Karen Michelle Nutt's Blog, page 74

H is for Haunted Places

It is the fifth day of the A to Z Challenge.

H is for Haunted Places! How could I resist after G is for Ghosts?

Below are photos from various Ghost Tours I have taken in the past. Happy Haunting!

 

 

 

Queen Mary is located in Long Beach, California

There are what psychics call ‘hot spots’ and vortexes throughout the ship. The first class swimming pool and the dressing rooms have the most paranormal sightings.  It is believed a woman was attacked in the pool’s dressing room. Numerous psychics feel there is a negative energy that still lingers.  It has been reported a  little girl’s laughter can be heard on occasion and a forlorn girl, clutching a teddy bear, has appeared to guests and staff.  They believe she may have drowned.  At times, they have heard splashing and have seen wet footprints leading to the changing rooms.

Another sighting is of a woman and a child dressed in 1940’s clothing standing near the gate leading to the pool. (Do you notice the light energy strands in the picture? Some believe this is a spirit. We had a quite a few pictures like this. What do you think?)

One spirit said to haunt the Queen Mary on D Deck or door #13 in shaft alley is John Pedder. He was a fireman/cleaner in the number 3 Boiler Room in 1966.  For some reason on a routine drill, the eighteen year old tried to squeeze through the watertight door that closes in less than six seconds.  Some speculated that he was trying to play “Chicken” and unfortunately, it became a deadly game where he lost his life.

Haunted Jail in Bodie, California

The town jail still stands in Bodie. In 1881, the bail was set at five dollars for any resident. Joseph DeRouche was the only prisoner who escaped from the jail, but his freedom was short lived. The residents formed the “601 Vigilante Committee” and went after DeRouche. They apprehended him at Goat Ranch and returned him to town where they hanged him at midnight.

Haunted Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Rudolph Valentino was best known for his role as “The Sheik.” He was the heartthrob of the silent pictures and when he died of complications after surgery for a gastric ulcer, thousands of people attended his funeral.

On the anniversary of his death, a lady in black and wearing a veil to hide her face, brought roses to Valentino’s crypt. Though many claim to be this mysterious woman, most believe the woman was Ditra Flame.

Valentino was a friend to Ditra’s mother. Ditra had been seriously ill and in the hospital. Valentino visited the girl and brought her a single red rose. “You’re not going to die at all,” Valentino told her. “You’re going to outlive me by many years. But one thing for sure—if I die before you do, will you please come and stay by me because I don’t want to be alone either. You come and talk to me.”

Ditra did get better, while Valentino died a few years later. Ditra wanted to honor his request and brought red roses to his crypt every year. She passed away in 1984, but others have taken up the tradition of leaving flowers. Our tour guide, Kari Bible, who loves the history of Hollywood and the legends who lit up the screens, has decided to carry on the tradition of the well-known Lady in Black by leaving red roses at Valentino’s crypt.

 

Ghostly sightings: Some visitors claimed they’ve seen a ghost woman in black kneeling in front of Valentino’s tomb. Others have seen a rose suddenly appear in the vase on the wall. Some have heard footsteps when no one was there. While others have the feeling they’re being watched.

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum in Florida

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is a working lighthouse serving the nation’s oldest port.  The waters around St. Augustine can be treacherous.  In the 16th Century the Spanish built a watchtower, but it wasn’t until 1824 that an official tower and beacon was built giving Florida its first official lighthouse.

The photo on the left is downstairs in the keeper’s house. The apparitions of two girls have appeared to the staff and guests down here and at the top of the spiral stairs.

Sometimes you’ll hear laughter and children playing.  It is believed to be the spirits of Hezekiah Pittee’s two daughters, who tragically lost their lives.

On July 10, 1873, five children were playing.  They decided it would be fun to ride the railcar down the steep slope.  The railcar didn’t make the turn, but plunged into the Atlantic Ocean.  Workers tried to save them, but they only saved a boy and a girl.  Two of Pitte’s daughters, Mary (15), and Eliza (13), and a young black girl, either a servant or the daughter of one of the workers drowned.

