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    Dragging It Out…


    2009 - 02.10

    Posted in cleveland, drag, movies, updates, weekend, writing | Comments Off

    It’s another slow week for my blog. Conversely, it’s a good week for writing elsewhere. I’m pounding out as much as I can again and putting major dents in my book workload. There is quite a lot to get through today and more planned throughout this week. If I keep going at this pace, I should be able to breathe a sigh of relief by Friday.

    Last weekend was fun, exhausting, and interesting. Saturday night’s trip to Union Station was more interesting than usual. Logo was there filming for a program involving drag queens, though we missed whatever minutely interesting moments there might have been. Instead, we left for the Cedar Lee Theater in Coventry for the midnight showing of Clue. By then I was a bit exhausted, but I did get my second wind for long enough to enjoy the show. Sunday, I spent having a mini movie marathon at home, watching David DeCoteau B movies and trying to stay awake through them all.

    But now it’s back to the research and writing. So much to do, so little time…

    White Landscapes and Wite-Out®…


    2008 - 12.06

    Posted in cleveland, friends, ghost hunting, holidays, personal, updates, writing | Comments Off

    As the snow begins falling on the cold ground here, like powdered sugar sifted from some ethereal source, I’m once again dashing off for another interesting weekend. In a few hours, there’s a brief investigation with Western Reserve Paranormal at a private Cleveland residence followed by dinner at Union Station. I have this unshakable feeling that I’ll endure another drag show.

    It’s been a busy week otherwise. I’m slapping on my editor’s hat and working diligently on a book being written by a friend. I’ll be cracking down on my brainstorms more this coming week. Plenty of notes, outlining, and rewriting to tackle, but it’ll be a fun project nonetheless. I’m not abandoning my own manuscript at all. It’s been a semi-exciting week again, but fearing I may jinx myself I’ve kept tight-lipped about it. I’ll just say this: 31 minutes. Some of you already know what I’m talking about… the rest, well, you’ll find out eventually barring any unforeseen disasters or writer’s blocks.

    To avoid another dull, lonely New Years, I’ll probably be finalizing plans with friends this weekend as well… since no one else has stepped forward with an offer. *cough*

    But I must run now. Too much to do and never enough time in the day.

    You’re as Cold as Ice…


    2008 - 11.16

    Posted in cleveland, friends, paranormal, restaurants, television, weather, weekend, winter | Comments Off

    The most tumultuous thing about this weekend, fortunately, was the weather.

    Yesterday evening was an interesting dinner in Cleveland with a few friends and the paranormal troop during monsoon-like weather. Rock Bottom Brewery may be an allegedly haunted place, but the only frightening part about visiting the Powerhouse in the Flats is the $6 parking fee for the building. Wind whipped rain off Lake Erie after earlier thunderstorms, adding a bit of mystique to the illuminated building… and puddles to dodge as you run back to the parking lot.

    The temperature plummeted by nightfall in anticipation of today’s snow. I stayed up a tad bit later than normal to catch some Doctor Who on BBC America. A relaxed morning gave way to wading through junk email and plotting out the coming week. Snow began to coat outdoor surfaces this evening and it isn’t expected to let up for the next week. Winter has arrived in northeast Ohio, just in time to curtail outdoor plans and remind me of the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

    It might be a good week for a coffee shop meeting with friends after all…

    Creepy Kids in the Hollow…


    2008 - 10.30

    Posted in cleveland, ghosts, gore orphanage, hauntings, paranormal, video, websites | Comments Off

    Most people in northeast Ohio have heard the incredible legends surrounding Gore Orphanage Road. Though the true stories have been twisted over the years, two tales have meshed into one. Though the rumors of Old Man Gore killing kids are unfounded and untrue (”Mr. Gore” didn’t even exist), there are some spooky happenings at the old Swift Mansion ruins that I can personally testify to.

    I have investigated the spot several times over the years. I have witnessed hand prints of children on parked cars and glowing green mists in the woods. The ghosts of children who died of disease here are real. And recently, FearNet took a trip down the old road to explore the hauntings. Several notable names were interviewed, including author Charles Cassady, tour operator Psychic Sonya, and my dear, sweet, hilarious lawyer pal and webmistress to Dead Ohio: Stephanie Lane.

