its energy. Several things have happened while living here.

We’ve even captured EVPs here before!

Wanted to share an article that I recently wrote for my site about our house and its otherworldly activities….

(And trust me, I am definitely one to research and debunk before making any claims…. )

Anywho, here’s the article titled, “The House of Spirits” that I wrote about our beloved residence….. https://sheilareneeparker.com/2022/08/04/the-house-of-spirits/

Below are a couple of videos of last night’s strange phenomenon. Again, we checked the light bulb.. lighting… Etc… All are fine. Besides, if it were the light bulb and lighting, then explain the K2 Meters reacting and the EVPs we’ve captured before?!

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The Infamous and Macabre LaLaurie Mansion

Yesterday was a gorgeous day! It started off rainy, but cleared up with a nice January coastal temperature reaching the mid seventies. My family and I decided to drive west three hours to have breakfast at one of our fave places…. Cafe du Monde.While in New Orleans, we walked around and checked out the LaLaurie Mansion. Unfortunately, we were unable to go inside, but still able to visit. It’s reported to be extremely haunted! The following tells of its macabre history….

“Tales of murder, mystery, and mayhem flow throughout the history of New Orleans, but none are more captivating than the LaLaurie Mansion. Madame Marie Delphine LaLaurie was a notable Creole socialite before tales of unimaginable cruelty and killing swirled.

The gorgeous Royal Street mansion is located in the heart of the French Quarter. The family spared no expense decorating, shipping in ornate décor from Europe. The house was the talk of the town and home to many extravagant affairs until the dark truth was uncovered.

Slaves mysteriously disappeared, never to be heard from again, screams of ungodly torture could be heard coming from the upstairs, and the Madame’s personal slave jumped from the roof to her death allegedly to avoid being taken to the room of terror.

It was thought Madame LaLaurie’s husband knew of the sadistic happenings but turned a blind eye.

As rumors of grisly behavior echoed throughout the town, the once sought after socialite was avoided, parties unattended. Since it was illegal to mistreat slaves, the Madame was forced to relinquish hers. However, they were given to family members and she acquired back a few at a time.

Although whispers of slave mistreatment swarmed through the town, the reality of Madame LaLaurie’s insanity was unearthed in 1834 when a fiery blaze started in the kitchen uncovered dark secrets as it swept through the mansion. According to legend, the fire was set by a slave trying to commit suicide because she could no longer endure the torture of the lady of the house.

During the cleanup, more than a dozen slaves were found chained upstairs, maimed and tortured. Both men and women, some strapped to a makeshift operating table while others were confined in cages, human body parts were scattered around. Heads and human organs thrown in buckets, other body parts were placed on shelves next to whips and paddles.

After a mob showed up to ransack the mansion, the LaLaurie’s fled town never to be heard from again. Since then, blood curdling screams can be heard at all hours of the night, figures can be seen floating around.” ~ https://www.neworleansghostadventurestour.com/news/the-lalaurie-house-haunting/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA5NSdBhDfARIsALzs2ECiujxF7D2ai47Bku5tG1h2H6jcBtJTetEH3sg3-vZd9X1sMeUmk_AaAvljEALw_wcB

The following is a photo of the LaLaurie Mansion. Even with it’s dreaded history, the location is still very beautiful. And just after the first photo, are additional ones we took while we were visiting New Orleans. Love that architecture!!!

Stay blessed, everyone and know that you are all loved!

~ Sheila 💋

The LaLaurie Mansion

Paranormal Investigative Equipment: What’s Your Pick?

There are so many different types of equipment that one can use while conducting a paranormal investigation, even supposedly fully equipped ghost hunting kits that claim to have everything one needs. Interesting…. do these kits come with an unlimited supply of batteries? Ghosts are known to drain batteries for the energy. So, if these kits don’t come with batteries, they’re not fully equipped now are they? Just a random thought… 😉

Anywho, the pieces of equipment that an investigator can add to his/her collection can be quite impressive to say the least. The technology and research required to create such devices go way beyond my level of education. Such devices like a full spectrum digital camera that can be used to capture videos and photos. Another one is the Ghost Box Ovilus that “converts environmental readings into real words”. Then, there are Rem Pods that detect energy disturbances and fluctuations. And, there’s even digital thermometers that are created to locate temperature changes. The list goes on and on with the various tools that one can use in hunting the paranormal. Pendulums and divining rods are a couple of other ones as well. The routine and methods used are as unique as the investigator conducting the investigation.

