A Day for All Ghouls...

Break out the soul cakes. It's time again for that mysterious and spooky holiday again. Halloween is here!

Today is a day when many people will party, ring doorbells in expectation of sweet goodies, and look for a few good scares. The history of the holiday is rooted in many centuries-old traditions, beliefs, and ideas. For some religions it marks the end of one cyclical year and the beginning of the next. And many believe it is the time when the boundary between the world of the living and the hereafter is at its thinnest.

Whatever you do today, take a little time to explore the past of the holiday and enjoy whatever you may do. Perhaps spend some time in the dark with a tale or two of fright and horror. I'll be catching up on blogging this week and gearing up for my great adventure so in case you haven't had your fill of strange history and spookiness be sure to check back in the coming weeks as I delve into the wonderous―and creepier―side of Australia

It's a Nice Day for a Fright Wedding...

I know a lot of people who love Halloween. For most it's a nostalgic time of childhood costumes and partying in a pretend identity. Other people can turn it into an obsession with lavish decorations and rituals. There are even those who feel it's inherently "evil" and forbid its mere mention. It's a holiday surrounded in myth, mystery, and morbid thoughts. But not by everyone. Every so often, some creative souls turn a love for Halloween into celebrating love for Halloween.

That's exactly what Derek Noel and Joey Norton decided to do.

These two southern boys met by chance on MySpace in 2005 sharing many similar interests (including an "unhealthy obsession with the film Scream") and it quickly blossomed into more than friendship. They met face-to-face for the first time in Joey's Alabama hometown in late September; Derek made regular visits from NYC as their relationship developed. After falling ill with meningitis, Derek moved out to Nevada and Joey followed suit. On their 4th anniversary, Derek popped the question on the rooftop of the Hard Rock Hotel and Joey said, "Yes!"

Last year on October 31^st the two love ghouls threw a Halloween engagement party with family and friends. Their wedding is only a few short days away in Corona del Mar, California on October 17th. With the wild temperature fluctuations we're experienced lately, I hope the weather cooperates for the outdoor ceremony. The subesquent reception in Newport Beach will be a hauntingly good time for all, continuing the holiday theme into the twilight hours.

For those of you wondering if this is a legally recognized marriage or just ceremonial, they are following proper procedures to file as partners as per Nevada's Domestic Partnership Act. "When the laws, minds, and hearts of America catch up with us." they say on their website, "Joey and I will happily allow the goverment into our relationship and savor all the federal benefits that come with it."

So, in just a few short days, the two will officially declare their love for each other and for Halloween in front of friends and family (and hopefully decide how to hyphenate their last names). The couple plan on having their honeymoon in New York City. It might not be your typical Halloween destination but the Big Apple will undoubtedly be a great place to have a good time. I wish them both the best on their special day and the years to come. "In the midst of life, we are in death." And what a perfect way to celebrate the former.

The Spookiest Season of All...

October is finally getting underway, which means people are getting in the right mindset for Halloween. This has been a very busy time of me for the past several years but this year I'm trying to finally take some time to enjoy it. When you are involved with the paranormal there isn't too much time to appreciate the holiday. It's very similar to working retail before Christmas. Most people burn out and by the time it arrives they just want it over with. Sadly it can feel the same year after year doing countless events at spooky places, book signings, lectures, ghost hunts, etc. This year I've given myself a lighter load so I can actually step back and enjoy my favorite time of year.

But that's not the only reason. September was tumultuous for me, what with planning out some things and trying to step around the many pitfalls and snags which have plagued me. And now that October is here the cycle is continuing. My stress level is through the roof and with several things I feel like I'm trapped in limbo. It could be worse; I could be exploring the layers of Hell described by Dante. I'll settle for this never-ending waiting room I find myself in. It's as though someone pressed "PAUSE" on my life's remote and time races onward. There is so much to do yet everything is hinging on some other event first. It's the suspense while waiting for a row of dominoes to fall.

