Writer’s Block: When Creativity Takes a Coffee Break

Posted on 09/02/2023 by mapoll

Writer's Block is no joking matter. But, for the purposes of adding some levity to a serious situation, the following blog is both practical and whimsical. May you smile and be inspired after you read it. 

Ah, the notorious and mischievous Writer's Block – a formidable foe that even the most eloquent of scribes, myself included, have wrestled with in the arena of creativity. But fear not, for in the face of this lexical impasse, I offer you not one, but two strategies I have used to triumph over its clutches:

 Behold the audacious act of writing through the block! Ah, yes, as I penned my first novel,  Ravens Cove, I too encountered this formidable barrier around the 10,000-word mark. Did I surrender to its grip? Absolutely not! Instead, I embraced a strategy most whimsical – I continued to write, fully prepared for the resulting prose to resemble the nonsensical meanderings of a drowsy sloth. Yet, imagine my astonishment when the very words that tumbled forth like mischievous kittens turned out to be the golden key unlocking the door to my narrative predicament. Truly, the winding corridors of our subconscious are an enigma of wonderment.

Now, picture this: a writer, beset by the vexations of Writer's Block, takes a hiatus, a creative siesta if you will. They embark on a quest to discover that sacred oasis where tranquility and inspiration frolic hand in hand. In my case, it involves an idyllic rendezvous on the patio, accompanied by an ambrosial elixir known as coffee. Here, amidst the avian symphony and the hypnotic cascade of a poolside waterfall, I engage in a tête-à-tête with the Almighty Author of Creativity Himself, interspersed with copious amounts of deep breathing. For in this interlude, the invisible currents of ingenuity find their way back into the sails of my imagination.

So, fellow pen-wielder, when the nefarious Writer's Block comes knocking, remember these two gems: the audacious act of writing on, even if the words resemble a carnival of gibberish, and the quest for that divine retreat where you can commune with the cosmos, caffeinate your musings, and simply breathe.

Until Next Time, 

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Haunted Destinations: Yorktown Memorial Hospital (Yorktown, Texas)

Posted on 08/26/2023 by mapoll

Calling all supernatural and paranormal enthusiasts! If you're looking for a ghostly encounter, look no further than the eerie halls of Yorktown Memorial Hospital. This abandoned hospital, located about 80 miles southeast of San Antonio, has gained quite the reputation as one of the most haunted places in Texas. In fact, it was even named the most haunted place on Earth by The Sun, a UK-based publisher.

 

History

Let's dive into the chilling history of this infamous location. Yorktown was established when the Old Indianola Trail connected the Texas Gulf Coast seaport of Indianola with New Braunfels. Nowadays, Yorktown is a peaceful community known for its high school football and strong religious presence. However, within its borders lies the abandoned Yorktown Memorial Hospital, which is anything but peaceful.

Built in 1951 by the Felician Sisters of the Roman Catholic Church, this hospital served its community faithfully until 1986, when it transitioned into a drug rehabilitation center. Sadly, it was decommissioned in 1992 and has since fallen into a state of decay. The hospital's long, narrow corridors, sickly green walls, and hauntingly untouched patient rooms are enough to send shivers down your spine. It's as if time stood still, and everyone just vanished.

Hauntings

But what makes this hospital truly terrifying are the countless reports of paranormal activity that have emerged over the years. Visitors and paranormal investigators have encountered a plethora of spine-chilling phenomena within these haunted halls.

  • Some claim to have witnessed the ghosts of patients who met their untimely demise due to neglect or surgical errors.
  • The ghost of a surgeon, often blamed for these mistakes, is also said to roam the premises.
  • Disembodied voices, creaking wheelchairs, and even talking dolls have been reported by those brave enough to explore the hospital's dark corridors.
  • Others have encountered large black apparitions and a fearsome black specter with red eyes that haunts the chapel, growling at the recitation of Bible verses.
  • One particularly chilling account comes from a caretaker who claims to have seen the ghost of a young man with a bullet wound in his head peering out from behind the locked front doors.
  • The spirits of nuns residing on the second floor have been known to push and scratch at men with tattoos.
  • During tours, one caretaker has also experienced oppressive weight, cold spots, and eerie touches.
  • Footsteps and faint moaning sounds have been heard, adding to the eerie ambiance.

Even the building itself seems to be alive with paranormal energy.