Here is where I want some interaction. From you, the daring individuals who aren’t afraid to go out and search for the unknown. Tell me, share with us all, what’s YOUR favorite piece of equipment to use while investigating the spectral realm? And why?

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Another Spooky Random Fact!

Ok, everyone’s heard of Casper the Friendly Ghost, right? You know, the cute transparent guy who floats around through walls? If all the hauntings were as adorable as him, then that would be pretty amazing and all the little kiddies wouldn’t be so afraid of the things that go bump in the night.

Well, let’s take a step back and face reality here. Some hauntings can be pretty frightening and down right mind-numbing. Did you know that there are actually two known types of hauntings? Yes, intelligent and residual…

An intelligent haunting is when the spirits can interact with the living, a type of energy that DOES have consciousness. These spirits may find ways of communication much like the ways discussed in my previous blog titled, The Afterlife ~ A Corporeal’s Transition, or the spirits can often communicate through the use of a voice box; a tool that is used to collect electronic voice phenomena (EVPs)……….

The second type of haunting is known as a residual haunting. It’s more like a supernatural experience that resembles a recording of past energy. For instance, like hearing footsteps walking down an empty hallway when no one is there. It’s believed that in a location where someone has released a large amount of energy or heightened emotions were experienced and the energy attaches or “imprints” itself. As a result of the abiding energy, individuals in the future may get to experience seeing a type of “recording” of these events. Some signs of a residual haunting may be the absence of interaction from the spirit. As if the spirit doesn’t acknowledge the presence of the living person. The spirit will almost seem totally oblivious to anything that’s occurring in it’s presence.

I’ve actually encountered both. Read more at Intelligent & Residual Hauntings: What Are They?

The Paranormal & Me

All my life the paranormal has always been there, and I don’t mean that I’ve been plagued by demons or anything sinister. It was never like that for me. Still, when I saw my first shadow person prior to my teen years, it scared the living daylights out of me. It manifested itself just out of the corner of my eye. It was night time in a very well-lit room. I could feel its eyes looking straight at me. That was what prompted me to look in its direction. As soon as I turned my head to meet its gaze, it vanished into thin air. Even though its presence was nothing malevolent, I was still terrified to no end. I stayed up all night, too afraid to sleep, until the sun came up the next morning.

I’ve had several encounters with shadow people throughout the years since then, but I’m no longer afraid. Unlike many people who have negative encounters with shadow people, mine are quite the opposite. I experience no malevolence at all with shadow people. It’s almost like I get a sense of observance from them. Their presence is always “split-second” when they appear, then they’re gone.

I’m also an empath. Always knew I was different, but never knew how to “label” my ability until I reached my adult years. An empath is someone who is highly sensitive (in the supernatural sense) to others’ energies and emotions. To many, this ability is often thought of as a curse. I used to think this way as well and that was only because I didn’t understand what was going on. But now it’s no longer a curse for me. Rather, I consider it a gift that I’m very proud to have.

Growing up I usually kept quiet about the paranormal, only spoke to very few about it. My selective silence was due to the judgmental fear of what others thought. I didn’t want anyone to think I was crazy. So often is the paranormal viewed by many as something that’s dark and evil. Although, that’s not necessarily the case. The paranormal realm does consist of entities that may bring forth malevolence, but so does the world of the living. There are wicked people that walk around every single day. Spirits can also be very loving and full of light. However the spirit was during their living state, is how they often are once they have passed on. Meaning, that a person can carry on the same characteristics even after death.