Jerome Grand Hotel, Jerome, Arizona

In 1927, the Jerome Grand Hotel was the United Verde Hospital. In 1930, it was written up as the most modern and well equipped hospital in Arizona. However the Hospital was closed in 1950 as the mine operation began to phase out. The building stood unused for the next 44 years until the rehabilitation plans started in 1994 as the Jerome Grand Hotel.

There are three main ghosts at the hotel. There is a woman in white who roams the corridors late at night. It is believed to be a woman who died during childbirth. The baby also did not survive, and the woman searches for the child she lost.

The second is of a nurse who carries a clipboard. She's been sighted on the third floor, bending over as if there are beds and she's checking on a patient.

The third is believed to be Claude Harvey, who died in an elevator accident in 1935. He roams the hotel, including the basement. Some speculate the elevator incident was no accident and he was actually murdered.

Other paranormal experiences at the hotel include: coughing and wheezing coming from one of the rooms, ghostly lights in unoccupied rooms, and the scent of cigar and tobacco smoke.

Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, Arizona

William 'Billy' Hutchinson opened The Bird Cage Theatre in 1881. The Bird Cage served as a theater, saloon, brothel, and gambling house until 1889. It was open all day and all night, every day of the year. Its sordid ways earned a comment form the New York Times, describing it as "the wildest, wickedest night spot between Basin Street and Barbary Coast." There were twenty-six murders committed at the Birdcage.  It's no wonder there is reported paranormal activity.

There have been reports of talking, whispering, and singing when no one is in the theater. Others have seen an apparition of a woman singing on stage, but then she fades away.

There have been people who claim as they approach the saloon, it sounds like it is crowded with loud patrons. There are others who smell smoke and whiskey. Ghosts wearing period clothing have join in on tours. They look so real, tourists believed they are part of the fun, but find out later that there weren't any employees dressed in period clothing.

 I hope you enjoyed the tour. Have you been on a ghost tour? Do share.

Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants.

G is for Ghosts

It is the seventh day of the A to Z Challenge.

G is for Ghosts

What is a ghost? Some believe it is a soul or spirit of a dead person or animal. The entity may appear as wisps of fog-like mist, a transparent figure, a partially visible spirit, or a lifelike versions of what the person once looked like.

Ghosts have been known to haunt a location or even an object. People and animals are not all that have made ghostly appearances. There have been reports of ghost trains and phantom ships.

There are many theories and documented experiences throughout history to explain ghosts, but even now they remain a mystery. Below is a list of the different types of spirits one may come across.

The Intelligent Ghost

A more traditional view of ghosts is that they are spirits of the dead who are ‘stuck’ between this plane of existence and the next. These ghosts are in limbo and may haunt the place of their death, or a location where they felt safe and happy. The intelligent ghost will interact with the living, and you may be able to communicate with them.

A 14-year-old domestic servant, Therese Selles, experienced a poltergeist. (1911)

 

The Residual Hauntings

These are the ghosts that seem to repeat the same action. Like a ghost ship appearing at the same location where it sunk, or when a ghost materializes in the same place, repeats the same movements, and does not interact with a ‘live’ person. It could simply be footfalls in the same hallway or stairs with no visual apparition. These sightings or ghostly sounds are similar to a recording. The residual energy plays over and over again. The traumatic moment leaves an impression, causing the event to play in a continual loop.

Poltergeist

A poltergeist is a noisy ghost. They tend to move or throw objects, hide trinkets, and make persistent rapping sounds. Generally poltergeists are harmless pranksters.

Vortexes

Queen Mary (Orb)

Queen Mary (Vortex)

Vortexes or vortices are wisps of light that appear in photos. They may look like swirling spiral light or look like an opaque shape. They are thought to be spiritual energies trying to manifest into a more human-like form. Others believe vortexes are just reflections of light from breath or cigarette smoke.

Orbs

Orbs are round particles of light appearing in photos. Some believe they are many ghosts in a ball of light. Others explain them away as dust particles.

Interesting Ghost S ightings

Rudolph Valentino’s Dog Kabar died in 1929 and is buried in Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park in California. Kabar has appeared by his grave and likes to lick every passerby.