  • A previous caretaker noticed that everything felt calm when the lights were on at the nurses' station, and he appeared to be alone. However, when he turned off the lights, he saw numerous individuals walking around, some appearing as regular guests while others resembled patients needing medical care.
  • Additionally, there is a closed-off staircase in the front of the building, and every evening, a tapping or rapping sound can be heard on the glass pane of its door.

Tour/Yorktown Memorial Hospital Information

While trespassing on private property is strictly prohibited, exploring the haunted Yorktown Memorial Hospital through guided paranormal tours is possible. The building is also available for use in films, adding an extra layer of authenticity to any supernatural production. More information is provided here: Facebook Page. 

Paranormal Investigations

If you're a fan of paranormal investigations, you may be familiar with the Travel Channel's Ghost Hunters. They are among the credentialed paranormal investigation teams that have explored the chilling depths of Yorktown Memorial Hospital. Their investigations and findings add further credibility to the haunting stories surrounding this notorious location.

So, if you're seeking an encounter with the supernatural, Yorktown Memorial Hospital should be at the top of your list. Just remember to respect the property boundaries and embark on your paranormal journey with caution. Happy ghost hunting!

Sources:

– Only In Your State: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/texas/haunted-hospital-tx/

– Texas Hill Country: https://texashillcountry.com/yorktown-memorial-hospital/

– Texas Highways: https://texashighways.com/things-to-do/5-of-the-most-haunted-locations-in-texas/

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Haunted Destinations: The Buxton Inn (Granville, Ohio)

Posted on 08/16/2023 by mapoll

Nestled in the heart of Granville, Ohio, the Buxton Inn stands as a monument to history and the mysteries of the unknown. This 200-year-old establishment doesn't just offer you a bed for the night, but a trip through time and perhaps, if you're lucky, an otherworldly encounter. For believers in the supernatural, this inn is a haven of haunted happenings.

The Birth of Buxton Inn

The story of the Buxton Inn begins with Orrin Granger, a visionary entrepreneur who built the inn in 1812. Granger, a Massachusetts native, journeyed to Ohio in search of new opportunities. A seamless blend of Granger's vision and prowess, the Buxton Inn started its life as a tavern and stagecoach stop, eventually maturing into one of Ohio’s longest-operating inns. Over its storied history, it has welcomed an array of guests, including a few who, as legends would have it, chose never to leave.

Haunted?

The "Lady in Blue" is one of the inn’s most whispered-about specters. Many believe her to be the spirit of Bonnie Bounell, a former innkeeper who adored the place so profoundly that she never really left. She’s been described as a gentle, blue apparition, occasionally seen in rooms or meandering the hallways. Guests have recounted experiences of seeing fireplaces spontaneously ignite or hearing ethereal piano melodies, with Room 9 being a particular hotspot.

Furthermore, not all spirits at the inn walk on two legs. Tales have persisted of a ghostly cat, whose unseen pounces onto beds have startled many guests, leading some to believe that it could be the spirit of a once-resident feline.

Haunted Experiences

1. The Lady in Blue Among the most frequently reported apparitions at the Buxton Inn is the "Lady in Blue." This ethereal figure is believed to be Bonnie Bounell, a former innkeeper. Guests and staff alike have reported sightings of a blue figure, often in the hallways or specific rooms of the inn. Some claim to have felt her presence or even smelt the rose perfume she used to wear.

2. Cold Spots & Gentle Touches A common occurrence at many reputedly haunted locations, the Buxton Inn is no exception. Visitors often recount sudden and unexplained cold drafts or spots, even in rooms with no windows open or in which the temperature was previously consistent. Some have even reported feeling an unseen hand touching them, especially in older parts of the inn.

3. The Phantom Feline Multiple visitors to the inn have reported unusual encounters that suggest the presence of a ghostly cat. These accounts often describe the sensation of a cat jumping onto the bed or the soft purring noise beside them in the night. When they investigate, no feline is to be found.

Destination Information

**The Buxton Inn reopened for business on April 1, 2023, after a fire closed the location for a time.

For those drawn to these tales and eager to experience the enigmas of Buxton Inn firsthand, the inn offers tours and stays:

For Tour/Stay Information contact The Buxton Inn:

Website www.buxtoninn.com

For believers in the supernatural, the Buxton Inn is more than just a historical monument; it's a bridge to a world that exists just beyond our senses. Whether you're drawn by the promise of ghostly encounters or the allure of the past, a visit to the Buxton Inn promises an experience you won't soon forget.

