The Journal of the Maine Paranormal Society

My first conversation with Randi was tension filled and strained. As I go through the routine questions asked, I can feel her  dig her heels in and make a stand. When I get to the medical history, she describes a family history of ADHD,  Bipolar,  intercranial pressure/shunt in the left temple and eye disturbances. Yes there is use of pain medications. Her voice raises a notch and she explains. These paranormal events have happended all her life. Various people around her have experienced it as well. Regardless of the location she was living in. Her young son even started seeing two soldiers and animals early on.

I explain that our only concern in these cases is that a medical condition is ruled out first. With many bizarre symptoms of illness and different side effects of drugs , its rule #1 to put the health and well being of a client first. She agreed and repeated she just didn’t want us to automatically think its not paranormal because of the medical issues of the family. I tell her what the founder says all the time. A past medical history doesn’t exclude a person or family from paranormal activity. I was hoping she would feel a sense of relief, but none was felt. I certainly understand her fear of being dismissed because of the issues she spoke about.

When the topic of electrical wiring and EMF (electromagnetic fields) came up, it was clear why she found no comfort in my words. She described wiring issues, appliances turning on and off for no obvious reason. Again, her voice raised a notch. She explained she wanted to be able to point all of this stuff out, so she could show us its paranormal, not just EMF levels. She repeated past experiences that occured before she lived in this home.

I ask her what we ask of every client we work with. Can all but one occupant leave the home so we can do a thorough, unbiased investigation. The anxiety was obvious, she wanted to stay with us to explain why its paranormal. She was familiar with TAPS and knew we were a TAPS Family group. She expected us to go in looking to debunk. I confirmed this with her, but also added, we love finding things we cannot explain. Our goal on our first investigation is to get a good baseline for the home and property. As far as EMF levels go.  The question of what comes first, EMF or paranormal activity, is like asking what comes first, the chicken or the egg.  Research is still ongoing. And this is where being a science based group comes in handy. The team would love to get a baseline on the home with its EMF levels. Then return at a later date to investigate with the main breakers off. Its a habit of ours to return to a site on more than one occasion.

Our date set, we said our good byes. I sat back wondering if this would be a difficult case. Randi’s anxiety and concerns are well founded. But the team works the same way, regardless of these issues. I gave a run down to the pillars of the team. Jim responded as I expected. “Medical issues don’t exclude someone from paranormal activity.” I laughed and explained I did tell Randi that very same thing. Holly, JJ and Luke all felt it was an interesting case with lots of potential. As I expected, it was full steam ahead.

A few days before the investigation, I spoke with Randi about final details and arrangements. They were going to a hotel the night of the investigation. I found myself talking to a different Randi, relaxed and joking. I was encouraged. Maybe she did indeed find reassurance in my words.

We arrive in Carmel to find Jeff waiting for us in the driveway. A pleasant man with a wide smile. He invited us into his home where we met Randi and her son. Educated, easy going people with robust southern accents put the team at ease. We were on a tour of the home in no time.

Jeff and Randi headed out. She called back over her shoulder. “Make yourselves at home, help yourselves to snacks if you want.”

I watch her walk out the door. I admire her for her ability to trust us to do an unbiased investigation. I know it was hard to leave and not have input into our findings.

The house is quiet and calm. We set up our equipment and begin EMF sweeps. It becomes very obvious that the levels are high. A 1.4 to a 1.9 runs the length of the home. ( a level of 0.1 to 0.2 is commonly found) By the refridgerator its a 6.0 up to a 9.0 the higher you get. Every room has at least 1 digital clock at the head of the bed. (master bedroom had two) These read 43.6 . The grandfather’s room is small, with high EMF in the hall, a bedside clock and a computer in the room. The levels were the highest in this room.

We completed EVP sessions in the downstairs. When we returned to the kitchen  to do EVP sessions, all investigators felt the effects of the EMF. Headaches, nausea, and skin irritations were all experienced.

“Man my arms itch!” Luke says as he is vigorously scratching his arms.

I sit at the kitchen table feeling my skin crawl on my right shoulder and scalp. I wondered if one of our unseen friends had sidled up to me. Nope, just skin irritation.

No one could get a good feel for the house. The EMF clouded our minds like the stubborn fog of spring. We were in agreement that the breakers get shut off next time we come. Forced to pack up early, we climbed into the car,  each silently dealt with their own headache.

Evidence review had a couple of interesting clips. A few whispers were caught in the EMF epi center, the grandfather’s room. He claims to never feel alone. Feels there is always ’someone’ there with him. He even describes being shaken awake one eveing. When he woke he found no one there.

Another clip caught our attention. The son, going into the play room to retrieve an item, is heard ‘arguing’ with himself. This behavior was experienced one other time. Concerned for their son, Randi and Jeff brought him to see a psychiatrist. The only diagnosis is ADHD. I talk with Randi about preliminary findings and ask her if her son still sees the same doctor. She says no. I briefly outline the team’s concerns. That its important to rule out medical conditions first. She agrees.

Their main concern is to get their son comfortable with the paranormal events that  happen. Both Randi and Jeff are TAPS fans and would like their son the be intrigued by the science of the field. They want to draw his attention away from the hysteria and hype these events have generated in the past.  Getting him involved in the set up would appeal to his love of gadgets. Dad being a techie will continue to draw him into the level headed attitude the household maintains. We agree its the best way to keep him grounded. She tells me he asks about us everyday. “When are the coming back?……Can I help?” She is delighted by his interest.

I then ask her about writing this blog. I find it important to tell this story. The issues Randi and her family face are daily, life long  struggles.  The stress  and strain of keeping it all together and still moving forward has alot of people giving up. Yet Randi and Jeff’s home was just that, a home. They have her mom and grandfather living with them. A hearty sense of family settles in your soul. They accept each other regardless of the personal challenges each one of them has. Slow but sure…..they move forward in their lives.

To be automatically judged or dismissed because of medical issues or stereotypes is tragic and destructive. The level of anxiety Randi carries with her everyday puts added strain onto an already taxed family unit. She easily agrees with me, saying “go ahead and write”. My reassurances that I will let her proof read first, seems to be unnecessary. Again, her trust is admirable. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met Randi and her family. To be able to write about them is frosting on an already beautiful cake. MPS looks forward to returning to the home for a second investigation.

Unemployed and free falling in life. I find myself wondering where currents in life are taking me. This is not the first time I have had to recreate myself. Deep down, I know it won’t be the last. Although I do wish more parents would tell their kids about this aspect of life. But then I see adults blind sided everyday with a changing world. Divorce, loss of a job, injury and death are all as reliable as taxes. Yet no one wants to talk about them.

With lack of communication our biggest flaw, I never thought MPS would fall victum to this ailing economy. But here it is. A lack of vehicles, no gas money, others working so many hours. They leave their shift at work just to turn around and investigate all night. Family units are stressed to the max. Disagreements and tension fraying the edges.

My view is this: Its not what happens to you, its what you do after it happens. I know it will all come out in the wash. We will be alright in the long run. Each time this has happened to me, I have come out of it a different but better person. I am intrigued and kind of excited to see where I am going. After all, I did ask for a sign if I was on the right path or not. (yikes!) I should learn to be more specific when asking things like that. Suggesting a new job offer to be a great sign I need to change paths would of been more productive. Meh…..live and learn.

I joined MPS for help, not career options. (Volunteer jobs usually don’t put bread on the table.) I found myself with some not so invisible friends. Seeing spirit as solid as you or me is mind blowing. And when you work alone on a 260 acre horse farm, its downright unsettling.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t question who he was or why I saw him. I was changing a horses blanket at 11pm. As I stood up from securing a blanket strap, I saw him pass by the stall. I noticed the horse lift his head and track the movement of this person too. I thought someone was in the barn. Being alone with no form of self defense, I ducked down and scrambled close to the wall. I peeked out the door but saw no one. Sliding the door open, I looked the length of the barn, again, no one. I searched the barn and came up empty. At that point my brain punched its time card for the day and on autopilot. I cruised out of the barn and headed home.

No spidey sense tingled. There was no feeling or warning that he was anything but human. I diligently asked the farm owner if anyone had stopped by, left a note, or even called saying ’sorry I missed you’. She said no. I described the visitor. She didn’t recognize the features.

