As I sit here, typing away, I can't help but reflect on the past year and what it has taught me. Set backs, building blocks and waves of emotion have been, just a few, of the things I have had to overcome this year. And I've done it. Not always with grace and style...but I've done it.
I stepped out of my "broom closet" a while back. I walked into a world full of egos, lies, deceit, multiple faces and cowardice. But...I was also greeted by loving arms, hope, wonder, friendship and...most of all...acceptance. For every one negative encounter I've had, I can honestly say I've been blessed by positive ones ten times more.
For a year that started out horribly, it has blossomed by leaps and bounds, into a life that is beyond my wildest hopes and dreams. In the past year I have had the extreme pleasure of hopping on a plane, with my best friend, and heading off to England. There we spent time, with some of the most fabulous people I know, investigating and exploring. Eating and talking. Taking photos of amazing places and realizing our dreams. I even got to "rub elbows" with some REALLY TV network peeps and investigate one of the most haunted placed in England with them.
Dreams, people. Only in my dreams would I ever think this was possible. Yet...it happened.
I also explored on my own, via the train in Scotland, and made my way to Glasgow to see a dear friend. You'll read about that in the book and, yes, you have permission to laugh at my antics and clumsiness. In fact...I encourage it! Lol!
The day I left England was an eye opener for me as it revealed one more piece of the puzzle that is my life. Read the book if you wanna know what I'm talking about. Lol. I won't disclose that here. I will only say this...my date of departure was not a secret.
After coming home I began to work on my 3rd book, "Walking With Ghost". As I'm sure you all know by now the title has two meanings. One being the spirits I walk with everyday and two...the ghost of decisions made that we ALL walk with. The choices we make, and the subsequent follies or fantasies from them, shape us in one way or another. Every little thing we do sets us up for the next moment, the next adventure, of our lives. Be it good or bad depends solely on us. Remember that.
Not long after I came home I was set to jet off to Virginia where I would investigate with another fantastic group. Just like my peeps in England and Scotland, I have a strong connection to my Virginia folk. We have seen each other through controversy, heartache, betrayal and strife. We have been each others virtual shoulder to cry on and "spewing profanities" sounding board.
We are each others rock. True story.
While in Virginia I learned just how painful my "gift" can be. I learned, the hard way, that I cannot do it all on my own. I learned that I am fragile. That I can be taken down, by this "gift', and that I shouldn't be afraid to reach out to stronger arms than my own. I learned...in truth...that I'm not alone. I honestly can't tell you how much that means to me. I cried so hard leaving.
A couple months later I took my son to New Orleans. I wanted him to see the beauty in the place I love so much. To feel the vibe that I feel when I'm down there. New Orleans is the place that makes my heart beat just a little faster. My blood run a little hotter. My soul shines there and I love it. I am welcomed with open arms by both the living and the dead. It is home. Simple as that.
Back in Oklahoma things got a little exciting, as well. Which is funny cause this place is anything BUT exciting. Lol! Just a while back my editor and publisher was contacted by "Ghost Adventures". They wanted to interview him for an upcoming episode. Lovely man that he is, he let me tag along. Afterall, we hadn't seen each other in years (in person) and we needed to catch up. We spent 6 hours on set and I got to meet the fellas and the crew. All in all it was a very nice evening and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Even got a pic with Zac Bagans which, I know, is coveted by many. Lol. Jealous? *wink*
I'm back in the real world now. Finished the book, we moved our radio show to You Tube with great success and am planning my next adventures. I truly do feel blessed. My appreciation, to those who love me, knows no bounds. In all honesty, I couldn't have done any of this without their support. I only hope I can continue to make you proud.
A HUGE southern big ol' kiss to these peeps!!!
Jana Klimek, Mike Rickseker, Gwen and Gene Clapper, Chris Loper, Alyssa Luckett, Kimber Nieman, Laurna Cron, Abby Thompson, Laura Keets, Dave Newton, Karl Porter, Scott Littea, Norene Sampier Balovich, Steven Currie, Fran Molino, Dom Wilkins, Leanne Leveaux, Kathryn Davidson, Sharon Hogden, Joyce Jordan, Jonathan Keepers and many, many more!!! There is NO WAY I can list everyone but I want ya'll to know how much you all mean to me!!