It is said on moonlit nights Blackbeard’s headless shade can be seen swimming in Ocracoke Island cover where he died. On November 1718, after a battling the British navy, Blackbeard succumbed to five bullets and over twenty sword wounds. The British hung his head on their ship and tossed his body overboard. It is rumored his headless body swam around the boat three times before sinking beneath the ocean’s surface.

Tombigbee River

The Eliza Battle, a paddle steamer burned in 1858 on the Tombigbee River in Alabama. There are reports of this paddle steamer appearing fully aflame as a warning of impending disaster.

THE SPIRIT OF LOVE is a ghostly tale aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.

Ebook: Kindle

Blurb:

A tragic accident leaves Brynna and Travis devastated. Instead of turning to each other for comfort, they drift apart. However, they must complete one more assignment—set on an old ship, The Queen Mary, during Yule, one of the most haunted times in the Celtic calendar. It is believed souls of the dead prevail and anam cara—soul friends can visit.

Will Travis and Brynna confront the spirit of love, allowing them a chance to heal and find their way back to each other?

So my questions to you: Do you believe in Ghosts? Have you ever seen one?

I hope you enjoyed the post and will stop by tomorrow for H is for Haunted Places.

Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants.

Snippet Sunday: Magic of the Loch (The Legend #12) #SPeekSunday #8sunday #snippetsunday

Hello Everyone!  This month I'm participating in the A to Z Challenge. Come by each day for a new post. Then hop to the other participants' blogs. Meet new people and have lots of fun!

Now for Snippet Sunday and this is another snippet from Magic of the Loch.  This is the legend and how it all began... Snippet #12.

The Wild Rose Press

Kindle

NOOK

Blurb:

Michaela Grant travels to Scotland for a holiday, knowing this vacation is her last. A medical condition threatens her life and any chance of a future—until she meets Alan MacLachlin, a man forced to exist between two worlds.

Alan is the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Once every fifty years he returns to human form in search of his soul mate, the one woman who can break his curse. He believes he has found forever with Michaela, but to claim it he must figure out how to save her life.

Michaela and Alan vow to take what time has to offer, but another threat looms. A sinister shape shifter with a vendetta against Alan is making Loch Ness his personal hunting ground. Now he’s threatening Michaela. Alan must discover who the shifter is and stop him before it’s too late.

Update: This scene takes place a few paragraphs later from snippet #11 , and has been tweaked a wee bit to fit the sentence limit. Druid Daly spares Gordana's son, but Gordana is not so lucky. She's turned into into the Loch Ness Monster, but Alan steps forward to confront the druid. He pleads his case, stating a son needs his mother. Hyatt steps forward and stands beside his brother. The Druid is somewhat swayed by their pleas of clemency for their sister, but the gods will not be pleased if the well goes unguarded.

Now for the six: Druid Daly is speaking first.

*************************************************************************************************

“Would ye both step up to take her place then?”

Alan glanced at the beast with thick gray skin, long neck and wide body, a hideous creature, but the eyes—the eyes of the beast were still Gordana’s. She was his sister and he would protect her. He stood a little taller. “Aye, that I would.”

“And ye?” Druid Daly said, looking at Hyatt.

“Aye, I will stand by my brother.”

“Then ye both shall be guards in her place.”

“Wait,” Alan cried, stopping Druid Daly from waving his staff and unleashing magic.

*************************************************************************************************

Alan and Hyatt have made a deal with the druid, and it appears it is a binding agreement. What do think Alan could possibly ask for now? Come by next week and find out.

If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us and share a snippet of your work in progress, a new release, or an oldie but goodie.

Participating Authors are listed at these sites: Hashtags: #SPeekSunday #8sunday #snippetsunday

http://sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com/

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

F is for Fairies

It is the Sixth day of the A to Z Challenge.

F is for Fairies.

Fairy is also known as faery, faerie, fay, fae, the wee folk, good folk or fair folk. This mythical being is described as supernatural or preternatural. In early history, the faeries were described as appearing human, but possessing magical powers. The winged-faeries became popular in Victorian times. In some folklore fairies have green eyes and bite. They are brilliant at confusing their words, but they cannot lie. They hate being told ‘thank you’. They want their good deed remembered and want something that will guarantee it.