I worked very hard to ignore events like this. It wasn’t something I cared to pursue. But the experiences just got more vivid. Getting my hair cut at an aunt’s house. I had only been there once before when I had met the aunt for the first time. On that occasion her and my mother chatted away. On this night, mom could not make it. I sat quietly while she cut my hair.

I noticed a ball of light outside the window, above the kitchen sink. I watched it, up…..and down. Like someone was throwing a ball into the air, catching it, and launching it right back up. My aunt asked me to hold still. Oooops! I didn’t realize I had been watching it that intently. I wondered what I was suposed to do in this situation. How do you bring up the topic of ghosts?  Throwing caution to the wind, I asked her if she had a family ghost.

“Sure, doesn’t everyone?” She casually replied.

As soon as I had spoken. I got a picture in my mind of a man in a plaid shirt with tan coveralls. He lifted the handles of the wheel barrow, put it down, and lifted his hands shrugging. This made no sense to me. I struggled for meaning and finally in frustration. I asked her if they were working on something in the front of the house.

“Yes. We are putting in a walk way across the front of the house.” She answers.

Ok, progress. This was a message for her, not me. Thats why it made no sense to me at all. I decided to go for broke. “Whats wrong with the wheel barrow?” I innocently ask.

“Its got a flat tire.” She absently answers. Shes cutting and combing. Her hands slow and eventually stop. “You see him?’

“Maybe.” I add

She continues with my hair. Again, we are in silence. Once done, she sends me to the bathroom to see the new do. As I enter the hall I see one of those mini tables, just big enough for a phone to sit on. I move closer for a better look. I have always wanted one. As I get ready to ask her where she got it, I realize its moving. As I take a step backward, I see its a leg from the thigh down. Its knitting together like sand filling a clear plastic mold. I have asked enough questions to know a spirit showing itself in solid form is a high honor. One I wanted no part in. I turn and leave the area, not caring what my hair looked like.

As I beat  a hasty exit I glance into the den. There he stands, at the fire place, pointing at it. That one made my feet stop. It was fall and time to start lighting stoves and fire places. Was he warning of a chimney that needed sweeping? I asked her why he would be pointing to the fire place. She walks over, stands in the exact spot he stood, and points to the very same spot he was.

“The mantle is cracked. We have plans to fix it.” She answers.

I move my feet closer to the door. My body is co-operating, but my mind isn’t. “Why would he be pointing out all the repairs that are needed in the house?” my mouth betrays me.

The calm, quiet facade cracks and I see a tear. Crap, I think.

“My husband said he would fix these things before he left. He just up and packed his things today. I don’t know what I am going to do.”

With very little life experience on this topic, I was at a loss for words. I see something out of the corner of my eye. An image of a white candle buring in the window is taking shape in my mind’s eye. I ask her what the meaning of this is to her.

“Peace and love.” She sniffles.

“I would say he’s trying to tell you you’ll be just fine.” Again, my mouth betrays me.

She smiles and finds comfort from a source unknown to me. She returns to her cheerful self and chats about bumps in the night. Is it him? Why does he do it?

Again….the mouth. “Just talk to him.” I hear myself say.

I watch her mouth move but I don’t hear her words. I wonder why she accepts this experience without question. It seems perfectly normal to her. The practical side of me asks, was this all something she projected into the environment?  Or was this really communication with a third, some what unseen, being? I force the brain to punch ye old time card and I say my good byes.

This aunt never spoke a word of it to my mother. I have seen her once since the incident, at a funeral. No mention of it there  either. I am still asking why it was accepted so easily.

I happened across TAPS one night as I was channel surfing. I saw Eastern State Penitentiary episode. Seeing Jay and Grant moving toward shadows and noises, I was standing on my seat yelling “No!” “What the hell are you doing?!” I watched  the episodes for a couple of weeks. Trying to understand why they would do this. Slowly the science of it sank in.   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Its not easy for me to accept these events.  I am the type of person that needs to know why, how. To be honest, I saw how much they debunked. The hope of being debunked blossomed in my mind.  After some research, I learned there was a TAPS Family group in Maine. They were speaking at the Dyer Library in Saco. So I set out to ask for help. Again, I find myself facing people that are more accepting of these events than I am.

“Your a sensitive.” Came the answer.

“I don’t want to be. If you know of anyone that can help me, can you introduce me?” I pleaded.

The founder at the time just laughed. “It doesn’t work that way. But we will let you know.”

As I turned to leave. I find myself face to face with Jim. (Our current founder) He was an investigator on the team. I had worked with Jim for several years on the fire dept, never once speaking of this topic.  At the same time, we both said “I never knew you were interested in this sort of thing.”

Two weeks later, a reply came from the team. An offer to join them. As I tried to explain that I didn’t want this. The team explained that it just doesn’t go away and the best way to deal with it is to educate yourself and in a way, get desensitized to it. They also encouraged me to stop watching the majority of the ‘ghost’ shows on tv.

Here I am, going on my third year with the team, working as Case Manager and Pulic Relations. I have gotten my Reiki II certificate and between MPS and practicing Reiki. I am slowly learning whats what. Sometimes I am still disapointed I wasn’t debunked. But other days….its magic. I get thoughts, feelings, memories, and sometimes direct quotes from Reiki clients. I am now getting that from team members without laying a hand on them. When a gentle breeze flutters something by I send out a text message to the team member I feel. There are some surprizing results.

The fear of being wrong or looking like an idiot is fading. Now on investigations, if I feel the energy is there, I say so. If I feel its male or female, I say so. To get confirmation of this with an EVP is still mind boggling. My logical side says brains and bodies work with an electrical system that sends messages to different body parts and muscles. There is a muscle memory. Being able to sense and move that energy already. I assume my body and brain just interprets the ‘data’ in the other person’s energy.

In the process of all these questions and investigations I have found a practise that has given me inner peace. In a physical world where I am unable to normally process the sense of touch, I have been given a way to interact with people around me thats more comfortable and less stressful to me. Maybe that in of itself is an answer. When one sense is lost or malfunctions, the others get stronger.

I watch and feel the ebb and flow of the team’s energy. I know they are good people. Kind hearted and hard working, they honestly care about each other. They really enjoy each other’s company.

Scary times will always happen. Although some attention needs to be paid, its not whats important. The people you encounter while walking this path is the source of comfort. Someone to sit with you when your feeling low. Someone to give you a ride on a cold winter’s night.

Free falling is the best place. Its the one time you are truly in the present, enjoying the company around you. Absent is all the job stress and money issues. With every decision you make, you chose who you are. I am confident my team members will always chose to be a friend to each other. And in that one decision, it makes us Maine Paranormal Society.

The comfort I gain from my new friends and team members will help me through these scary times. The guidance my feet have gotten from my unseen friends will get me where I am going. I am starting to wonder if they were guiding me to a new career all this time.

Twas a few days after Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring. Not even a Ghost. The stockings all hung by the chimney with care. Warm thoughts of St Nick still fresh in the air.

Well, thats how it was supposed to go. Plagued by two back to back snow storms. The e-mails were pouring in. The question of the day. Are we still going on the investigastion or not. Our fearless leader Jim caught a weather report that predicted a dusting in the Southern Maine, New Hampshire area. The report I saw predicted snow by the foot. With the first priority always the home owner. I gave Wendy a call to see what she wanted to do. Her family was vacating the home so we could investigate. Their safety was first. She reported her family was buzzing around town regardless of the storm. She had asked her husband if plans should change. He told her he planned to snow blow the driveway then leave for his party whether we went out or not.

“You are Maine Paranormal Society right? Hardy Mainers who go out in anything?” She asked

I recall two of us are/were emergency workers and did indeed go out in anything. So that left it to the boys. After reviewing an e-mail and a short video of personal experiences. The boys informed me they would strap on snow shoes and start walking. (a mere 13hr walk) The other members were on the fence. Our more Northern investigators were getting the most snow. So we encouraged them to stay home. JJ, Luke and I were already in Biddeford. So I told Jim if he wanted to go, drive down here and see how the roads are.

By the time we all gathered at JJ’s house. Luke was MIA with his cell phone sitting on the coffee table. There was no choice but to wait it out. A frazzled Luke blew in the door. Having spent the last three hours on a mission. He had the rug pulled out from under his feet. With no food in his belly and an unsuccessful day behind him. He was snorting and pawing in the dirt. (Why did I feel like I was wearing too much red?)

Already well past the planned departure time. Jim’s hopes of Applebee’s were dashed. He settled for Wendy’s instead. We headed out in the famous red Focus. Braving the winter storm and slick roads.