And so begins a wild, uncertain month for me. Between the candy corn and occasional event, I will try to update as much as possible. Once some more plans are finalized I'll be letting everyone know the latest on what's happening. This week is the library talk at Cuyahoga Falls Library and I have a few radio show interviews possibly scattered throughout the month. I'm also likely helping out with an event planned by a friend and fellow investigator in the area. I'll inform you all about these things as they progress. As for my end-of-the-year adventures, things are on unstable ground at the moment. I may be changing plans around as time draws closer. However, I remain optimistic that the Australia voyage will happen. A lot could happen in the next two months yet a little stubborn determination can go a long way.

You're Not Hallucinating...

In case you hadn't noticed, the blog title image has changed. Why? Well, before any rumors get started, I have liked the past images created by Cullan Hudson and think he does wonderful work. Unfortunately, the image wasn't saved in a format where I could alter it. And why would I want to alter it, you ask? Well... let's just say that I've created a new title image for me trip to Australia. But you will have to wait until late October to see that.

The new image features a house from my book Queer Hauntings and a spot I stood outside of this summer (it's closed for renovations). The tower you see is atop Villa Montezuma, once home to the famed medium Jesse Shepard. I thought it would be fitting, considering there is reason to believe Jesse may have been gay (though there are arguments both for and against it, as with many obscure people from the distant past). San Diego is home to several other haunted places, including a gay-owned inn which I will hopefully be writing about in the coming month. That's right... August is over and autumn approaches!

Lately with so much excitement happening in my life, it's been difficult to focus on the dead. A tidal wave of change has been sweeping over me. Some thoughts and individuals have started getting buried six feet under as life moves in different directions. Other haunting images and people from the dark recesses of my mind have reappeared awakening ideas and feeling long dormant. And still there are new, wonderful people and happenings brightening my present and future. Surrounding yourself with positive, cheerful people helps me feel more positive and cheerful. What has happened has happened. The past cannot be altered, we can only ensure a brighter tomorrow.

Still, it will only be a few more weeks before we notice the chill in the air and feel our slow march toward winter approaching here in the Northern Hemisphere. In two months, children and adults will be dressed in costumes collecting candy and partying with friends. The smell of barbecue and beach breezes will be replaced with wood smoke and decayed leaves. Skeletal trees will remind us of the inevitable death which awaits us all. It's the one time of year most people enjoy a good ghost story or creepy legend.

The countdown is on to All Hallows Eve. And there are plenty of ghostly stories dying to be told. I'll be doing my best to keep up with the blog, writing about some of the hauntings I have yet to write about or have encountered in my travels as well as talk a bit about some Australian ghost stories leading up to my trip. November is still in the planning stages, but if I'm traveling then too I might talk more about other tales from wherever I might be. In the mean time, sleep tight... and pleasant nightmares....

Crawling Out from Under...

October is finally over. And somehow, I managed to survive. Sure, I slept away the entire first day of November, but my body was trying to tell me something, aside from all these aches, pains, and utter exhaustion that still floods over me. I feel as though I've been thrown in a washing machine with a few dozen boulders. And my throat feels like I tried swallowing a grapefruit.

Boy, you're probably thinking, sounds like he sure had a fun Halloween! If only that were so. If fun involves being too exhausted to focus energy on anything for more than 5 minutes, trying to nap and failing miserably, battling the cold weather of Ohio, watching as half the people you know face automobile problems, and ending it with phone calls to police and hospitals, panicked that a family member has been in a serious accident (or possibly dead)... then, and only then, would I say yes, it was fun.

That does make it sound like I had the worst month ever, though. And I can't say that. I've met and spoke with wonderful people, traveled extensively, made new friends and contacts, and found a few times to smile and laugh genuinely. Still, there have been difficult moments. And some people have been left by the wayside as my time has been horrifyingly limited. I'm still only in the beginning phases of catching up, so hopefully I can, at least in part, make up for the many blunders and changes that've happened in these short few weeks. Only time will tell.