Legend of the Fairies

Fairies are Dead

Some believe fairies are the dead, ghost-like figures. The Irish and the Scottish believe the banshee is a fairy woman. She’s sometimes referred to as a ghost.

Elementals

Some believe the fairies were an intelligent species like an elemental. Gnomes and Sylphs are such fairies.

Demoted Angels

Another belief is that they are demoted angels. One story states when the angels revolted, God ordered the gates shut and those in heaven remained angel, those in hell became devils, and those caught in between became fairies. Another story is that the angels were thrown out of heaven. They weren’t evil enough for hell, but they were not good enough to be in heaven.

Demons

Another belief is that fairies are demons. This became popular with the growth of Puritanism. The hobgoblin was a friendly household spirit, but then became a wicked goblin during this period. Dealing with faeries was considered witchcraft and was punishable by death.

Pagan Deities

In many of the Irish tales the Tuatha De Danaan are considered fairies. In ancient writings they were considered goddesses and gods. These beings came from the islands in the north of the world, or from the sky. After they were defeated in battles they withdrew to the sidhe (fairy mounds). In Celtic lore the sidhe were immortals living in the ancient barrows and cairns. The Tuatha de Danaan were associated with Otherworld realms: Mag Mell (the Pleasant Plain), Emain Ablach (the Land of Promise or the Isle of Women), and the Tir na nÓg (the Land of Youth).

In my tale, the fairies don't make an appearance, but they do give a wee bit of nudge to bring Aubrey and Ian together.

Mr. O'Grady's Magic Box (UNBELIEVABLE FINDS PARANORMAL Series)

This sweet tale surrounds Aubrey and Ian. They shared a whirlwind romance, but it ended abruptly with no closure.  Aubrey's arrival at the inn will give Ian a chance to explain why he left her,  but will it be enough for her to forgive him? Can a romance gone wrong be rekindle into something more profound? 

So do you think of fairies as small winged fairies, or beautiful human-like beings?

Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants.

*All photos are public domain works of art.

E is for Entertainment

It is the fifth day of the A to Z Challenge. Join in and hop to the different blogs. meet new people, expand your knowledge, but most of all have fun! 

E is for Entertainment, and this means it is all about holding the attention of an audience. It can be an event, storytelling, performances, music, or going to the movies!

How has Entertainment changed through the years:

"Gladiatorial games" were popular during Roman times. A fight to the death had the crowd roaring with encouragement and cheers to the winner.

A jester, or fool entertained a ruler in medieval times.

Tournaments were another form of entertainment. Jousting was a popular martial game between two horsemen using lances.

The Globe Theatre was a theatre in London where people gathered to be entertained by Shakespeare's plays.

In 1902, the first permanent theater in California designed to screen movies was the Tally's Electric  Tally's theater was a storefront within a larger building. It featured the movie, The Great Train Robbery in 1903, which was 12 minutes in length.

The movies are my favorite pastime. I've listed a few movies I enjoy through the years, and of course the titles all start with the letter E.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)

Is a refreshing story about the classic tale: Cinderella. I loved this sweet story and fell in love with Dougray Scott who played the prince.

Elf (2003)

This is about a man who had been raised by elves in the North Pole. His ungainly size causes havoc in the community due to how much larger he is than everyone else. But until his adoptive father tells him, he believes he’s an elf. He then ventures out to find his real father in the US. This movie had me laughing. Stars Will Ferrell, James Caan and Bob Newhart.

Ella Enchanted (2004)

Ella is under a spell to be obedient no matter the request. She must hide this fact from her step-family in order to protect the prince. Of course she falls in love with said prince. Stars: Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, and Cary Elwes.

Eagle Eye (2008):

Jerry and Rachel are two strangers, but they are thrown together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have never met. Threatening their lives and family, this woman pushes Jerry and Rachel into dangerous situations, and uses technology to track and control their every move. Stars: Shia La Beouf and Michelle Monaghan.