As we sat down to eat, the digs and comments fly. Warm food was no comfort as we sat in the only resturant in town with no heat. Meal done, we headed out to warm up. Of course, this is the perfect time to quit smoking. Going against my better judgement. I stepped between a smoking JJ and a fire breathing Luke. We got in the car and (of course) headed to Walmart. Luke returned to the car first muttering about herding cats. I didn’t dare point out he was one of em. The last person to get back to the car was JJ. A large iced coffee in hand. He sauntered across the snow covered parking lot.

Feeling better that we were on the road. I was confident I could get us there safely. I headed toward the turnpike. No lanes were visible. But the traffic was light. I was feeling pretty good about our decision. Until the little Focus made it known it wanted to throw itself in front of any passing 18 wheeler. The front end and back end swung back and forth to its own unique rythm. Luke, the helpful, kind hearted person he is, offered advise. “Don’t over correct.” Don’t feather the gas so much.” When I told him the wheel was held steady. He sat back with a strandgled whimper. The back end did a thump and a wiggle wiggle.

“What was that?!” Luke asked shooting forward in his seat.

“Squirrel!” I answer.

Not seeing the humor. He asks again. I calmly repeat. Gas and wheel are steady.   Thump….wiggle wiggle……

“Dude ! Snow tires!” is heard from the back.

“Na…..You get used to it after a while.” Jim shrugs.

I did add, much to Luke’s dismay, that in all my years of driving in emergency situations and disasters. This was the single worst vehicle I had ever driven. Another whimper was heard from the darkness out back. We left the turnpike in hopes of safer travel. On Rt1, slower speeds, less traffic and clear tire tracks made all in the car more at ease. The verbal judo resumed. Jim nailed Luke with a comment. Luke resoonded by pounding on the back of my seat. Scolding him didn’t work. Letting the back end fish tail did. He sat back, crossed his arms and said.

“Oh yeah Shadooooo….what am I thinking now?”

“I don’t know how I feel about this psychic talking. Are you two psychic talking? Jim shakes his head with a wrinkled brow.

“Hey! Hes ripping the heads off my squirrels and kung-fooing them!” I respond.

Luke lets out an evil laugh and turns his attention to the boys. I try to unkink my neck by stretching. Its painfully obvious that I should have a pillow under my butt. No way I was gonna confess that to them. Discussion on whose directions are better and who has the best features on their phones kept the boys busy. With nothing to measure of my own. I concentrate on driving. One turn off Rt1 and the houses become much bigger. One more turn and our jaws drop.

Why is it when you have a one bedroom apartment to investigate you find yourself tripping over 5 investigators. But when you have a 1750s farmhouse with 10 rooms. You only have 4.

Wendy met us at the door and invited us in. Our jaws remained slack as we took it all in. I know some people find beauty in diamonds or expensive cars. But to us, this home was worth way more than those two combined. Thankfully Wendy was focused on the task. She started with the scrapbook she had. The story begins in 1685 with the settlement of the property by the Sanborns. The held it for 71 years until the Perkins family came along in 1756. They held it for 110 years. Even adding a portion of the home bought from a man who was later the victum of a Borden style killing. Wendy is very careful to separate out the facts. Although she has the article of the double murder. She is very specific that the portion of her home was purchased and moved before the unfortunate events.

Even in the 1800s there was house flipping. Purchased for a mere $875 in 1866 and sold back into the Sanborn family in 1867  for $2,000. Dr. Sanborn’s family held the home for 96 years. The trials of life played out across the paper with date after date of births and deaths. A country doctor who traveled to his patients by horse and buggy. Even bringing the sick and injured into his own home. Tell tale marks on the doorways from his wife’s wheelchair still present to this day.

A man whose life was dedicated to the service of others was not spared the tragic events playing out in his on family. Still his sense of humor and calm perserverance was legendary. Articles of his work proudly displayed in Wendy’s scrapbook. Written by Dr. Sanborn’s biggest fan and brother.

Would you ever think that 200 years from now. A group of strangers would be looking at your photos and reading about you in the same house you used to live in?

Just to make sure we were sufficently overwhelmed. Wendy took us on a tour. Room by room, personal experiences were retold. A  full bodied apparition, glimpses of people wearing surgical masks, hearing voices, tea cups rattling, opening  and closing of doors regardless of the locks they had. The best toy the previous owners remember was the pool table. The girls would arrange the balls in a certain way and then go off to play. They always found them in a different spot when they came back to the room.

This was the time of the biggest  renovations and had 4 teenage girls living in the home. The most activity was reported by this family. Although the home is alot more calm these days. Wendy and her husband have had their share of experiences.  Enough to research a taboo topic in a professional person’s life. She stummbled upon TAPS and felt the science based approach fit very well with her beliefs.

Just before we set up. Wendy pointed out the snacks she so generously set out. She also handed out little hand made pouches with the team member’s names on them. Cell phones safely in their new pouches. The boys set up. I did an EMF sweep and got a feel for the house. It felt, well…….just like a home. As a matter of fact. Luke didn’t get the sharp fuzzies once the whole time.

We set about investigating. Sitting on the floor in the dining room where the pool balls were reported to move. No one chose to play. Upstairs seemed equally quiet. Wendy drifted back and forth. Watching the cameras at the com center. She took it all in. As excited to have us there as we were to be there.

Switching it up. I head upstairs with JJ. Soon the snoring begins. The home still felt calm and peaceful. Despite the raging storm outside. Wind rattled the window panes and sounded like an angry ocean pounding the rocky shore. I joined Luke and Jim downstairs. They weren’t having any more luck than JJ and I. They made their way back upstair. I could hear them talking about foot steps. I left JJ to watch over the com center and headed up. No such luck. No one wanted to come out and play.

We packed up and gave Wendy her home back. I noticed she packed up the goodies and sent the boys off in good shape. She definitely gained a spot in their hearts that night. Like tired kids, they climbed into the car. As soon as the little car hit its rythm. They were asleep. The roads were still bad.  But Rt1 was empty of all traffic. An advantage to traveling at 3am. The cops we passed didn’t even feel the need to check in with us. I do dread the day when we have to explain where we were, what we do, and no officer, we have not been drinking. They stayed nestled in their cars. Idling near snow banks.

Thump…..wiggle wiggle. I find myself laughing as I drive. Crazy carnival car swished its way home. As we neared Biddeford. I woke the guys.

“Better wake up if your driving. Theres got to be ice under the snow pack. This car is not handling well at all.” I tell them.

We drop JJ off. Luke and Jim crash for a few hours. Once daylight hits, they are on their way. Our MPS slumber party over. I head to work.

Luke sends out a feel good e-mail. I smile at his good nature. I would like to be able to look back on this weekend with fond memories. Maybe it was the snow storm or the three girls I was driving to Hampton. Possibly the reason I am not. Could be  the evil Ford Focus with suicidal ideations. But then who could forget the hysterical cries from the back seat.

The crushing cramps I had still didn’t have me crying as much as the menfolk. Nor did the pain in my neck from trying to see over the steering wheel of said Focus. The most beautiful sight that night remains the bottle of Advil Luke pulled from his bag.

18hr shift over. Me and my cramps head home. Nope…..still not looking back with fond memories. I might just have to admit the boys got the best of me this weekend. I try to sit and review the audio evidence collected. But my inbox seems to be conspiring against me. One of the e-mails is from Wendy. The wonder and excitement is palpable in her writing. She writes:

“Talking with you and meeting your team has also been such a great learning experience for me. And I am a believer in life long learning…so new insights are always welcome. I feel like I have gained a new way to look at this house, its history, and an appreciation for the families who spent so much time here.”

I smile and think how great this whole experience is. Ok…..maybe fond memories are possible. Thank you Wendy for the positive energy and heartfelt words. For us, its a humbling experience to have y0u share with us something you hold so dear. AND its always nice to not let the boys get the best of me!

Twas a dark and stormy night. The Mystery Machine rolled through gathering puddles and navigated around downed branches. Slowed only by an accident up ahead. Red lights danced in the reflection of the falling rain drops. As we crept past the scene. Cold fingers played across our spines at the sight of the empty wrecks.