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Haunted Destinations: The Villisca Axe Murder House

Posted on 07/17/2023 by mapoll

Greetings, fellow seekers of the supernatural. In this edition, we embark on a bone-chilling journey to explore the haunting history of the infamous Villisca Axe Murder House. Brace yourself for a chilling tale that will send shivers down your spine.

Historical Background

Our journey into the haunting realm of the Villisca Axe Murder House begins in the small town of Villisca, Iowa, in the early 20th century. It was June 10, 1912, when a horrifying crime shocked the community. The Moore family, consisting of Josiah and Sarah Moore and their four children, along with two young houseguests, the Stillinger sisters, were brutally murdered in their sleep. The killer's weapon of choice? An axe.

This gruesome act sent shockwaves through Villisca and beyond, leaving the community in fear and disbelief. Despite intensive investigations and a series of suspects, the murderer was never definitively identified, and the case remains one of the most haunting unsolved mysteries in American history.

The Murders

The night of the Villisca Axe Murders was one of pure terror. The Moore family and the Stillinger sisters retired to bed after a Sunday church service, unaware of the darkness that awaited them. In the dead of night, a malevolent presence infiltrated their home, committing a heinous act of violence. Each victim suffered multiple blows from the axe, leaving behind a scene of unimaginable horror.

The tragedy left an indelible mark on the community, forever intertwining the Villisca Axe Murder House with the sorrowful spirits of the innocent lives lost that fateful night. The echoes of their anguish continue to reverberate through the halls, manifesting as unexplained phenomena and haunting encounters for those brave enough to enter the house.

Hauntings

The Villisca Axe Murder House has long been associated with paranormal activity, and many believe that the spirits of the victims and the unknown killer are the source of the haunting. Visitors and investigators have reported various eerie occurrences that can be attributed to specific individuals who tragically lost their lives on that fateful night.

One of the prominent entities believed to haunt the Villisca Axe Murder House is that of the Moore family patriarch, Josiah Moore. Witnesses have reported experiencing a heavy, oppressive presence in certain rooms, accompanied by a feeling of unease. Some have even claimed to see a shadowy figure resembling Josiah Moore roaming the premises. This restless spirit is often associated with poltergeist activity, as objects have been known to move inexplicably and doors to slam shut on their own accord.

Another commonly reported apparition is that of Lena Stillinger, one of the young Stillinger sisters. Visitors have described seeing a young girl dressed in period clothing appearing and disappearing in different areas of the house. Lena's spirit is known to interact with visitors, sometimes giggling or softly calling out their names. She is believed to remain trapped in the house, seeking comfort and companionship in the living.

In addition to these individual hauntings, the Villisca Axe Murder House is enveloped in a residual haunting, a phenomenon where the traumatic events of the past replay themselves as if trapped in a continuous loop. Witnesses have described hearing the sounds of footsteps echoing through the house, doors creaking open and shut, and the faint echoes of muffled cries and screams. The residual energy of the gruesome murders seems eternally imprinted on the fabric of the building, replaying the horrifying events to those sensitive enough to perceive them.

These haunting experiences serve as a chilling reminder of the tragedy that occurred in the Villisca Axe Murder House over a century ago. The spirits of the victims and the unknown killer continue to leave their spectral imprints, bridging the gap between the realms of the living and the dead. As visitors embark on their own journeys into the house, they tread upon the supernatural ground where the past echoes through time, forever intertwining the spirits of the Villisca tragedy with the present.

Paranormal Investigations

Over the years, numerous paranormal organizations and intrepid investigators have ventured into the Villisca Axe Murder House, determined to uncover the lingering spirits and unearth the truth behind the chilling events. These brave souls have documented spine-tingling encounters that provide a glimpse into the supernatural realm.

The Paranormal Research Society (PRS), renowned for their rigorous investigations into haunted locations, extensively explored the Villisca Axe Murder House. During their visit, the PRS reported chilling encounters, including disembodied whispers echoing through the empty rooms, shadowy figures darting across hallways, and intense feelings of unease. Eerie EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) recordings captured ethereal voices pleading for justice and providing cryptic messages, further deepening the enigma surrounding the house.