Easy A (2010):

A clean-cut high school student relies on the school's rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing. Starring: Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Penn Badgley.

The Expendables (2010)

A CIA operative hires a team of mercenaries to eliminate a Latin dictator and a renegade CIA agent. I enjoyed seeing the actors who starred in the 80s action-packed movies team up for this movie.

 Stars: Stallone's Barney Ross, Jason Statham's Lee Christmas, Jet Li's Ying Yang, Terry Crews' Hale Caesar, and Randy Couture's Toll Road.

 

Click on the movie covers to purchase a copy of the movie at Amazon.

In my tale AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT the hero is a 1970s movie star of a popular Western TV show.

Tricia Lancaster, a reporter for a small time newspaper volunteered to cover the story of Dean McCloud's life. Even though the actor died before she was born, she felt a connection to him. She thought if she wrote the story, her curiosity would be satisfied and she could move on with her life. When she's miraculously transported back in time and she finds out it's a few days before Dean killed himself, she realizes she has a chance to save him. However, after meeting the overconfident movie star, she's convinced he didn't kill himself. Someone else pulled the trigger.

Dean McCloud thinks Tricia is trippin' when she tells him she's from the future. However, when Tricia's predictions start coming true, Dean realizes maybe she's not a crazy chick after all. Someone murdered him and they have until the Stroke of Midnight on New Years Eve to find out who wants him dead.

Do you have an entertaining movie to add to the list?

Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants.

D is for Darn Delightful Dog Facts

It is the fourth day of the A to Z Challenge.  Join in and hop to the different blogs. meet new people, expand your knowledge, but most of all have fun! 
 

Jack the Licker, Penny Winnie, and Brutis 'Cujo' Menutis—No these are not wild west outlaw names or the fanciful names the Scottish reivers liked to use. These are the affectionate nicknames we have for our three dogs: Jack, Penny and Brutis.

Jack, my Chorkie (which is a chihuahua and Yorkshire terrier mix), sits with me while write my otherworldly tales. He's a sweet boy. His nickname is: Jack the Licker... well you can probably guess why. Penny is a teacup chihuahua and is three pounds of cuddly fur. Brutis is a chihuahua mix and has the attitude of a ferocious beast until confronted then he runs away.

For today's post, I put together some dog facts you were just dying to know. lol

Darn Delightful Dog Facts:

All dogs can be traced back 40 million years ago to a weasel-like animal called the Miacis, which dwelled in trees and dens. The Miacis later evolved into the Tomarctus, a direct forbear of the genus Canis, which includes the wolf and jackal, and the dog.

Ancient Egyptians revered their dogs so much that if their pet died they would shave their eyebrows, smear mud on their hair and mourn out loud for days..

Shakespeare

Grapes and raisins can cause renal failure in dogs. Chocolate, macadamia nuts, cooked onions, or anything with caffeine are also harmful.

Shakespeare was our 15 year old hound dog that passed away in January. He stars in my short story: Mistletoe, Stakes, and Yuletide Cheer, featured in the 2012 Christmas Collection.

Dogs have three eyelids. The third lid, called a nictitating membrane or “haw,” keeps the eye lubricated and protected.

Ozzy Osborne saved his wife’s Pomeranian from a coyote by tackling it and wrestling the coyote until it released the dog.

The phrase “raining cats and dogs” originated in seventeenth-century England. Oftentime during heavy rainstorms, homeless animals drowned and their bodies would float down the streets, giving the appearance it had rained cats and dogs.

During the Middle Ages, Great Danes and Mastiffs wore suits of armor and spiked collars when they entered battle or when they were to defend the supply caravans.

Weird dog laws: Police officers in Palding, Ohio may bite a dog to quiet it. In Ventura County, California, cats and dogs are not allowed to have sex without a permit.

Plato said: “a dog has the soul of a philosopher.”

The earliest European images of dogs are found in a cave in Spain. The cave paintings date back 12,000 years ago in Spain

Dogs can register sounds of 35,000 vibrations a second where as a human can only hear 20,000 vibrations.

A German shepherd has smell sensory cells of 220,000,000 where as a human has only 5,000,000 cells.