Turning the heat up a notch. John drove on in the night. One of the latest additions to our team. I didn’t miss this opportunity to question our new arrival. Just arriving in the state of Maine. His southern drawl is as strong and unwavering as his physical presence. Body builder, stunt man, contractor, victum of the current economic times. He is now an EMT looking for a different perspective in life. He says hes looking for a slower pace in life. But I have a feeling he demands as much passion and reward out of this new life as he did the old. Another restless soul looking toward that cresting sun.

His copilot this night is Jody. She too is a new addition. Not a stranger to MPS. She opened her home to us last year for an investigtion. An instant bond made, she now rides with us. Calm, cheerful and ever open to the changeing world around us. She feels if your lying…..your only decieving yourself.

At the beginning of the night. I had worried about bringing on two new people at once. Even worried about not exchanging numbers or vehicle descriptions before setting out. But when JJ and I pulled into the Westbrook park and ride. We found John and Jody sitting in John’s truck chatting excitedly. I knew that the universe had shifted its magic hands. These two were right were they were suposed to be.

We met Luke at the residence. Elaine, the home owner, gave us a tour. The 200 yr old home beautifully restored and lovingly cared for. Decorated with as much attention to detail as the portrait sized needle points hanging on the walls. She takes down a picture from the wall and shows us Elihja standing in front of the home so many years ago. Her neice and neices husband were in the picture also. The child in the shot is Randall who would be eventually be the second owner of the home.  A clear line to the past, respectfully maintained.  Its not just about the building itself. But also the land and story of the faithful feet that hiked across the rugged terrain everyday. Until one day they didn’t return.

Claims include their names being called by a female voice, someone sitting on the bed as you sleep, and tipping over the rocker while the man of the house was in it. An act Elaine fondly refers to character. A home comming is hoped for. Knowing Elihjah is safe, warm, and at peace is what is wanted here. They are so honored to share the past that they want to extend an invitation to the future. We set about trying to establish that link. Only to come up with a few surprizes.

I thought I had heard a horse whinney as we had entered the home. So Jody and I chose to start in that room. We ask our questions and quietly get a feel for the room. I feel a fluttering and a crowding in front of my face. I ask that who ever it is, please respect my space. I get a rush of male energy. Hmmm….. I tuck that back in my mind and continue with the EVP session. Jody says she sees a fluttering. Seems to be pacing back and forth.

Soon the boys join us and Luke sits in the hot zone. Both Jody and I watch him to see what he experiences. Its not long before he gets the “sharp fuzzies”. He seems to get as agitated as the activity. Finally Jody recommends not sitting in the path the activity seems to be sticking to.

I turn to look at John and see a shadow behind him. As I vocalize this, the same agitated fluttering comes into my face. I ask for space and suggest they move something instead. I feel the couch vibrate. I glance at Jody who is sitting on the couch also.

“Are you moving?” she asks me.

“Are YOU moving?” I ask her

“You felt it too!” she says excitedly.

“The couch vibrating, yes.” I respond.

As the couch vibrates again. We both get up so the boys can see if they feel it or have it happen to them. Jody and I head upstairs. Such a calm, peaceful space. It was hard to head back downstairs. But since thats where the activity was, we trudged back down.

The boys are still talking “sharp fuzzies”. JJ is thinking of sleep as he munches his smartfood. We settle in for one more EVP session. I ask them to move an object. Again my chair vibrates. No one else felt it. John swears he hears horses stomping and snorting. Luke and Jody hear foot steps up above. I ask over and over to myself….male or female. Time and time again I get that rush of male energy.

Finally JJ wins out and we are packing up. Returing the home again to Elaine and wrestling each other for the package of blueberry squares she sends us home with. The ride home was non-stop talk. Our newbies very happy with their first investigation.

Listening to the audio had one more delightful suprize. While us girls were upstairs. Our warriors down stairs describe the room getting darker. A shadow lurks by the sliding door. The curtains gently rustle and move. An investigator calls out “Is there anyone here with us? Give us a sign of your presence.”

The reply rings out so loud, clear and unmistakeable from the recorder. “Meew”

With no cats in the house or on the  property. A hearty rainstorm masking the majority of outside noises. I can only assume that our boys were taunted by a ghost kitten. As far as male vs female spirits. We caught 1 EVP that sounded male. Elihja decided to remain silent. But we might have met Randall. We hope there is another visit in store. Because any spirit that will flip a man out of his favorite chair while hes eating his sherbert is one we would like to meet. Ok.. truth is the team really wants to see JJ take that ride.

We love you Booboo!

Ahhhh….the sound of members forming goals for the upcoming year. (Better have a fire extinguisher handy.) I am anxious to see what they come up with. Its funny how the members we have added in the last few months are all looking for a new beginning. Some traumatic events. Some just a change of scenery. At some point this is not about the paranormal at all…….or is it?  Are our departed loved ones guiding our feet? Bringing us to the doorstep of a group that will empower us and accept us unconditionally?

Even our clients lately have needed reassurance that someone is watching out for them. A patchwork quilt of ages, backgrounds and experiences. But a family that transcends time. All looking toward the rising sun cresting the horizon. Is this a calling to a new faith, a different belief system or just a reminder to look out for one another? Restless guides pace, chant, pray and sing. Urging you to destinations unknown. A connection to these guides so strong, its the very breath of your soul. Creating seemingly random steps in your life. That lead you down an unexpected road. Face to face with strangers that appear to have more answers about your life than you do. Do you walk along with them when there is no physical proof of these guides?

For Jamie the decision is getting easier. Confirmation coming from the voices on the recorders. They ranged from intelligent responses, random bursts of words, to a sage old crone weaving her will onto the physical world with a chanted spell. Jamie graciously invited us back into her Thomaston home to spend some time with her ‘extended’ family.

The weekend that was planned quickly succumbed to the trials of life. Jim was working, JJ juggling babies, Scott and Holly were just not able to get away for two nights in a row. So it was Luke and myself cruising up to Thomaston in the ‘golden nugget’. Falling victum to the MPS curse. The golden chariot nursed a broken wing. The passenger’s side door frozen in the locked position. I found myself praising Luke’s good manners everytime I scammpered across his front seat. He never said a word. Even when I hit the horn with my butt.

The beginning of our trip had us scratching our heads. In  Biddeford the traffic light turns green and Luke starts into the intersection. A vehicle sails right through a red light, nearly broad siding us. The near miss left Luke on the quiet side. We got onto the turnpike and soon realized I am not a good co-pilot. (squirrel!) At Exit 48 I mention we needed Exit 44.

“No worries. We will just spin a circle off Exit 48.”  Luke chuckles.

At the intersection of Brighton Ave. The light turns green and the car in front starts to go. A van sails right through the intersection. The driver jams on the brakes, smoke pours out of the loudly protesting tires as the end of the van lifted off the pavement.

Again silence dominated the interior of the van. Until Luke casually says. “Things happen in threes. Not that I believe that.”

“Ok, one more and we are headed home!” I blurt.

In Portland, as we neared the 295 on ramp. We see a pedestrian crossing the road. She looks, sees a car coming and starts to run.

“Oh crap!” I sit up straighter in my seat.

The pedestrian has to take a few sideways steps to avoid the grill of the oncoming car.

“Its a pedestrian. Doesn’t count.” Luke calmly adds.

The rest of the trip was pleasant. Brilliant colors of fall blurred by as we chatted or tuned out. In Thomaston we discover Luke wasn’t such a good pilot. We sailed right on past our turn, looking on the wrong side of the road. Once we turned around and accidentally found the turn he says.

“Wow! Look at that building. Looks haunted. We should investigate that.”

” Heh, Thats what Holly said about that same building. We found out turn.”

At the house we walked around and snapped pictures. We unloaded the equipment and began setting up. The heat had been off and there was a slight chill in the air. It went from ‘Its not bad in here’ to ‘Jamie will be along soon.’ and finally ‘damn I hope Jamie gets here soon!’. As we were on the verge of breaking out the sleeping bags Jamie arrived. She lights the wood stove as we catch up on the latest happenings. She mentions she is not sure if she will stay in the home overnight. I let her know it was just Luke and I if she wanted to stay. She decided to stay and participate in the nights investigation.

She showed us pictures of the original owners, of her grandmother and of course “Pa”. We sit in the living room casually chatting, occasionally sending out a question to our potential visitors. A few times we all heard a voice. We made our rounds and found ourselves back in the living room. Luke decides to take a spin around the home with his new handi cam. He went up the stairs calling out his actions. “Going up the stairs, walking around, camera noise…”

Jamie asked why he would do this and I explain it makes it easier for the person listening to audio to know it was him and not paranormal activity. Luke heads down  the stairs and we hear him tagging his actions.

