Spread the word! Ask me questions!

Hello! Thank you to everyone who has visited my blog. I want you to know that I read all your comments, and really would like to welcome more! Do you have questions for me about my experiences with the paranormal? (There have been lots, not just in the house described in Hauntingly Familiar) Have you had experiences of your own that you'd like to share? Sometimes, it's important to just say these things, as I've found by visiting other "paranormal" chat rooms on the internet. These things are scary if you don't understand that what you are feeling and experiencing is "para" normal. Quite simply, outside the realm of normal.
Ah, but what is normal anyways? Certainly doesn't exist in my family!
Recently, I was able to talk with some members of my family who have read Chapter One and I am pleased with the response. They, too, have gone back in their memories to a simpler time, when the world wasn't filled with electronic gadgetry and we weren't constantly under surveillance by the friends who have our cell phone numbers...
They told me that, while that time is also burned into their memories, they are pleased that I have taken the time and effort to write it all down.
"Somebody had to" was my sister's comment.
My brother-in-law, known in the book as my sister's boyfriend, Rick, pointed out that people love what they can't explain.
Why is that?
And my mom? Well, my mom simply said. "I knew it would happen sooner or later. When we sent you to Journalism school, I didn't realize you would turn around and write a book."
And Dad? Well, he promised not to ground me when he sees what I've written...
Stay tuned!

Comments from my co-author

So I am told that I have been derelict in my duties to the cat-loving public...
Annie, my co-author has advised me that I simply can't take all the credit for Hauntingly Familiar. She was, you may remember, the beautiful cat who first graced the front page of this blog. She recently learned that I changed the photo for one that my sister-in-law took as a possible front-cover photo for the book. I think it looks great, but is that good enough for her?
PHTT! She told me. Which is really quite bad language for a cat of her senior years, but I told her that I had to change it. People were asking things like, "Which one is Virginia?" and "Why are that cat's eyes so red?"
Highly distracting, as you can well imagine.

So I changed it, and did so (apparently) without consulting her. To make up for the error, I have told her that I will try my hand at creating a page just for her comments. (I trust you will understand if there is an unnatural obsession with Temptations cat treats threaded throughout.)
Annie, a Snow-Shoe Siamese (yes, it's a real breed) has been my writing companion for a number of years, and while we acquired yet another Siamese two years ago she hasn't given up her place of honor, the pillow I keep on my desk just for her.  She follows along while I type and interjects a well-articulated comment when she feels I am straying from the point. Usually this is accentuated with one graceful paw being raised in the air to swipe at my left ear...
She's been trying to teach Koko (our Chocolate Point) a thing or two and she tells me he's a little slow to learn, but I think he's catching on. He joined our family for Christmas, 2009 and was immediately nick-named "Jingle-Kringle the Angry Elf", as he went from room to room, yelling about practically everything. It turns out  he's extremely opinionated, but aren't they all?

It's tough getting the time to write in this fast-paced world of ours, and I do not yet have the luxury of being a full-time author, so Annie's natural tendency to police the cat presence in my office is actually a good thing. I hope you will enjoy her comments, and feel free to leave your own. She might actually read them.

Yesterday, Koko forgot Annie's golden rule:Writing is my gig. Get your butt off my pillow. As I made my way up the stairs to my office, a truly dreadful noise filled the air and cat fur wafted out into the hallway like smoke.
I kept my distance at that point and had a sudden craving for tea.

Have a look at Chapter One

Well, I'm getting close to releasing this thing, and I just can't resist sharing a bit of it with all of you. Sooo, I posted Chapter One for your enjoyment. I hope you like reading it as much I have liked writing it.
I welcome your comments or questions. I think I've hit the right button so that you can do that... hmm. Where is my 16 year old daughter when I need her? I think Mom needs another tutorial in the electronic arts.

Looks like publishing date is April 2012. Hang on to your hats! Or your cats...your choice.

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News about the book!

Hmmm, it's been a long time since I've posted anything, and it's long overdue.

Hello and welcome to this blog. This is being done in answer to the usual question I have received lately, which is: WOW! You wrote a book? What's it about?

Well, to be succinct, it's a paranormal memoir of my adventures while growing up in a haunted house. This house still exists today and while it's changed hands many times, the current owners have altered the original structure so much, perhaps the spirits are resting...at last.

To read a brief description, click on the page entitled ABOUT HAUNTINGLY FAMILIAR  to your right.