Doug Dillon's Blog, page 140
February 27, 2014
Out-of Body-Experiences Link Teen to Ghosts
St. Augustine, Florida - Sliding Beneath the Surface - a teen novel – paranormal and historical, Book I of The St. Augustine Trilogy.
Description
In America’s oldest and most haunted city, St. Augustine, Florida, teenager Jeff Golden is in trouble. Horrible dreams won’t let him sleep, and he is up to his eyeballs in terrifying, paranormal experiences.
Finally, Jeff turns to his girlfriend Carla, and Lobo, the mysterious Native American shaman, for help. But what he discovers is a lot more than he bargained for.
A ghostly presence linked to a local historic cemetery is not only threatening Jeff’s sanity but his life as well. And before he knows what’s happening, Jeff finds both himself and Carla pulled into one of the nastiest and bloody events in Florida history. It is a place from which they may never escape.
See book trailerbelow:
Click here to see how this book is being used for motivation and skill building in school reading programs.
Click here to see more about this series.
February 26, 2014
Facinating Historic School Rules
Regulations for schools, classrooms, teachers and students in old St. Augustine, Florida. Talk about educational control!
If you have ever thought you had a lot of rules to follow in school, check out the ones below from 1786 in the city of St. Augustine. This was during the final decades when the Spanish owned Florida. In those days, schooling was definitely controlled by the Catholic Church but in the name of His Majesty the King of Spain. Formal education during most of colonial St. Augustine was for only for boys, even those of African ancestry–as long as they were not slaves. Sorry ladies but that’s how it was back in the day.
The Castillon de San Marcos in St. Augustine, completed in 1695.
These rules were written by Father Thomas Hassett, Parish Priest, Vicar and Ecclesiastical Judge of St. Augustine. They lasted until the city passed into American hands in 1821. Father Hassett was just one of many Irish priests who served Spanish St. Augustine over the centuries. The primary source of this information is the East Florida Papers from the Library of Congress. But to make them easier to understand, I cut out the less interesting parts and paraphrased much of the original wording.
Whether you are a student, a teacher, a parent or a history buff, I think you’ll enjoy what follows:
All teachers must be approved by St. Augustine church and city leaders.
The Great Seal of the King of Spain
All teachers must obey and carry out the following rules completely.
The King of Spain pays teachers sufficiently. In that light, no teacher may demand any kind of payment from parents.
Teachers shall prepare a list of all students in the city and request that their parents send their children to school. If parents keep their children away from school for whatever reason, the teachers shall report them to the Parish Priest. The Parish Priest shall decide how to deal with those parents.
School shall open each morning at 7 am. Students shall not be dismissed for lunch before noon.
Interior of the Oldest House Museum in St. Augustine
After lunch, school shall open again at 2 pm.
Each day, except in winter, students shall not be dismissed before sunset.
Each day in winter, students shall be dismissed a half hour before sunset.
As each student enters school both in the morning and after lunch: he shall greet with proper courtesy, first his teacher and then his fellow pupils; he shall then hang up his hat after seating himself in all modesty; after crossing himself in the name of the Holy Trinity, he shall take up the book or paper with which his study is to begin.
At 8 am in the morning and at 2:15 in the afternoon, the teacher shall call the roll. If anyone fails to answer, the teacher shall immediately send one or two boys to that student’s home to learn the cause of his absence, and if necessary, to bring him to school. If warranted, the teacher shall then apply appropriate punishment to the student when he arrives at school.
The Oldest House Museum in St. Augustine
Teachers should treat each student impartially as faithful Christians worthy of love and charity.
Teachers shall take special care to get to know each child.
Teachers shall try to be moderate in their punishment of students.
Teachers shall not yell or swear at students nor should they throw in their faces the faults of their parents or other relatives. Nor under any circumstances, should teachers allow students to treat each other in this way either. This means in school and anywhere else.
Students shall arrive at school with their hair combed and with their faces, hands and feet clean (if they come barefoot).
Teachers shall not permit a student to attend school if he has a contagious disease. The student’s parents must be notified immediately so they are not offended by having their child kept out of school until the child is cured.
The schoolrooms shall be swept at least once a week by the pupils themselves and the teachers shall appoint enough
students to get the job done properly. This task should be shared equally by all students.No student shall leave the schoolroom, even to go to the bathroom, without getting permission from the teacher.
Not more than one student shall leave the schoolroom at a time. Each time a student leaves the schoolroom, the teacher will give him a special ruler to take with him. The next student needing to leave cannot do so until he obtains that ruler and the permission of the teacher.
When a student leaves the schoolroom, his absence shall be measured by a pendulum hung from the ceiling of that schoolroom. The student shall put that pendulum in motion as he leaves and the teacher shall note whether or not the pendulum is still moving when the student returns with the ruler.
Every month, the Parish Priest and the teachers shall give all students an examination to determine their progress in writing, reading, arithmetic and Christian Doctrine.
Seating in the classroom will be determined by a student’s progress in their examinations.
Teachers shall instruct students how to assist at Mass and in services at the Parish Church on special days of the year. Teachers are to then name two students at a time to assist in these services.