The tallest dogs are the Great Dane and the Irish wolfhound. The smallest dogs are the Chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier and Toy Poodle.

The oldest age recorded for a dog is 29 years and 5 months.

Penny, Jack and Brutis are asking:
"Did you say treats?"

The world’s heaviest and longest dog is an English Mastiff named Zorba which weighed 3423 pounds and eight feet three inches long from nose to tail.

Greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour in short bursts.

Do you have any interesting facts to add to the list?

Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants.

C is for Cats

It is the third day of the A to Z Challenge.  Join in and hop to the different blogs. meet new people, expand your knowledge, but most of all have fun! 

Since I'm a cat lover, I thought I would write a post about these furry friends.

Cat Facts:

Brynn

A group of cats is referred to as a clowder or a glaring. A male cat is called a 'tom’ or ‘tomcat’, but if neutered the male is called a ‘gib’. A female is called a ‘molly’ or a ‘queen’. A male progenitor is called a sire and the female is called a dam. The young is called a kitten, but used to be called a catling.

Cats have excellent night vision and see at only one-sixth the light level required for human vision. However they have poor color vision.

Cats have an acute sense of smell, too. They are sensitive to pheromones and communicate through urine spraying and marking with scent glands. Cats also respond strongly to plants that contain neptalactone, which can be found in catnip.

To aid with navigation and sensation, cats have dozens of movable whiskers over their body—mostly on their face. The whiskers provide information on the width of gaps and on the location of objects in the dark, both by touching objects and by sensing air currents. The whisker also trigger a ‘blink reflexes’ to protect their eyes.

Domestic cats are vocal. They meow, purr, trill, growl, snarl and grunt. Feral cats are generally silent.

The cat’s body language dictates its mood. Positioning of the ears and tail, relaxation of the body, kneading paws, are all indication of the cats moods. The tail and ears are important to watch. A raised  tail is friendly greeting, while flattened ears indicates a hostile greeting. Nose-to-nose touching is friendly greeting, too.

Cats in History:

Ancient Egypt regarded cats as sacred animals. The goddess Bastet is often depicted in cat form.

McGregor

The Romans introduced the domesticated Egyptian cat to Europe.

During the Age of Discovery, sailing ships kept cats on board to control rodents infestation. They were also considered good-luck charms.

Several ancient religions believed cats are exalted souls or guides for humans. They believe they are all-knowing but cannot influence a human’s decision.

In Japan the ‘maneki neko’ is a cat symbolizing good fortune.

Norse legend of Freya, the goddess of love and fertility had a chariot pulled by two black cats. After serving Freya for seven years, the cats were rewarded and were turned into witches.

Cat Superstitions 

A black cat crossing your path will lead to bad luck.

A cat is a witch’s familiar and used to augment a witch’s powers and skills.

According to myths, many countries believe cats have nine lives. Italy, Germany, Greece, and some Spanish speaking regions believe cats have seven lives. The Turkish and Arabic believe they have six.

The Elizabethans also believed black to be evil. They also believed a cat was the witch’s pet. So a black cat crossing your path would surely lead to mishap.

Tiger Lilly

Sadly, in the Middle Ages the black cat became affiliated with evil. Cats are nocturnal creatures and they believed the cat was a supernatural being because of its glowing night eyes and sleek movements.

A kitten born in May will be a witch’s cat. Hmm…Tiger Lilly was born in May. She’s a little witch at times —not the other way around. Lol  We do love her though. She's loud and demanding and enters a room as if she owns the place.

McGregor and Bryn were strays. McGregor is the sweetest and loves to cuddle. The moment I arrive home, Byrn will greet me with meows of hello. She loves to cuddle, too.

Trivia: McGregor stars in Eli: Warriors for the Light (Fallen Angels, Book 1)

Tiger Lilly stars in Lucca:Warriors for the Light (Fallen Angels, Book 2)

Brynn will have a starring role in Gideon's tale.

 

So do you have a cat? I would love for you to share some fond memories.

Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants.

B is for Boston

I t is the second day of the A to Z Challenge. Arlee Bird started this blogathon and what started out as a few hundred bloggers has now reached over a thousand! Join in and hop to the different blogs. meet new people, expand your knowledge, but most of all have fun!