    And here you thought all lawyers were curmudgeons hellbent on making people miserable and lacking any sense of humor.

    I could talk about the legends, but FearNet did a great job summarizing things and adding that creepy Oompa-Loompa vibe which we’ve a come to love this time of year. Watch the video here:

    A Spirited Home Tour…


    2008 - 10.15

    Posted in cleveland, ghosts, hauntings, tours, zoar | Comments Off

    Autumn is the season for ghosts. Many of us who have some interest in the paranormal revel in the thought of seeking out hauntings as the air grows crisp and chilled, against a backdrop of falling orange and yellow leaves. Luckily, even the casual observer can get in on the act. Ghost tours can be found in most regions and tend to book up fast this time of year. If you find yourself in northeast Ohio, there are a few places you may wish to check out.

    Farnam Foundation opens its doors every weekend through November 2nd for The Spirits of Farnam Manor, a four-hour walk through the former home of Everet Farnam exploring the history and legends of the property. Guests are lead by candlelight through the grounds and 1834 manor house. The tour costs $8 per person and runs from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM.

    Most people in the Cleveland area know of Franklin Castle, though this haunted place isn’t well-acknowledged beyond the state border. It has been a place of mystery and legend for decades. And if you wish to find out what ghostly rumors are true, you can take the opportunity to tour the old stone house of Hannes Tiedemann on Franklin Boulevard throughout the year. Admission is $20. For more information, visit the website or call (216) 631-CLUB for reservations. Be sure to tell Charles the beagles sent you!

    One of the oldest ghost tours in the area is that of the smal town of Zoar, an old canal town dating back over 150 years. Guests are taken on a walking tour through the downtown area and told the many legends and ghost stories surrounding numerous buildings. The Lantern Tour of the Ghosts of Zoar occurs from May through October and costs $16. Reservations are required.

    This is just a brief mention of the countless tours and walks available to the public. No matter where you live, there is bound to be a haunted place offering something comparable in your area. So why not go beyond just reading about these places? It’s the perfect season for a little spooky exploration…

    I Got My Pride…


    2008 - 06.19

    Posted in cleveland, friends, gay pride, hauntings, ohio, paranormal, personal | Comments Off

    As the week goes by, I’ve found myself preoccupied with so many things, my blog has suffered. I do sincerely apologize to my dear readers. Never fear; there will be my regular “road trip” posted tomorrow still! Believe it or not, I have enough stories to last throughout the summer and into the fall.

    Otherwise, tomorrow I’ll be heading to the haunted Mansfield Reformatory for an overnight paranormal investigation. The prison is quite notorious for it’s hauntings and was even featured on an episode of Ghost Hunters. Though we’ll be permitted to stay until 6:30 AM, I know I won’t be lasting that long. It should prove to be an interesting night. At the very least, there will be fun and amusement to be had.

    The main reason I won’t stay all night is Saturday plans. It’s that time of year again. Rain or shine, northeast Ohio will be having it’s annual Cleveland Pride celebration at Voinovich Park. Though I’ll probably be sleeping through the parade, I’ll be at the festival itself in the afternoon. It will be interesting to see what this year brings… and who I happen to see. And if you happen to be there, don’t hesitate to say hello if you see me. I swear, I really am a friendly person!

    Later on, my friends and I will head over to Union Station for dinner, drinks, and perhaps a show. I’m already planning on having a long island iced tea that night, unless there happens to be a decent drink special. By that time, I’ll need a little libation to relax and unwind.

    Over all, it’s a crazy few days ahead. But it’s that time of year to let your hair down (which is actually possible for me now that I’m letting it grow out beyond the usual buzz cut… or as my friends say, “turning emo”) and enjoying life. Freedom and celebration will be in the air. And for me, it’s a time of major change.

    This summer could prove to be a pivotal turning point in my life…

    Everybody Wants to Get Stoned…


    2008 - 04.04

    Posted in cleveland, crystals, friends, metaphysical, people, personal | Comments Off

    With all the excitement yesterday, I completely forgot to post an entry. But oh well, such is life sometimes…

    I did have an interesting evening at a metaphysical shop with Bill and Evie. We attended a little gathering which takes place regularly on Thursdays discussing a variety of topics. There were several interesting people (interesting in a good way, though). We gabbed endlessly until finally approaching the topic for the evening: stones and crystals.