The St. Augustine Cathedral
On nights when special religious processions pass through the city streets, the teachers shall attend with their students. No exceptions and no excuses. Teachers are to make sure students behave at these times with modesty and devotion.
Teachers shall attend all services of the Church with their students.
The Tolomato Cemetery
If a boy dies, the teachers shall march with their students in the boy’s funeral procession. If necessary, four boys shall carry the dead boy’s remains to the burial place.
On four specific days, a year, all students seven years of age and above shall make confession in the presence of their teachers. Just before those days arrive, teachers shall instruct their students how to properly prepare themselves for confession.
Teachers shall not permit any other language than Spanish to be spoken in the school.
Whenever students meet any of their elders in the street, they should greet them with proper courtesy.
Upon leaving school, students should go directly home without loitering, or shouting, or committing mischievous pranks in the streets.
If any black students should attend school, they shall sit apart near the door. But teachers are to give them the same quality of instruction as all the rest.
If you would like to read the actual original versions, click on the your preference below:
February 25, 2014
Mystery Pyramids Pull Teens into Parallel World
St. Augustine, Florida - Sliding Beneath the Surface - a teen novel – paranormal and historical, Book I of The St. Augustine Trilogy.
Book Description
In America’s oldest and most haunted city, St. Augustine, Florida, teenager Jeff Golden is in trouble. Horrible dreams won’t let him sleep, and he is up to his eyeballs in terrifying, paranormal experiences.
Finally, Jeff turns to his girlfriend Carla, and Lobo, the mysterious Native American shaman, for help. But what he discovers is a lot more than he bargained for.
A ghostly presence linked to a local historic cemetery is not only threatening Jeff’s sanity but his life as well. And before he knows what’s happening, Jeff finds both himself and Carla pulled into one of the nastiest and bloody events in Florida history. It is a place from which they may never escape.
See book trailerbelow:
Click here to see how this book is being used for motivation and skill building in school reading programs.
Click here to see more about this series.
February 24, 2014
Stepping Off a Cliff Review # 12
“Doug Dillon has done it again.” Young adult, paranormal, historical, science fiction. The St. Augustine Trilogy, Book II.
A review placed on Amazon.com by Chuck Dowling.
“Well Doug Dillon has done it again . . . only more so. Beware St. Augustine. If you thought the danger was great in Sliding Beneath the Surface, Doug’s first book in The St. Augustine Trilogy, his second, Stepping off a Cliff, provides even more peril for the First City of America and its people.
“As good supernatural mysteries should, the tension and dangers increase steadily, until they reach a pressure packed peak . . . then they explode.
“But then, Jeff and Carla, two teenage loners with undeveloped but impressive mental powers, and their mentor, the mysterious and ageless Native American Shaman, Lobo, are there to stand in the way of the hidden attackers and their evil designs.
“The climax will leave you breathless
“Doug has created an eerie but mostly unseen world that exists side by side with modern St. Augustine and its people and its tourists. The tale weaves in and out among many of the Florida city’s unique landmarks as the three attempt to stay the encroaching menace.
“First there is Matanzas Bay, which holds, a great secret; then, The Flagler Museum, the Castillo San Marco, Flagler College, the Bridge of Lions and more. It is obvious Doug knows and loves the city.
“No one will be disappointed with this book. It reads fast. In actuality, one could say it races to its rousing conclusion. Adults will like it. Teenage readers will love it. And, yes, they [teenagers] can make a difference.”
See the book trailer below:
To see Chuck Dowling’s full review on Amazon, click here.
Stepping Off a Cliff Review # 11
“History, Mystery, Paranormal Beings and Time Travel.”Young adult, paranormal, historical, science fiction. The St. Augustine Trilogy, Book II.
A review placed on Amazon.com by As You Wish Reviews “Julia”.
“This book is an intriguing second following an incredible first in The St Augustine Trilogy. You’ll find yourself devouring the book, turning the pages with history, mystery, paranormal & time travel all wrapped up in this next installment. Author Doug Dillon knows how to weave a fascinating story.
“Jeff has come a long way since he’s moved to St. Augustine and met up with Carla and Lobo, his character has developed more as well as his gifts. When faced with a decision, his talents come to the surface.
“Carla is also quite amazing in this book, her soft outer shell has been penetrated and we see more of her personality and characteristics come out. Jeff and Carla’s budding romance is taken to the next level with such care. We get to know Lyle, a homeless guy from the first book, as he is a key into Lobo’s past.
“Lobo on the other hand is still up to his discrete and secretive self but with a little more style when he gets into a story interrupting him is not an option. Blunt and direct as well as defined we also get to know more about Lobo and his Shaman abilities in this installment.
“Faced with the unknown, a threat that can destroy St. Augustine and all who reside there, Jeff, Carla, Lobo and Lyle must face off and defeat the mysterious being before it’s too late.
“If you loved Sliding Beneath the Surface (The St. Augustine Trilogy Book I) and cannot wait to find out what happens next, the journey in Stepping Off A Cliff [The St. Augustine Trilogy: Book II] will not let you down. Join Jeff, Carla, Lobo and Lyle as they fight to protect the city they all love, St. Augustine and all they hold dear.”