My Urban Fantasy, SOUL TAKER takes place in Boston, Massachusetts so thought I’d list a few interesting facts about the fascinating city!

Boston's History:

Puritan colonists from England founded the town in 1630.

The Boston Massacre took place on March 5, 1770, when British soldiers fired into a rioting mob on King Street located outside the British Custom House. This resulted in five civilian deaths and escalated the growing tension.

The American Revolution erupted in Boston when the British retaliated against the Patriots after the ‘Boston Tea Party’.

In 1755 Boston endured the 6.0 to 6.3 Cape Ann Earthquake, the largest earthquake to hit Northeastern United States.

March 20 1760, the first ‘Great Fire’ destroyed 349 buildings and was fought by the Boston Fire Department.

1860s Civil War: It was the base for anti-slavery activities.

In the 1800s Boston became the transportation hub for the New England region.

November 9, 1872: The Great Boston Fire started at the corner of Summer Street and Kingston Street. In two days the fire destroyed 65 acres and 776 buildings. Over 60 million dollars in damage.

On November 28, 1942, Boston's Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire took place. It was the deadliest nightclub fire in United States history, killing 492 people and injuring hundreds more.

Boston Strangler:  It is believed that between June 14, 1962, and January 4, 1964, as many as the Boston Strangler murdered thirteen single women between the ages of 19 and 85. The number is still in dispute. Though the crimes were attributed to Albert DeSalvo, other investigators suggest that one person did not commit the murders.

March 18, 1990, the largest art theft in modern history occurred. Twelve paintings were stolen from the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum. The total of all twelve paintings was worth over $100 million. The thieves posed as police officers. The paintings have not been recovered.

In 2007, the Central Artery/Tunnel project was completed. Nicknamed the Big Dig. Central Artery underground, widened the north-south highway, and created local bypasses to prevent east-west traffic from contributing to congestion.

Fun Facts:

From 1659 to 1681, it was against the law to celebrate Christmas in Boston because the pilgrims believed it immoral.

Massachusetts State house is home to both the governor, state legislature and also serves as the state capital for Massachusetts. The structure is located on 6.7 acres of land. This land has an amazing pedigree; its former owner was John Hancock.

The Boston Common: It is America's oldest city park and was established in 1634. The property was once owned by the city's first settler, William Blaxton. During colonial times, the British used the Common as a military base, and a place where criminals were hanged.  The Frog Pond in the center of the park is used as a skating rink during the winter months. They even have a Skating Academy that offers "open enrollment!"

Located at 148 Tremont Street in the Boston Common area of Boston. The Freedom Trail leads visitors to sixteen historic sites covering American history from past to present.

The Boston Cream Pie was invented at the Omni Parker House in Boston. It is the state's official dessert.

The first American lighthouse was built in the Boston Harbor in 1716.

On March 17, 1737, St. Patrick's Day was celebrated for the first time and it was celebrated in Boston.

The first sewing machine was built in Boston in 1845.

Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone, first demonstrated it in Boston on March 10, 1876. March 10, 1876. The first phone call in history was from Bell’s Boston machine shop. The call was to his assistant, Thomas A. Watson, in which Bell chimed, from down the hall, "Watson come here, I want you!"

The first telephone line was installed in a home in Somerville, next door to the current residence of Congressman Capuano.

Harvard University, the country's first college, was founded in 1636.

The first public beach, Revere Beach, is also located in Massachusetts.

Boston’s Haunted Places:

Boston Common: Hangings were also held at Boston Common, most notably the 1660 hanging of Mary Dyer along with three other Quakers. Initially, offenders were hanged from a tree, but from 1769 until 1817, gallows were used.

Boston Harbor: Fort Warren on Georges Island, was a prison for confederate soldiers. It is known for its eerie dungeons. Andrew Lanier’s wife tried to rescue her husband from the prison, but her attempt failed. She dressed as a man to rescue him, but was caught then accidently shot and killed her husband. She was hanged for her crimes. It is said she roams the island in a black dress attempting to strangle people.