“Walking down the stairs.”  THUMP THUMP….. “Falling down the stairs.”

Jamie couldn’t hold back the laughter and repeated “Going up the stairs, coming down the stairs, falling down the stairs.”

Luke turned the corner with that defeated look.

“why do you always get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a couple of crazu broads?” I ask

“I don’t know. I think I ought to ask about my position on this team.”

Unfortunately the image of the tail end of “Super Troopers” flashes in my head and I say out loud. “Can’t you just imagine him in a prom dress and heels, adjusting the front of the dress in a huff as he stumbles on his heels.”

Jamie was in hysterics. Luke turns on his heel and goes to the com center. Ok…..looking back on it he did take it pretty hard that night. Listening to the audio after. I hear Jamie and I roaring with laughter at his expense. All he did was occasionally throw out a snarkie laugh.

Soon we are all dozing. Jamie wakes herself with a snore and goes upstairs. I settle into my sleeping bag anxious to close my eyes.

“Jen…did you hear that?”

“Nope”

(5 minutes later)

“Jen did you hear that?”

“Its just the wood stove.”

(5 minutes later)

“Jen did you hear that?”

“You mean the sound of roller skating upstairs?”

“Don’t say its the wood stove.”

“ok, its not the woodstove.”

I’m really not sure if I got any sleep the rest of the night. But Luke was in one piece in the morning. No visible bruising. so I guess I got some. We downloaded audio and reset everything. Leaving it running for the day. We headed south to meet with the team to do a presentation at the Dyer Library. A rainy day makes for a smaller crowd. Pumpkin Fest being postponed till the next day. Its always great to check in with Leslie and find out the latest happening. She extended the invitation to return next year. Which we are always happy to do.

Presentation over we headed to the vehicles and worked out who is riding with who. Everyone giggles and snorts as I climb into the passenger’s seat from the driver’s side. Scott in the back seat makes a comment. Then “eeps” as I lean over.

“Did you think  I would hit you?” I ask him.

“I would of hit me!” He laughs.

The ride up was a review of the nights activities. I giggle about the ribbing Luke took and he gives me his snarkie laugh. Holly looks at him with raised eyebrows.

“He might be a tad sensitive. It was a repeat of Fryeburg. We teased him relentlessly.” I explain.

The gleam returns to Holly’s eyes as she nods. Filing the information away for a later time.

At the house Jim exclaims “You really did leave the equipment running.”

“Umm yeah. I remember saying those exact words to you at Dyer.” I reply.

” I didn’t think you really did.” He gets behind the com center and camera angles are discussed. Sophie, Holly and I sit on the couches and hackle the boys. Soon Jamie joins us and we break out the E VPs from the last investigation.

Her eyes widen as she listens to clip after clip. When she hears “Pa” respond to an investigator’s question. She wiggles and giggles. “Hes here!” She cheers.

I chat with her about how she feels hearing  these. With the number of different voices we got, they can’t all be relatives.

Very firmly she says. “Doesn’t matter. They are here in this house. They are family.”

Its rare when I can sum up an investigation in one word. “Family” My mind runs on square wheels. Situations I personally struggle with are analysed with clinical detachnent. I switch from the group, to Jamie’s past, to the current situation of spirits in her home that might not be relatives. I recognize the energy her words carry. It translates to unconditional love. The complete acceptance of another being regardless of how different they are to ourselves. I admire her for her courage to do this. Especially considering, in this case, its blind acceptance. I start to see knowledge in her eyes. She knows they are there for a reason.

The team sets about collecting more evidence for Jamie’s collection. The boys head upstairs, Holly and I stay comfy on the couches. Its another calm night in the home. Until, of course, the boredom sets into those with ADD. Once we switch places, Holly and I upstairs. Luke brings us a radio. Promptly Jim hits the call button and a loud ringing fills the room. After the third time Sophie grumbles about an audiovox enema and I shut the radio off. From below the boys could be heard puzzling on why we are not answering.  When I hear them mention that maybe the batteries got ‘drained’. I look at Holly and comment. “Its just tooooo easy.”

Holly and Sophie snicker as Luke bravely climbs the stairs. “Hey we’ve been trying to reach you guys.” He puts some authority into it.

“Yeah, radios only work if they are on.” I reply.

“Oh I thought it was on.” He says as he reaches for it.

I pick up the radio and quietly tell him it would of sailed down the stairwell if I hadn’t been worried about the wood work. He wisely stops his feet and lowers his voice. “Can we turn it on?”

“Heres the deal. I turn it on…..You go down there and take the radio out of Jim’s hand.”

“Deal.” He says and happily returns to the lower level. We hear a disapointed Jim.

“Hey……..”

Like a child that has had a toy taken away because of improper use. We hear Luke’s steady, authoritative voice scolding.

After things settle, its easier to get the feel of the room. The white shadows and flashes danced in a corner. But on this night, they didn’t approach. Rotations done. The team got to sleeping arrangements. Holly planned on sleeping on the dining room floor. That left the couch to Scott. With a confession worthy of an HBO special. Scott blurts out hes feeling “vulnerable”   “Just how far away will Holly be?” he asks in that quiet voice.

“whats that about?” Jim asks

“Your kidding me right?” I laugh “Ok Luke….hes your lacky……your job to snuggle with him tonight.”

The boys disapear upstairs, Holly and I stretch out on the couches like cats. The heat from the wood stove weighing down our eyelids.

Morning always comes too quick. I bound up the stairs ready to jump on some beds. Sophie is awake.

“Mom can we open presents now?” I whine

“No! Only stockings.” she answers as Jim rolls over.

“Whoa is he……….?!” I back away as Sophie nods. “I’m naked!” I yell as I head to the other two sleeping beauties. I tickle Scott’s foot and snicker as he startles. I eye Luke’s bed and judge that it wouldn’t hold up to me jumping on it. So I sit on the side of it. He emits the slightest of groans and returns to sleep. I head downstairs for coffee, following in the same routine  Holly and I set about cleaning and picking up.

Slowly the crew wakes. Equipement is packed up and we are on the road again. A quick stop at Moody’s diner and then we are headed home. Luke tunes out. Singing, playing air guitar and drums as Scott laughs at his antics. I snap some pictures as Holly quietly clicks away texting on her phone.

I ask the boys what they would like to see change about MPS. Luke answers, more get togethers. I ask if he meant meetings and he says. “No, like just to hang out.”

As the needle scratches across the record playing in my head. I find myself back to the same word. “Family” I have to admit, I’m at a loss. I don’t understand this need. But I do understand the energy his words carry. Its the same as Jamie’s. I wonder to myself, who actually co-ordinates these spiritual missions? How could it possibly be that so many people are brought together in one house. Just to find the same thing in each room they look into.

Our travels this weekend took us on one final stop. WMPG radio. Jim and I found ourselves guests on their show. We sat there answering questions and shaking our heads in amazement. One caller asked if any of the members studied parapsychology or the science of why these events can happen. In my answer, I stumble upon a feeling I was searching for. Respect, awe that my team memembers can come together to accomplish one common goal dispite different beliefs. Neither pride nor ego impede our progress. Each memeber accepts the other regardless of how different.

For the last few days I have thought about our revisit to Cutler, Maine. Even after 48hrs to think  about it. Words and thoughts still tumble around in my head. This visit makes the first one look down right boring. Let me leave the thoughts to tumble a little more as I tell you what we found for evidence on our first visit.

I ended with “I wonder if we will be blessed enough to hear their voices.” Well, hear their voices we did. Whispered conversations took place all around us. An adult female whispers “I want them to leave.” An adult male responds ” I know…..shhhhhhh.” Other longer conversations waffered though the dark rooms. Too low to understand their words but loud enough for us to know they were there. An infant briefly cried out as soft music floated by like a rolling fog.

As investigators unpacked sleeping bags and picked their sleeping spots. The same adult male voice is heard to exhale loudly and say “Shit”. Resigned to the fact that we were there for the night the adult spirits seemed to settle. The child however, got more active. Humming to herself unworried of our presence.

All the activity fell on deaf human ears. But the recorders helped to solidify the potential of a family unit operating independently of the space we occupy. But intelligent and forever watchful of us. Jim asks “Are you male……are you female?” The adult female voice projects loud and clear from the recorder. “I’m a woman.”