See the book trailer below:
To see Julia’s full review on Amazon.com, click here.
Stepping Off a Cliff Review # 10
“What an Adventure!” Young adult, paranormal, historical, science fiction. The St. Augustine Trilogy, Book II.
A review placed on Amazon.com by M.M. Roethig.
“Another great read by Doug Dillon!
“The story starts off in perfect sequence of his first book in the series, Sliding Beneath the Surface, and takes us on another roller coaster ride of mystery through the city of St. Augustine. We get to follow Carla and Jeff again on their adventure that leaves you gripping the edge of your seat to know what happens next.
“Lobo, the hard to love, tell -it-like-it-is, Shaman is along for the ride this time, as well as new characters that bring depth to the story.
“After reading this well written adventure, you will have a hard time looking at the world around you without wondering if maybe, just maybe, you might be experiencing ‘other-worldly’ events yourself.
“After his first novel, Sliding Beneath the Surface, I had the urge to visit St. Augustine. Now . . . I’ve really got to get there! :) Nice job, Doug! I enjoy this read and will definitely be keeping an eye out for more to come!”
See the book trailer below:
To see M.M. Roethig’s full review on Amazon.com, click here.
Stepping Off a Cliff Review # 9
“A Vortex of History and The Paranormal.” Young adult, paranormal, historical, science fiction. The St. Augustine Trilogy, Book II.
A review placed on Amazon.com by Dragonmomma.
“History starts to repeat itself in Stepping Off A Cliff and Jeff and Carla are thrown into another life changing event. With the people of St. Augustine’s lives dependent on them, they struggle with what is asked of them.
“Some new things come to light that Jeff and Carla never realized.
“Packed full of history, action and paranormal experiences…I enjoyed reading Stepping Off A Cliff and watching as Jeff and Carla grew from the last book Sliding Beneath the Surface and meeting Lyle, Lobo’s homeless friend. Looking forward to book 3 :)”
See the book trailer below:
To see Dragonmomma’s full review on Amazon.com, click here.
Stepping Off a Cliff Review # 8
“Awesome Follow Up to Sliding Beneath the Surface!” Young adult, paranormal, historical, science fiction. The St. Augustine Trilogy, Book II.
A review placed on Amazon.com by Mark Asher.
“The second book in The St. Augustine Trilogy started off with a lot more bang and pizzazz than the first book. it picks up not long after the first book ends and gets right to the fun and action and keeps it up to the end of the book.
“It answered a lot of the questions and mysteries from the first book and then it gave a few more that I hoped will be addressed in the last book!
“I also loved seeing more of the psychic and paranormal abilities being used throughout the story.
“Overall I enjoyed this book even more than the first one and I look forward to the last one.”
See the book trailer below:
To see Mark Asher’s full review on amazon.com, click here.
Stepping Off a Cliff Review # 7
“What a Great Story!” Young adult, paranormal, historical, science fiction. The St. Augustine Trilogy, Book II.
A review placed on Amazon.com by David.
“What a great story! Just finished Stepping Off a Cliff, the second book in Doug Dillon’s St. Augustine trilogy.
“The book stands alone—you don’t have to have read the first, Sliding Beneath the Surface, but if you have, not to worry. Jeff, Carla, Lobo, and cast glide seamlessly into Stepping Off.
“Doug is a masterful storyteller and keeps the reader on the edge of his or her seat.
“In Sliding Jeff and Carla have to overcome Jeff’s long-dead, Civil War relatives. In Stepping Off, the two teenagers battle a Particle Being, which is intent on taking over St. Augustine by entering the bodies of all its citizens. Skirmish after skirmish, Jeff and Carla with Lobo’s help escape with their lives, and just when the reader thinks their situation can’t get any worse, it does.
“This is a YA novel, but if you like sci fi/paranormal/fantasy, you’ll love this story.
“I couldn’t put the book down.”
See the book trailer below:
To see David’s full review on Amazon.com, click here.
Stepping Off a Cliff Review # 6
“Jeff, Carla, and Lobo are back!” Young adult, paranormal, historical, science fiction. The St. Augustine Trilogy, Book II.
A review placed on Amazon.com by C. Williams.
“Wow another great read from Mr. Dillon! . . . I honestly enjoyed this second book as much as the first! Mr. Dillon is a great storyteller using historical facts and the possibilities of what might be in the universe to create such a great story.
“I felt like I was part of Jeff’s world and going on this adventure with him, Carla, Lyle, and of course Lobo.
“Jeff learns more about his abilities in this installment of the series and some amazing facts come to light about all of the characters and the place in which they live, St. Augustine in Florida.
“If you haven’t read the first book, or it has been a while since you read it, Mr. Dillon tells the story in such a way that helps you remember what happened, or to catch you up.
“I don’t want to reveal too much so I will just end by saying to give this book, as well as the first book, a try because they are very interesting and enjoyable reads.
“I definitely may be looking at things on the news and around me differently now!”
See below for the book trailer:
To see this review in full on Amazon.com, click here.