The study and research of paranormal activity is extremely fascinating to me. I openly embrace the unknown, but with caution. I never provoke the spiritual world. I would never recommend doing that. Don’t provoke the living and don’t provoke the dead. It’s all about respect, I believe. And just because someone finds interest in the paranormal doesn’t mean that they’re living a “dark life and going straight to hell”. That’s for the narrow minded to believe. To better understand things, one must open their mind. Knowledge is never ending. One of my all time favorite quotes is by Michelangelo. It says, “I am still learning.” … and yes, for me that even applies to the paranormal.

The House of Spirits

It was nearly eight years ago when we started looking for a house to buy. He and I decided to look at the local listings separately and whatever house we both liked with our separate searches, we would go and look at them.

Oddly, with he and I both separately looking (did not know each other’s choice), we were drawn to the same exact house. Was this particular location, with a house not even twenty years old at the time, calling out to us? Maybe, but whatever it was, we knew we had to check it out.

The land, being barely an acre, was covered by lots of big trees. This 1200 square foot house sat off the road a bit. With its four white columns in the front, the one story brick structure had a certain comforting charm about it. Huge windows that allow in all the beautiful sunshine….. Love!!

We scheduled a viewing appointment with the realtor, who ended up becoming a very dear friend…. actually, more like a family member now. (Southern charm and etiquette have their ways of bringing people closer together.)

The day was a Monday, just after Thanksgiving, when we drove out to the house. As we were nearing the property, barely entering the driveway, we began to feel an energy coming from this place. It was so inviting, which made us want to see it even more. There was a “presence” we couldn’t explain. Our younger son was with us, and he was just as eager as we were.

As we approached the house, the realtor standing there with his warm smile, welcomed us inside. Like I mentioned, the house is barely 1200 square feet so it didn’t take long to view it. The open floorplan has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The stained glass lighting fixtures in the kitchen made me squeal like a little girl because I immediately fell in love with them. That made the guys laugh at me. I told them it was a “girl thing”. Lol

The location is right outside city limits, yet close enough to everywhere and only nine miles from the beach! It’s quiet and the neighbors are awesome.

After purchasing the home, we had to do several things… paint the interior, fill in places in the sheetrock where previous residents had hung photos and other decorations on the walls… those types of things. As we did these, we could feel the presence of something otherworldly, like being observed. And occasionally, hearing and seeing things. Like one time, I was walking into the master bathroom and to my right, just in my ear (and I was home alone), I heard a male’s voice faintly say, “Hey”. I turned my head and couldn’t find anyone. Other times, shadows seen out of the corners of our eyes. A strong female presence has been felt many times, an older lady who seems to be the observer, in my opinion. And a few times recently, I have seen a man wearing a light blue checkered shirt also observing me.

However as crazy as all this sounds, nothing malevolent has ever been felt. We have paranormal investigative equipment and have conducted some sessions to communicate. Our findings have proven conclusive. We feel that our home is a transient spot for spirits to come and go. I believe our dog has even picked up on things as well because he has made certain gestures that have validated our belief. And being a psychic and Empath, I can’t discount what I “feel” and “know”.

Here are some photos of our home.

Imaginary Friends…. Make believe or something ghostly? 🤔

Excellent topic for discussion….. Imaginary friends … So many children have them…. Mindless playing with tea parties, outdoor games or just pretending to sing in front of an audience. Children letting their imaginations run wild with their sweet innocence.

And then here’s another theory …. Perhaps one that can be the premise to something other worldly.

Often, the plot of a horror film…. the subject evolves around a lonely child who may seek the attention from a playmate. The parents discount it as something lighthearted until time passes and either the child’s behavior starts to turn dark, or something sinister literally happens, which leads to ungodly acts that are blamed on the misunderstood child. And as the young one proclaims innocence, he or she is wrongfully accused and then a whole world of problems arise… Yes, we’ve all seen films like these, read about stories online or in the papers… Heard about kids in school…. etc…. etc…. The list goes on and on….

So…. Do you believe that a child’s imaginary friend could actually be a ghost, or something evil with cruel intentions waiting to happen?