To sit by the campfire and tell ghost stories is always fun. But to hear the voices of the past floods your mind so quickly. The thought process stops altogether. All your left with is “I don’t know.”

Checking in with Darcie a few days after our visit. She described hearing a little girl laughing, singing or talking. She had not heard the little girl before. We let her know that indeed, we had caught that same voice on the recorders. After hearing the evidence collected. Darcie accepted her ‘extended family’. The two families living in harmony with each other.

We had scheduled a revisit purely because of the quality of evidence collected. But when called to confirm. Darcie said her new boyfriend had been touched on the back while standing at the kitchen counter. He had heard the stories, even heard the evidence from the first investigation. But when that first personal experience happens. You have no choice but to reevaluate your beliefs.

So our destination entered into Tom tom. The equipment is hauled out to Luke’s vehicle. I step out of the house to  see three men staring into the back of the van puzzling over how to fit everything. I quickly slip between them and rearrange everything and we were ready to go. Luke made a comment about no silver bucket. Then proudly proclaims. “We will be riding in the golden nugget today.”

The golden nugget shot onto the turnpike and roared into life. Luke at the wheel. Jason was co-pilot and I sat in back with our newest member Scott. As all long rides go. Subject matter flipped from topic to topic. When movies came up the reference to ‘Super Troopers’ hit home.

“Team Ramrod.” Luke says.

“Team Ramrod …….in the golden nugget?” Scott asks.

“Sounds like a baddd movie title.” I add.

“Yeah theres a joke in there somewhere dude.” JJ snickers.

The discussion goes back and forth until Luke realizes I got quiet.  “No blogging about this!” he demands.

“Already started.” I absently answer.

So as I do with everyone else. I start asking Scott why he is riding in a car for 8hrs to investigate the paranormal. Scott’s shocking red hair and solid frame are very different than the  quiet, thoughtful personality. In a small voice he describes a life long interest in the paranormal. But above all, he wants to know if communication is possible. Strings of his heart hold fast to loved ones. “I would just feel that much closer to those I have lost.”

We chat about home life. Married with two kids, he proudly shows pictures. He says he plays drums, is an avid reader, decorates cakes, and is going to school for computer programming. (Not even mentioning his full-time job). ” I really enjoy just hanging out with the kids” . He gets quiet for a few minutes, then says. “I don’t know if I will find what I am looking for or if its even possible. But its getting there that interests me as well.”

As we enter Machias it hits home where we are going and what we are doing there. Luke asks for a run down. I start with the original claims. Full body apparitions, music heard, being touched or having your leg rubbed, and sometimes foot steps upstairs. I tell them about the audio evidence we got and remind Scott to just step outside if he gets overwhelmed.

When we arrive, Darcie and Chris are waiting. The home still feels peaceful and welcoming. I ask her what the happenings have been. She says the little girl talks alot and moves things. Chris tells the team about being touched. The boys set up the equipment and we are ready to investigate. Jason and Luke go upstairs and I sit behind the monitors. Scott paces restlessly. Going into the play room and back out again. Once he settles on the couch the house is quiet.

Chris looks at Darcie and whispers something. I heard “Darcie” said. Luke calls down. “Who is whispering?” I ask Chris if he said Darcie’s name. Both him and Darcie say no. I call up to Luke “They were whispering. But I thought I heard the name Darcie said.”

Luke says he heard it too. The tension in the air is noticeable. But after an hour everyone relaxes. Scott goes upstairs with Luke. As hes sitting on the end of the bed. I see him sit up quickly and inhale sharply. He reports it felt like someone ran a finger up his back. The next time it happens I feel a flutter of energy. I tell him. “I swear she is getting a thrill out of it. You squeek everytime she does it. Your a squeek toy to her.”

“Yeah I get that. I’m trying to not make any noise.” Scott answers exhaling.

I head upstairs to sit with him and try to get our little friend to play ball. A few hits on the K-II and RF meter but we were not able to get her to repeat it. Eventually Luke makes his way back up the stairs. He sits in the rocker and I sit on the end of the bed. We both see shadows and light fluctuations. Luke says he hears music. I see a shadow just to the left of Luke. Seconds later he bolts out of the chair saying “shit!”

“You alright?” I ask him.

“Dude…..I just got touched!” he exclaims.

As I laugh very hard at Luke’s excitement. I feel something hit the head of the bed and my feet slide on the hardwood floor. “Something just jumped on the bed.”

“I heard that.” Luke says about the springs of the matress creaking and the legs of the bed squeeking on the floor.

Now this is what you call being painted into a corner. Having just laughed at Luke. I can’t jump up. So I stay sitting and with a deep calming breath I clap and cheer our spirits on. “Good job! We certainly know your here now.”

Luke investigates the corner he was sitting in thoroughly. “I felt a hand come down on my shoulder. There was some pressure to it. I could feel the fingers. Did you see anything?”

“Ummm……” I suddenly find the floor very interesting.

“What did you see?” he asks, still looking in to the corner.

“A shadow.”

“Where?” Now hes looking at me.

“”Behind you.” I manage to eep out.

“You saw a shadow behind me and you didn’t tell me?!”

“I didn’t want you to get up. And besides there have been lots of shadows in that hall.”

JJ can be heard laughing downstairs. “Why don’t you come up here tough guy.” Luke challenges. JJ comes upstairs and Luke descends. JJ sits in the same rocker. Its not long before hes asking me to snap some pictures. “I have the sharp fuzzies.” He says.

I snap pictures. Then he descirbes a feeling of something sitting on his lap and the place feels quiet and calm again. “I guess we are tired.” JJ says.

“Probably time to wrap up anyway.” I yell down to the guys. “Hey why don’t you guys come up and try one more EVP session with all of us.”

From below two voices. “We’re good.”

So we thank our friends and head down the stairs. Darcie is all smiles. I thank her again for letting us come visit and ask Chris if hes all set. As crazy as it got. They meant no harm. He says hes fine and they both look forward to hearing what evidence we got.

The ride home was quiet. The only thing Scott asked was “Is is always like that?” Meaning is it always so startling when you get touched. Answer being yes. You can’t see it coming so you can’t prepare for it or expect it.

Halfway home Luke confessed he was glad we were not spending the night. “I wouldn’t have been able to sleep there.”

Even people who believe in the paranormal have a threshold they are uncertain about crossing. Everything you’ve ever known threatens to fall away. I look at these two new members and wonder when did I get so comfortable. I replay the events of the night. But all I can see in my minds eye is a father resting his hand on Luke’s shoulder. And a little girl running behind me and jumping on the bed. Squeeling with delight as Luke is startled. It all seems so normal. like sitting down with another family for a holiday meal.

I can’t shake the feeling that we walk away from this with more than just experience.

Excitement bubbled and humor spilled over. Last minute preparations had Holly and I going over a list of items to display at the presentation. She asked about a list of optional items that might infuse humor into the evening. In the past a 5hr energy drink was added. The conversation quickly spiraled downward………adding:

A first aid kit in case you fall through a porch, Fabreeze if your investiagting with Jason, earplugs for the overnights with Jim and Jason, Barf bags because your using Tom tom to get from Benton to Thomaston. Holly adds Gas X and Beano now……….be no gas later. I sit at my computer snickering and snorting. Holly sends that she is at work cracking up alone in her office. Soon poor, unsuspecting, Luke  joins the email circus and we tell him there is a glitch with the presentation. He will have to do the chicken dance and magic tricks till Jim arrives. Guess he didn’t want any part in it. He “closed the computer and went to do dishes”. Deep down I suspect he would do the chicken dance. After all……he is a Jason hire.

Now I am not one for omens. But when I look back on the afternoon and evening. I should of known it would be a challenging night. Grabbing the clear acrylic sealer instead of hair spray would of been my first clue. Sitting down with Holly at the Thai resturant and ordering the drunken noodles would of been the next.

This is our first meeting with our new member Luke. Another man with a wide stance and a buzz cut. He held a relaxed, self confident pose with a hint of nervous energy. Left to introduce himself to two giggling broads who are already flinging jabs at team members. The cards layed out on the table all at once  and no immunity was granted for a newbie.

He walked us through his paranormal journey. He grew up ‘haunted’ in Fryeburg, walked with ghosts in Scotland, and is now fresh out of TAPS boot camp. He describes a belief in the paranormal, seasoned with skeptisism. He wants the truth about whats out there. He describes several personal experiences. The most recent at the Spaulding Inn with Jason and Grant.