I do need to get back to business here on this blog too. I've had one guest blogging offer already, which pleases me to no end. Any time I can have a few people take over for a brief time and post some interesting, amusing, or humorous tidbits in keeping with the intended purpose of this blog, it's greatly appreciated. As one man, trying to write these posts along with other articles all over and future book projects, it can be difficult finding the time to remember that my own life is often kept on the wayside. I love to write on here, don't get me wrong, but after a few years of posting far more regularly, I do need a break. There are people out there I want to have some actual time with and trips I need to make or plan. And to top it all off, I have a severely difficult project on the horizon: writing a sequel to my book. It won't be easy, that's for sure... but I want to do it and refuse not to do it.

So, as the weather gets colder and more dreary here in Ohio, we'll see what happens with my cabin fever as we head into winter. One year of so much traveling and interesting adventures will certainly make matters worse. And when the first snow flies in the coming month or so, I'll probably have more time for blogging... but long for the world outside that is frozen in place until the spring thaw.

(Un)Dead Man Walking...

Welcome to October... or, as I prefer to think of it, that time of year when suddenly everyone thinks about ghosts, ghouls, and hauntings only to forget about them after Halloween. Those of us dealing with the dead generally feel it's "just another day at the office" and sometimes scoff at the sudden interest. Although there is one exception to it being like the rest of the year: everyone wants you to be everywhere at once for the whole 31 days.

Honestly, I haven't had what you might call a laid-back October in a few years now. I miss the days when Halloween was something to look forward to instead of the last night and a mile marker for that next chance to take a deep breath, kick off your shoes, and relax. But this is what I've chosen, because I love the paranormal. So I won't complain... though I might try my best to find mild ways of enjoying myself between gigs.

And this month is going to be action-packed for me. I'm gone to Cleveland this weekend to conduct an investigation at a haunted place, followed by an appearance on The Kode 'N Nyte Show on NRR Radio on Sunday to talk ghosts, have fun, and give away a copy of Queer Hauntings. Then I have a few days of down time, hopefully having coffee with a friend, before taking my great adventure east to Salem, the Witch City!

Thankfully traveling via Amtrak again (I love rail travel... so relaxing), I'll be arriving in Boston on October 8th where I'll meet with Jeffrey Justice, who has been tirelessly helping me plan events in Salem for my week-long stay. I don't have a full schedule yet to give you all, but you can be sure I'll be poking around town, popping up in some of the expected (and more unexpected) places. If you happen to be in the area, check with your local bookstores and see if I'll be popping by... I know Cornerstone Books is on my list for the 15th!

Although it is mainly intended to be a "business" trip, that doesn't mean I'm not planning on enjoying myself. If money permits, I'll be having a nice celebratory beverage at some night spot with Jeffrey and I'll be taking plenty of photographs throughout my stay. I''m even planning an excursion to a haunted New England site as research for the sequel to Queer Hauntings (yes, I'm already working on that slowly). Perhaps I'll take a few interesting photos and have a little contest here... letting my dear readers try to guess where I was.

After I arrive back in Ohio on October 17th, it's off to Dayton for another busy week with friends, followed by a ghost tour. Perhaps I'll stop to breathe around the 24th before the month crescendos into Samhain, or All Hallows Eve. All the while my laptop will be with me. During all my excursions, I should be letting everyone know what is happening and updating things accordingly. There is no guarantee I'll have time to post daily, but at least I'll do my best to share my experiences with you all.

Closing in on Queer Phantoms...

We're in the final stretch now. Only four more days until Halloween (or Samhain, if you prefer). It's a week of ghosts and goblins for many of us. Of course, spooky things are a year-round focus. But this is the time when the average person pays closer attention. And that includes the media.

Today, Edge New York is running an article. Yours truly had the pleasure of being interviewed about Queer Paranormal and discussing a bit about the concept of it and my current focus. Reporter and comedian Scott Stiffler also chatted with a few haunted places to get their own take on the queer side of the supernatural. Perhaps a few more New Yorkers might stop by Urge Lounge this holiday season... for spirits of a different variety.

The article, 'Are There Gay Ghosts?', is available online now and will be available on all of Edge's partner sites across the country.

And remember... if you go out to party this week at any bars or clubs, or even celebrate All Hallows Eve at the home of friends or family, keep an eye out for anything unusual. Not all the spirits around you may be costumed guests or bottled vapors. You might be in a haunted building without realizing it...