A Good Read - for Paranormal Enthusiasts

I've been engrossed in a book I picked up a month ago: "A History of Ghosts - The True Story of Seances, Mediums, Ghosts and Ghostbusters" - Peter H. Aykroyd with Angela Narth, 2009©.

It's been a great read so far, and reminds me of a book Lesli bought me for my birthday last year, "Poltergeist" - Colin Wilson. Both books refer to a number of the same mediums and paranormal investigators going back to the late 1800's, early 1900's; as well as the information they provide confirms their indepth research. That makes me happy, gives me the feeling that what I'm reading has been thoroughly investigated and confirms each other's findings. Therefore, I find myself following along with excitement and anticipation in what else I have yet to learn.

Yes, Peter H. Aykroyd is the father of Dan Aykroyd, the Canadian actor. According to Peter, his story of spending his childhood watching his family's parlor seances, inspired Dan to make the blockbuster movie, "Ghostbusters". How neato is that? For a parent to know his past experiences have touched their child's life, must be exciting. This is truly family. I know some of the choices I've made have been due to my own parents' experiences. It's a passing of family history.

The book is an easy and delightful read, filled with information and great short stories, as well as is extremely interesting and capturing. Not only does it contain "comments" and "end notes" of value, but also a list of "text sources" and "web sources" we can all check out. It is well worded, and about a subject I've been researching for a while. I tend to browse book stores everywhere I go, whether on vacation or during my weekly visit to neighbouring shops, and pick up on odd books here and there discussing stories/theories about the paranormal and spirituality. I've always enjoyed the touch of a books cover, smelling the paper filled pages inside, feeling each one, and thumbing through for anything that sticks out such as photos or titles on chapters. Books are great!

I'm on the 4th Chapter of this 5 Chapter book. It's definitely captured my interest, and I'm not rushing to get through it. I love to mark pages I wish to read again, and put little sticky notes on topics/paragraphs that hold information I want to research further. This book carries alot of interesting facts and accounts. I will definitely go through it many times again, and refer to the variety of information it provides, as well as share it with my partner. She's into reading as much as I am, and we love to the gift of sharing a good read!

If you have a chance, look for it, and check it out!

My sister Rose, was in Florida over the Christmas/New Year's vacation with her family. She was in an antique book store and picked up a wonderful read for me: "Ghosts in American Houses" - James Reynolds, 1965©. I am excited by this next read. It is filled with stories James picked up from lores and legends passed on. He's also shared his paintings within it's pages. He's a terrific artist! Thumbing through it quickly had me noting that some of the tales are from as far back as the early-mid 1700's. Just what I wanted to read! My sister knows me so well. I'll treasure this.

If you know of any great reads, let me know! I can always use another book! I'll add it to my ever growing paranormal library, and from time to time, blog about it.. so that everyone can catch onto this fever we share.

Happy Reading!
kati

VSPI - Up & Running!

Saturday night.. and i've been working on getting Vancouver Spooks Paranormal Investigations website up and running. well, *drum roll*.. i'm happy to announce it's up! check it out: http://www.vancouverspooks.com/ YEAH! of course it requires some tweeking and work. i'll be all over that in the next few days. so hang in there folks, we'll get it the way we want it soon. of course i'm open to any comments/suggestions you have for me! email me.. ok?

what else is new?

the Paralympics are coming to an end. Canada's had such a great ride so far. with several local women making a huge splash in the skiing events.. gold here and there. it's truly amazing! i was watching online a "visually impaired" Alpine Skiing Downhill event, and i was stunned. WOW! with a guide skiing feet ahead of them, and communicating only via a headpiece.. i just can't imagine going downhill at such a speed without "seeing" what is infront of oneself. kudos to the guides for giving amazing direction! i thoroughly enjoyed watching the Sledge Hockey events as well. the athletes are truly built of strength, determination and will to look forward. this game ranks up there with plenty of our NHL & Olympic Ice Hockey games. a new fan has been born in me!

[photo: Val (a volunteer), Quatchie & me]
i became a volunteer for the Olympics out at the UBC Thunderbird Arena, and i had a few days out at the Canada Hockey House towards the end of the games. my favourite part of being a volunteer was meeting people from all walks of life, of all corners of our world, and trading pins with children.. needless to say, i have picked up some cool pins from the RCMP, Czech Republic, Latvia, China and a few more. the people who traded with me were remarkable. there was one evening when i was working in the wheelchair access stands, and a father with his young son (around 7 years old) came in. i assisted them in finding their spot. soon the son wanted to go get some goodies to eat, but with the crowds, his father (in a wheelchair) didn't think it safe for him to go out on the concourse. i had some snack bars in my wonderful blue "smurf" jacket, so i gave them to the child. he looked up at me and smiled with such glee, as if i had just made his day. during intermission i volunteered to take the child to the food stands. his father was very grateful, but you know, i was the one who benefitted from this moment the most. i made new friends and learned something i shall never forget. "giving is precious, for that moment you see a child's smile, is the treasure of it all."

night has fallen, and i'm tired. tomorrow i think i'll go down to Robson Square in the afternoon with my camera and see if i can take a few pictures. the closing ceremonies will be out at Whistler. thank gawd for tv. i can watch them in the evening.

wishing you all a super duper GROOVY weekend! chat with you soon!
kati