Shadows and bumps in the night left him awake and alone in his room. “I thought the closet door would fly open at one point as the handle rattled and turned aggresively.” Having time to bend the ears of investigators present. He asked all the pressing questions and shared in the wonder of that historical site. The experience left him hungry for more.

We pressed him for more details. He works at a  group home and finds the work very rewarding. His hobbies include working out, martial arts, playing drums, and snow boarding. He missed the Maine winters and moved back here a year ago this month. No ladies, I didn’t ask the most important question. Cause, well…nothing makes a guy more jumpy than being lost in the middle of no where with two girls running amuck. I guess Holly and I had a little sympathy for the newbie after all.

On the ride to Fryeburg, we tried to convince him Holly’s silver Focus was nicknamed the ’silver bullet’. But as it chugged up the hills his sense of humor peeked out and we heard a mumble. “More like the silver bucket.”

“It was that trip to Cutler that did her in!” Holly defended her ailing ride.

As scary as the ride to Culter and Thomaston were. The ride to Fryeburg turned nasty quick. At the town line of Brownfield the engines reved and cars roared by our meek little ride. Everyone in town passed us. I believe I even saw the General Lee. But when they started trying to pass the cars that were already passing and going three wide. We looked at Luke.

My involuntary “eep!” was heard from the back seat.

“What kind of place is this?!” Holly demanded.

“I usually travel a bit faster than this.” He shrugged.

Jim chose then to call Holly and say he was leaving Gorham at that time. I think the picture of Jim’s little red car rocketing toward us went through all out minds. Holly asks “Was one of those cars that passed us a red Focus?” I resist the urge to turn around in my seat like a little kid and watch for him.

As we entered Fryeburg, the age of the town and the magnitude of the history locked into each building became obvious. The huge  sprawling homes a testiment to a more functional, hardy time. Luke’s past gave us a sampling of the paranormal happenings. He pointed out the house his grandmother used to own. And the home his aunt owns. Reliving even more stories from childhood.

Debra and Erlon from The Fryeburg Historical Society met us in the parking lot of the American Legion Hall. Big smiles and firm handshakes assured us we were with good Maine people. The hall was full and we set up quickly. Erlon intorduced us and in true MPS style, we were off and running.

The presentation started like any other. But the questions started sooner than usual. And there were some tough standards to be met. Facing people who are used to asking questions and digging out truths and hidden treasure of the past. I would like to believe our team stood up to the scrutiny. Letting citizens and potential clients know that we are ready and willing to face any and all questions, criticisms and discussions. We happen to believe  its healthy. After all, asking questions is what we do best. A debunking is as much a sucess as an unexplained event.

We raised the bar and let it be known. Any paranormal team, psychic, or medium should have the same openess about them. If they are in fact in search of the truth. Time shows all. And the important thing is documentation.

Our time with the Fryeburg Historical Society energized us and reminded us why we do this. The written words and photographs as important to them as the voices we catch on our recorders are to us. Adding a new dimension to historical documentation is what we hope to do. To this team it seems only logical. Learning the history of this great state is energizing. Meeting the people along the way is life changing. There is always a story to be told. And for us the journey is as important as the destination.

We will indeed return to Fryeburg for an investigation. As a matter of fact. Catch us at the Dyer Library October 24th at 3pm. We are holding a silent auction. Highest bidder will join us on this very investigation as our guest.

You have ever tried to get to Machais via Bar Harbor.

You have ever sniffed a stranger’s wall paper at 1am

You have ever ‘pulled a groin’ on an investigation.

You have ever fallen through a client’s front porch.

I  look back over our latest road trip and debate if I should write two speparate blogs. But that little voice says. “Its  not the same.”  So I will tell it to you as it unfolded….. I will give you a hint. Its all begins with a Ford Focus. (offical car of the Maine Paranormal Society)

     We gather around Jim’s car. For me, this is the first time in two months I have seen my team members. It feels good to be headed off on another adventure. The mood is light and festive.

     “Does the client know its a drive-by?” Jason asks about the reveal we are headed to.

     We all look at each other. “Paranormal drive-by?” Holly asks. And the laughter begins. We pile into the car and I proudly hand out flyers for the next public relations presentation. Jim’s little red Focus rockets off to Benton. Jim and Jason roll down their windows and I watch as my flyer frantically flaps and flutters free from the visor and flys out the window. * Note to self…….add e-mail address to the flyers. So when it sails out the window at 70 miles per hour. It stands a chance at one last act of PR.

     I see Jason shrink down in his seat as Holly’s head pops up and she chirps. “What was that?”

     “All my hard work.” I answer, trying to sound put out. The seconds tick by and finally laughter erupts.

     “What are the chances it landed on someone’s windshield?”  Holly giggles.

     Topics of discussion ranged from cases to members to applicants and finally settled on “So you want to be a Case Manager.”  I knew who it was directed to. But I let Jim repeat himself just for fun.

     “Ummm, I said I would give it a try.” I finally answer.

     A defeated voice from the front says. “You can chew our asses.”

     “Sorry….I didn’t hear you. Can you repeat that?” I give Holly a sideways glance and see her smirking.

     “You can chew our asses as you need to.” Jim repeats.

     Even though I understand how hard this statement is for Jim. I still write it down and forever lock it safely into this blog. (8/8/09) Muahahahahahahhhahahah! So I confirm with Holly that this is indeed her wishes. She needs a change. Her heart is in the traveling. (our lil TAPS guru) She offers to help me so the transition is smooth. I offer to hand it back if she ever wants it back.

     The road to Benton flashed by in no time. We arrived and presented the evidence we had. A few audio clips sent different expressions across the homeowner’s face. A discussion followed. Touching on a revisit and further research. Once we were sure she was comfortable. We were off again.

     Back in the car we had a reveal of our own. The real face of Tom tom. *Note to manufacturer…..please include a warning label. “May cause heart palpatations and nausea. Barf bags not included.” We did make good time on those back roads. (Not all of them paved.) The little mouse mobile bobbing and weaving through the narrow roads. The foliage so dense, sun glasses were not needed. Jim crested a hill and the road dropped out from under us. The car plunged and an audible “ooomph!” was heard from all. Followed by Jim’s little giggle. You just know the doggie grin is there.

     When the car finally broke through the foliage and came to rest at a local gas station. We all stumbled out of the car blinking and rubbing our eyes like disaster victums. We were ahead of schedule and were able to sit at a picnic table to stretch and enjoy the pleasant company.

     “Alright, lets go meet the applicant and have some dinner.” Jim herded us into the car. A trip to Walmart and a few extra spins around the same block brought us to Rockland Cafe. Fastest Cafe in the Northeast. Jason had two bites of his salad and the waitress was back with piping hot, tasty food. The team chatted with the applicant. Questions fired back and forth. We thanked her for her recomendation for the Cafe and were off again.

     A very short trip to Thomaston and we found ourselves met in the driveway. We were welcomed into the house like we were family and the introductions began. The homeowner knew Holly as Case Manager and greeted her first through the door. Then she reached for my hand and said “I know you!”

     The rollerdex in my head whirled. I met so many people in my past career. But she wasn’t matching up with that. “From where?” I asked.

     “Dyer Library last year.” She answers.

     My mind drifts off to a chance meeting. A purposeful coincidence. A last minute decision carried Jamie’s feet to the Dyer Library for a presentation on the paranormal. She stood at the back of the room. Shifting from foot to foot, feeling the rough edges of her life rubbing against a tired soul. I watched her, knowing she was at a point in her life where she had to recreate herself. Searching for meaning and comfort in an otherwise impersonal world.

     She listened to the presentation ‘wobbling’ between “I belong here.” and “What am I crazy?”. When questions and answers came up she stepped forward. Her clear, direct questions, sharp, intent eyes and impeccable exterior didn’t match the wobbling inside. She had tenants in her family owned home. They were having some negative experiences. She personally had lived in the house and never had these herself.

     The scientific answer, the correct answer came out first. “Without an investigation, its impossible to tell what, if anything, is going on.” Then came the unofficial question. “Are they respectful of the house, property, and yourself?”

     She didn’t answer.

     I knew at this point the answer was no. I also knew there was a message for this person. I wondered if the opportunity would ever present itself. My reply was “We do alot to create our environment. Positive or negative, we leave our energy imprint on our surroundings. That can either comfort or stir up the spirits around us.”