In addition, psychics and sensitive individuals who have ventured into the Villisca Axe Murder House have reported intense energy fluctuations, sudden temperature drops, and unexplained physical sensations, as if being touched or watched by unseen entities. These firsthand accounts lend credence to the belief that the spirits of the victims and perhaps even the unknown killer still roam the halls, eternally trapped in a realm between the living and the dead.

Tour Information

For those daring enough to explore the chilling corridors of the Villisca Axe Murder House, guided tours are available to satiate your curiosity. Step into the past and immerse yourself in the mysteries that lie within its haunted walls. To book a spine-tingling tour or learn more about the Villisca Axe Murder House, visit their official website at https://www.villiscaiowa.com/tours-overnights.php.

Prepare yourself for an encounter with the unknown as you traverse the halls where restless spirits still linger. The Villisca Axe Murder House awaits, its secrets echoing through the ages. Will you be brave enough to confront the darkness that dwells within? Join us next time as we delve into more spine-chilling tales from the supernatural realm.

Stay curious, stay haunted.

 

 

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Haunted Destinations: The Whaley House (San Diego, CA)

Posted on 07/10/2023 by mapoll

Greetings, fellow connoisseurs of the mysterious and uncanny! Welcome to this week’s edition of our newsletter. Today, we embark on a journey to the enigmatic heart of San Diego, California, to unravel the mystique surrounding The Whaley House—a historic dwelling steeped in ghostly whispers and spectral secrets.

? A Glimpse Into the Past ?

The Whaley House, standing tall since 1857, is a portal to the past. Located in the heart of San Diego’s Old Town, this formidable edifice served as the Whaley family’s residence, and it’s no wonder that it holds a long history of despair, sorrow, and the echoes of lost souls. Tragic events, such as the suicide of Violet Whaley and the untimely death of the Whaley children, have cast a perpetual shadow over the house, imprinting their anguish upon the very fabric of its walls.

? The Phantom Footsteps of Yankee Jim ?

One of the most infamous hauntings associated with The Whaley House revolves around a man named James “Yankee Jim” Robinson. Known for his criminal past, Yankee Jim met a grim fate, executed on the site where the house now stands. Visitors have reported eerie echoes of phantom footsteps reverberating through the empty rooms, attributed to the restless spirit of Yankee Jim himself. These spectral echoes serve as a chilling reminder of the tragic events that unfolded within the house’s dark history.

?️ The Ghostly Presence of Thomas Whaley ?️

Thomas Whaley, the patriarch of the Whaley family, continues to wander the halls of his former home even after his passing. Witnesses have described ethereal sightings of a stoic figure dressed in antiquated attire, seemingly adrift in time. The spectral apparition of Thomas Whaley has been observed both in the pale light of day and the shroud of night, as if the boundaries of mortal existence hold no power over those trapped in the realm of the supernatural.

? The Ghostly Gathering of the Whaley Family ?

In a haunting display of familial bonds transcending the grave, the spirits of the Whaley family reportedly congregate within their former dwelling. Bewildered witnesses have recounted encounters with apparitions of family members engaging in spirited conversations or performing mundane tasks, seemingly oblivious to the passage of time. These ethereal reunions serve as a poignant reminder that the ties of love and kinship remain unbroken even in the face of death’s cold embrace.

? Authentications from Renowned Paranormal Organizations ?

If you find yourself questioning the veracity of these supernatural tales, rest assured, for esteemed paranormal organizations have lent their voices to the eerie chorus surrounding The Whaley House. The Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” team conducted an extensive investigation, capturing spine-chilling EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) recordings and documenting inexplicable apparitions within the house’s haunted confines. The renowned Ghost Hunters of America have also ventured into these spectral halls, confirming the presence of otherworldly entities and validating the chilling experiences of those who dare to step inside.

So, dear readers, if you possess the courage to explore the realms beyond, The Whaley House in San Diego may be a great destination. Unleash your curiosity and venture into the domain of spirits, where the past intertwines with the present in a symphony of supernatural phenomena. May you leave with tales of the paranormal to awe and inspire future generations.

To obtain and book tour information for The Whaley House, you can visit their official website or contact them directly. Here are the details: Website https://www.whaleyhousesandiego.com/ Phone Number: 1 (619) 273-5824.

By visiting their website or giving them a call, you can inquire about tour schedules, ticket prices, and any additional information you may need to plan your visit to this historically haunted attraction. Happy ghost-hunting!

Until next time,

 

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