    We each picked a stone from a bag. I picked amber (though from the flat, lightweight shape I pulled out I honestly thought it was accidentally a potato chip) and we all discussed the meanings attached to the stones. We then traded stones with the person next to us to see if we could “sense” anything about the person from holding it. Some people had a lot of success, but I wasn’t too great at it. Then again, much of these things are relative… and meanings can be found in a plethora of symbols and images.

    I’ve always liked rocks and minerals and once had quite a large collection. I sold it off many years ago, though, and have since forgotten the meanings behind many of the stones. It’s still interesting to me, but I’m not quite sure how much belief I put into the power of crystals. I’d have to see these things more to form an opinion of it.

    I did, however, have an uncomfortable moment when the owner of the shop was chatting with us. Her home was investigated by the paranormal group I belong to and we were supposed to return after sorting through the evidence. The owner said that two individuals contacted her, said the photos we thought were definitely paranormal in nature were easily explainable and that there was no worthwhile evidence gathered.

    Interesting, since I never knew anything about it. What an excellent flow of communication we have! Perhaps this is part of the mounting disgust I have with everything lately. When dramatic domineering becomes the main focus of everything, I have a bad habit of becoming apathetic. Then again, it’s not as though my opinions are of any consequence anyway. I’m slowly realizing that instead of getting wrapped up in melodrama, I’d rather concentrate my efforts on worthwhile endeavours with worthwhile people… you know: actually learning things, experiencing life (and death), and engaging in activities which aren’t controlled by the Great Puppetmaster.

    But I digress…

    The two hours flew by before any of us knew it. I’m sure I’ll return out of sheer curiosity… if not just to have more odd conversations with amusing people. It takes all kinds in this world… and sometimes, the oddballs are the best company to be in…

    What? More Snow??


    2008 - 03.06

    Posted in australia, cleveland, ohio, weather, winter | Comments Off

    According to the National Weather Service, there could be “blizzard-like conditions” over the next two days. What a perfect way to start the weekend. Hopefully this won’t make my weekend a nightmare of being trapped indoors, unable to leave from the piles of snow heaped up against the door.

    I would officially go insane if that happened.

    But this is Ohio. This is that wonderful part of the United States where the weather changes before you know it. Where snow is followed by rain with a break of sun. Winters can be harsh and summers incredibly hot. We deal with extremes… and a lack of sunny days.

    I ask myself very often why I live here. I have no good reason. I’d be happy with only seeing snow one day out of the year. I’m not terribly fond of extremes. I enjoy sunlight. The only positive thing is being so close to a national park. But we need better weather to make it more enjoyable.

    Honestly, I don’t see myself living in Ohio permanently. I wouldn’t want to be here until the end. People ask me all the time where I would want to be, and I can never give a definite answer. Florida? Maybe.. I’ve never been there to know. California? Ditto. Arizona? Heck no! Too hot and too far from water. Georgia? Well, maybe Savannah… but I could do without hurricanes. London? If I could afford it, maybe. Paris? No thanks… not that I in any way dislike the French, but I don’t care for big, busy cities.

    Somewhere nice. Somewhere with pleasant people. Somewhere near water. And definitely with some eye candy.

    Obviously, I’m skirting the issue. my ultimate, dream, “I have to live there before I die” place?

    Melbourne, Australia.

    I’ve heard that out of all the cities on the eastern coast of Australia, Melbourne is the most beautiful. Of course, I need to find out for myself. I do seriously hope to finally make my way “down under” within the next few years. Sooner, if luck finally falls in my favour. There is no point in denying that I’m an aussiephile (though that actually being a word is debatable). I love the history, the culture, the lay of the land… and it doesn’t hurt to have an incredible friend living there (well, not in Melbourne, but you know what I mean).

    As I awaken to the white glow from the window, I know my thoughts will wander to bright beaches, cool breezes, and perhaps a koala or two…