     After answering a few more questions. I realized she was gone.

     My mind came back to the present. I realized I had been talking out loud the entire time. Jaws were slack and everyone was quiet. “I can’t believe you remembered all that.” she exclaims with a hand to her chest.

     “You were looking for something. You still are.” I answered simply.

     A bit speachless, she took us on a tour. The history of the house as familiar and comforting to her as a favorite bedtime story. We found ourselves back in the kitchen. Her ‘wobble’ was obvious. I told her my feelings about the house already. This was her ‘pantry of energy’. She agreed, saying this was her safe haven. The place where she recharges.

     She not only opened her home to us. But also shared her whole family history. The corridor to the past was wide open and pulling us in. “She even walked around the house telling the spirits you were coming.” a family member reported. Our team stood humbled and in awe. Jason asked if this is one story that might be told on a larger scale. Jamie easily agreed. Before they departed for the night. Will decided to stay in the house with us. His easy going nature blended with the team instantly. His hands were busy before the rest of the family was out the door.

     Set up was quick and soon Holly, Will and myself were upstairs in the master bedroom. Holly and I sat at oposite ends of the room. Will took the bed. A white fluttering near the floor. A quick black shadow in the same area had Holly and I switching places to see if she could see it too. The guys called upstairs. ” You guys walking around up there?”

     “Lightly, we switched chairs.” I reply.

     A series of debunking exercises brought us to the point of not being able to recreate the foot steps Jim and Jason heard.  As I sat in the chair with my hand out. All the hair stood on my arm. It felt like someone was brushing their fingertips across the tops of the hairs. I asked Holly to come sit beside me.

     “Oh the hair just stood on the back of my neck.” She says halfway across the room.

    I flipped my hand over and asked for a touch. On my pinkie and ring finger I felt cool elderly skin, ever so briefly, across the tips.  I have to say, at this point, I am at a disadvantage. I have no experience with being touched by spirit. I sat calmly and waited. But no other ‘touches’ were felt. I did however, get a heavy tingling on my right arm. This I have felt before when spirit was around. Its persistance a little unsettling as I rub and shake my hand. Trying to free it from the heaviness.

     We pass the night in much the same way. Little hints and teases of spirits present. At the bottom of the stairs  Jim stopped. “What the…….” Hes bent forward brushing at his leg. “Something just touched my leg.”

     We watch as Jim and Jason walk in circles at the bottom of the stairs. Holly looks to me, shrugs, and snaps a few pictures of them. Once of the shots shows a huge orb in the vicinity  of Jason’s rump and Jim looking right at it. We giggle at the potential of that picture.

     “Orb butt.” Holly snickers

     “Glad that orb was there. Otherwise Jim would have some explaining to do.” I add

     We realize the boys are now staring at us. We scurry off to a far corner that we assure them needs sudden scrutiny.

     As the investigation progressed. We all gravitated to the upstairs master bedroom. Some of the same sensations were felt. A few pictures taken spurred a discussion. Over all a sense of well being settled on us. The house was so beautiful. The connection to the past so vibrant and alive. The feeling of being awe struck never left us. To be trusted in this space by the unseen caretakers of this house. To sit in quiet peace and tranquility, overwhelmed each and every one of us. The gift of communication given to us as precious as unconditional love. In this house, there is no separation between past, present, and future.

     With the experience of being uninvited into people’s lives. I can safely say…..these are troubled times. Dispite our best efforts, life has a way of scattering the pieces. Like fall leaves crushed in the biting winds of the changing seasons.

     On the surface of this team you will see a few ripples. But the under current runs deep and strong. No one deems their story important enough to tell. But the many faces I have seen. The triumphs, losses……the peaceful times. All come together in one story line. Even the most mundane  of lives is a story begging to be told. So it is with great protest that I delve into some personal aspects of this team of yours.

     Our fearless leader Jim is a Firefighter/EMT. Dispite what you think. He would be the first to say his  life is not exciting. As every public safety professional will tell you. “Its just my job.”

     Jim, I watched grow up. I worked with him in what seems now a past life. He was a goofy kid with a doggie grin. Always happy to be where he was. Having been in his shoes. I know what those eyes have seen. I know what they have yet to see with each passing day. But the great thing about Jim is. The sun is always shining in his world. He is now a man with a wide stance and a buzz cut. His presence is solid and unwavering.

     He is currently taking a class to advance his career. Its a fun, exciting class EMT-Intermediate. But at the end of class (130hrs) starts the clinical time (150hrs).  At that point your strung out. Literally eat, sleep, work, and play emergency medicine. Although he would never complain. His ‘wobble’ is a little stronger as he enters clinical time.

     Ok ok………a ‘wobble’ is what I feel when someone is stressed, distressed, or ill. But we will get to that later.

     Jim’s lifelong interest in the paranormal began with childhood fears and the heros of Ghost Busters. It progressed to talking with friends who were investigators. Then in 2007 he saw Ghosthunters and decided to join a team. Central Maine Researchers and Investigators of the Paranormal. (Our original team)

     Deep down Jim is a believer. He approaches investigations knowing “There is something there worth studying.” But maintains a ’show me’ attitude. His feet are firmly planted on the scientific side of the fence. Even in the absence of a personal experience. He works diligently at gathering and documenting evidence of the paranormal.

     Holly our case manager has got to be the most curious on the team. She is a mother of two, daughter of a rawkin cool mom, a homemaker, and a full-time emloyee. She maintains a professional exterior, always impeccably turned out. When she thinks no one is looking. You can see the weight of the world on her shoulders. Turn and peer at her and your greeted with a generous smile and a twinkle in the eye. Don’t let that librarian facade fool you. She can raise the roof like the rest of us. She is one of the few I can say has a real zest for life.

     Holly has had a lifelong interest in the paranormal. Starting with the Hardy Boys, Big foot, and now actual investigating. She has been an investigator for 3 years now. Starting with a trip to the Borden house when the opportunity presented itself. She has traveled and spent time investigating with our own trusted Jason and Grant.

     She recently stepped down as Case Manager. We all know her heart is in the traveling. Its the overwhelming curiosity of hers. Like a quick little chipmunk skittering across the surface of every unknown object she finds. Even when still, that lil nose is still going.

     She claims to never have had a personal experience. But when the circumstances line up a certain way. She does hear and feel things others don’t. A passion, a lifelong search for what she hopes is out there. Garantees you will see her curious head pop up anywhere in the paranormal world.

     “Although we have a good time. This is serious. I want people to be comfortable in their homes” She loves to debunk. While at the same time loves it when we get something we can’t debunk. “I like never being satisfied with whats on the surface.”

     Jason our mysterous Tech Manager, likes to think hes shrouded in a mist of the unknown. Hidden from mere mortal eyes. Truth is hes one of the most sensitive of our team members. Even now I can feel his ‘inner’ eyes upon  me as I write. That calm, passive exterior….a brave face to a turbulent world.

     He recently came to our beautiful, rugged state. Hes found a place to live, a  new love, and a family. Expecting late this summer. He will certainly have his hands full. A first time mother, two infant sons. His exterior will look haggard. But the inside is beaming sunshine.

     The job front still eludes him. Like many others in these lean times. But Jason, like few others, will work anywhere. Piecing together what he needs to keep moving forward in his life.

     He has a deep seated belief that your still here after you pass. Existing in another plane. While still able to interact with this one. He searches for the truth about how and why it exists. Extending that belief to UFOs and connections to technology beyond our current reach or understanding. “I know there is something out there beyond our normal state of reality.”

     Like a snow globe shaken. Our lives swirl around us in frantic pieces. What surfaces each and every time is passion. Every member of this team is passionate about paranormal research. We all have deep seated, personal reasons to drive hours in the dark of night to walk the rooms of a stranger’s house insearch of the unknown.

     I want to hang a sign that says “under construction”. But we all know it would be permanent. We don’t move as fast as other teams. But we do thoroughly investigate every nook, cranny and aspect of your case. As a team we agree we are building our own personality. We also agree the priority is educating and empowering our clients so they are comfortable in their own homes.

     I leave you now. Knowing there are still three more team members to profile. Kelly and Jamie have hit some rapids in their lives too. As soon as I can chat with them. They will be solid forms to you like the others. As for me….. I am happiest as a shadow. But in my new role as Case Manager/Pulic Relations. I know I can’t hide. I promise to solidify in the near future.