The Omni Parker House Hotel: The former hotel’s owner, Harvey Parker is said to haunt this hotel. They say he roams the halls on the tenth-floor annex.

Cutler-Majestic Theatre located on the grounds of Emerson College was built in 1903 and has four ghosts: A young child, a man reputed to be one of Boston's former mayors, and a young couple. It is still a full functioning theatre and can be visited during normal operating hours.

Paul Revere’s home is a wooden house, with a projecting second story. Revere lived there during the 1770s, and owned the house until 1800. Many people claim that it is haunted.

My first post is: A is for April Fools' Day.

Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants.

**Photos were taken on my holiday in Boston.

 

A is for April Fools’ Day

It is the first day of the A to Z Challenge. Arlee Bird started this blogathon and what stated out as a few hundred bloggers has now reached over a thousand! Join in and hop to the different blogs. meet new people, expand your knowledge, but most of all have fun! 

April Fools' Day: Origin and History

April Fools’ Day or All Fools’ Day origin is uncertain. Some have claimed it is a light-hearted day to celebrate the turn of the seasons, while others claim it was the adoption of a new calendar. Pope Gregory XIII ordered the new Gregorian Calendar to replace the Julian Calendar. The New calendar state Jan. 1st as the New Year and not April 1st. However, news traveled slowly in 1582 and there were those who had not heard of the calendar change and continued to celebrate New Years in April. These people were considered the ‘fools’.

An Historian's Prank

Another explanation of April Fools’ Day is during the reign of Constantine that was provided by Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. Constantine’s court jesters and fools told him that they could do a better job than he could do in running the empire. Constantine was amused and allowed Kugel, a jester to be king for one day. Sounds like a great explanation… However, Boskin later claimed he made the whole explanation up. What a great April Fools’ Day joke on historians!

April Fools' Day Today

April Fools’ Day today is looking for things that don’t exist and playing them off as if they do. Playing pranks, and trying to make people believe the ridiculous, are all done in fun.

Share one of your April Fools’ Day pranks…if you dare.

Here's the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants.

*April Fool picture is from Design Graphics

Snippet Sunday: Magic of the Loch (The Legend #11) #SPeekSunday #8sunday #snippetsunday

It's Snippet Sunday and this is another snippet from Magic of the Loch.  This is the legend and how it all began... Snippet #11.

The Wild Rose Press

Kindle

NOOK

Blurb:

Michaela Grant travels to Scotland for a holiday, knowing this vacation is her last. A medical condition threatens her life and any chance of a future—until she meets Alan MacLachlin, a man forced to exist between two worlds.

Alan is the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Once every fifty years he returns to human form in search of his soul mate, the one woman who can break his curse. He believes he has found forever with Michaela, but to claim it he must figure out how to save her life.

Michaela and Alan vow to take what time has to offer, but another threat looms. A sinister shape shifter with a vendetta against Alan is making Loch Ness his personal hunting ground. Now he’s threatening Michaela. Alan must discover who the shifter is and stop him before it’s too late.

Update: This takes place a few paragraphs later from snippet #10. Druid Daly spares Gordana's son, but Gordana is not so lucky. He tells the clan even though the well is under water, it still needs to be protected. Druid Daly raises his staff and points it at Gordana. Lightning strikes her, releasing the magic...

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Gordana screamed withering on the ground as bright energy encased her body, shifting it, changing it. Bones popped, elongated, and skin stretched, darkening to gray as an enormous creature with a long neck and tail emerged.

Druid Daly spoke again. “Ye have failed to guard the well in yer human state. Ye shall guard it in a more suitable skin.”

Ronson’s eyes widened in fear as he stumbled back. A woman grabbed Gordana’s child less he be trampled by the monster Gordana had become.

“Ye cannae do this,” Alan said as he pushed his way through the crowd.

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Gordana's brother is confronting Druid Daly. Yikes! He's either stupid or very brave. Which do you think he is?

If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us and share a snippet of your work in progress, a new release, or an oldie but goodie.

Participating Authors are listed at these sites: Hashtags: #SPeekSunday #8sunday #snippetsunday

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