Hmmm….. Ponderism… 🤔

“The Magnetism of Angelique Cottin”

It was an evening in January 1846 when a young peasant girl from Normandy discovered that her life was about to change forever. Fourteen year old, Angelique Cottin, among other girls were weaving away silk gloves on what was a rather large oak frame. When, all of a sudden, the heavy wooden frame started to move on its own. The young ladies attempted to keep the frame stationary, but were unable to do so. In a complete state of terror they called out to their neighbor for help, but he refused. Out of his disbelief he told the girls to go back to doing their job. As afraid as they were, the girls obeyed and continued with their work. The wooden frame remained still as each girl, one by one, approached it until Angelique was near. And then, immediately the frame started to shake again. Even though the other girls were frightened, Angelique was not, but she was however, intrigued.

Upon hearing the news of Angelique’s bizarre incident, her parents grew worried that their daughter could possibly be possessed by the devil. They sought help from the church, but the priest denied the Cottin’s request for exorcism. Why? Because his curiosity had the best of him, he wanted to witness the unusual phenomena for himself. Once he saw Angelique’s odd ability happen right in front of his very eyes, that was enough to make him believe that the Cottin’s daughter was, in fact, not possessed at all. Instead the priest urged them to take Angelique to be examined by a medical physician.

As time was leading up to her meeting with the doctor, Angelique’s ability heightened more and more with each passing day. The young lady would attempt to sit in a chair, but then the chair instantly was “forced” away. It was also said that with a simple touch, Angelique was able to float a heavy table in the air. The mere act of sleeping became difficult for her, too. While laying down, her bed would start to uncontrollably rock making it impossible for her to get a good night’s rest.

Other times as she approached small items, they would dart away from her without any plausible explanation, and this poor girl wouldn’t have to touch any of them. Often, if people were near her they would get shocked without even touching Angelique.

After visiting with a few doctors who were baffled by Angelique’s condition, one doctor took the Cottin family to Paris where they met with scientists who were eager to meet with Angelique. Once they conducted a battery of tests, the scientists concluded that Angelique’s ability was indeed the real thing. In 1846 renowned physicist Francois Arago documented that Angelique’s ability was due to electromagnetism, which he wrote about in his publication in The Journal des débats.

 

 

If any of you have an ability like this, we would love to hear about it! Don’t be afraid…. share your experience!

 

 

 

 

CSParkerJewelry on Etsy! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CSParkerJewelry  (Handmade Jewelry. Natural Stones. Glass Beads.)

Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker

~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html

~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker

 

 

 

 

Hellhounds: Such Naughty Lil’ Pooches

Popularly known as “The Bearers of Death”. These mangled, black furred, dog-like beasts have existed in legends for centuries. They’re reported to be supernatural in nature and possess ghostly characteristics with a foul odor. They’re also known to terrorize their victims with their gnarling sharp teeth and razor claws. They have red glowing eyes, super strength and speed, and may even have a fiery appearance with hellish abilities.

According to European folklore, many have claimed that if a person stares into a hellhound’s eyes three or more times, or hear its terrifying howl, it could be an omen or possibly the cause of that individual’s death.

These naughty little pooches’ purpose? Often, to protect the entrances to the realms of those who have passed on, like burial grounds and cemeteries. The nefarious beasts may be responsible for other ghastly duties like protecting unearthly treasure and/or hunting the souls of the lost.

The tale of these ferocious creatures is well-known throughout Great Britain. The Isle of Man has their own version referred to as “Moddey Dhoo. Wales has their’s known as “Gwyllgi”. The “Cadejo”, according to Central American folklore, is a large black canine that haunts those who walk late into the night on country roads.

As stated earlier, hellhounds are referred to as “The Bearers of Death”. These creatures were given this title because it was alleged that they were created by ancient demons to serve as heralds of death. Sightings have been documented all throughout history, including locations within the United States: Louisiana, Kentucky, Connecticut, Hawaii, Ohio and then even abroad in Vilseck, Germany. The hellhound known as “Black Shuck” roams the Norfolk, Essex and Suffolk coastline of England. It has been seen lurking around graveyards, dark forests and crossroads. According to Catalan myth, their version of the foreboding beast is referred to as “Dip”: The Devil’s emissary who sucks its victim’s blood.

Just a few years ago the London-Based archaeology group, DigVentures discovered the skeleton of a gigantic dog from a shallow grave less than two feet deep in the ruins of Leiston Abbey, Suffolk. According to the archaeologists, they stated that the dog’s height was more than seven feet on its rear legs and weighed around 200 pounds. The DigVentures team believes that the skeletal remains likely date back to medieval times. It is possible that the canine was a rather large hunting dog and perhaps possibly the initial spark that created the legend of “Black Shuck”.

So, makes one wonder doesn’t it? Do nefarious creatures like the demonic hellhound really exist? Or are they the product of superstitious minds who possess wild imaginations?

A little something to think about while sitting alone in a slightly dimmed room on a dark and stormy night. And don’t worry if you hear slight scratching on the window beside you. It’s probably just the wind blowing a tree limb that’s causing the noise, or…. maybe it’s not….. perhaps it’s a hellhound trying to claw its way in……… 😉 ***HOWLS!!!***

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker

~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html

~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker

Monsters: Real or??

Yes, monsters are definitely real! Now, I’m not talking about fictional ones like Grendel in the epic poem, Beowulf, or even H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu in The Call of Cthulhu. But then again, who’s to say that they weren’t inspired by real monsters. I am a strong believer that there is a basis for everything, including fictional things. It just all depends on each individual’s perspective.

On occasion while doing paranormal talks or being the guest on radio shows, I’ve been asked what’s the most frightening thing I’ve ever encountered, and my answer has always been this…. I have experienced many things regarding the paranormal from seeing shadow figures, visions in my mind’s eye, being touched by apparitions, hearing unexplained sounds, smelling unexplained odors/fragrances and being able to “feel” things with my empathic ability. But, with all that being said, and I’ve had some pretty freaky experiences, none of that has ever compared to the real monsters that exist out there in the real world.

I’m referring to the ones that we all have seen on the six o’clock news. The vile, heartless individuals that prey on the weak and the innocent. The ones who live double lives and show completely no remorse for their despicable actions. The rapists, the murderers, etc….. The ones who are our neighbors that, while out tending to their flower gardens, smile and wave to us as we drive by.

Many are prominent figures in society. One that comes to mind is Dennis Rader, a.k.a the “BTK Killer”, a serial killer convicted of murdering ten people. He was an active member in his church and a Cub Scout leader. Knowing that alone gives me chills!

Then, there was the charismatic Ted Bundy, another serial killer who kidnapped, raped, and murdered many young ladies during the 1970s. It terrifies me that so many fell victim because of his “good looks and charm”.

And the above are just a couple of the countless murderers throughout history. Other ones are political figures and leaders such as Hitler and Stalin. Not to mention certain religious dignitaries that have been convicted of sex crimes against members of their own churches.

What about the disgusting news reports regarding child care and/or nursing home providers who neglect and/or abuse loved ones…. or even rape them…. the ones they’ve been entrusted to care for.

It’s people like these so-called “human beings”  who are the ones that I’m referring to when I say that monsters are definitely real. Anyone with a heart wouldn’t dare do the horrific acts executed by these blackened souls.

Now, I can go on and on, but I choose not to. I refuse to give these monsters the notoriety that many of them seek, for whatever selfish reasons they may have or had. That’s the reason why I cannot stand to turn on the car radio in the morning to listen to a broadcast on the way to work, or watch the evening news. So much negativity is out there, it’s draining! That’s why I try so hard to constantly spread positive vibes, in hopes to brighten people…. not bring them down.  I’ve actually been criticized for being “too bubbly”. That cracked me up because my cheerful disposition literally ticked someone off. My response? “Oh well!” … lol ….

Anywho…. not ranting here, but just wanted to get that out there. Yes, I do believe in monsters. However, that’s why when I’m asked what’s the most frightening paranormal thing I’ve ever encountered was? I always answer that the most frightening thing I’ve ever encountered was from the living, not the dead. I don’t fear the paranormal, only the human “monsters” that are seen, and often go unnoticed for their crimes in our society.

 

 

 

 

CSParkerJewelry on Etsy! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CSParkerJewelry  (Handmade Jewelry. Natural Stones. Glass Beads.)

Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker

~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html

~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker