I gotten a few e-mails from other paranormal enthusiasts in the field regarding "PhantomCon", which is being held in Hickory, Noth Carolina on October 16th. Some of the other presenters and lecturers have been asking me why I was not appearing there, and if there were any problems between me and the event organizers. Let me assure you that are not.

The only reason that Trish and I chose not to attend this event this year is one of timing. We have been working very hard getting our move into the old house completed - the ususal stuff that goes into moving into a new home. Lots of painting to do... installing new lights and appliances... all that stuff. We found ourselves in a place where we just didn't think we would be finished with all that by the time "PhantomCon" rolled around this year.

We also just don't agree to do every convention that we are invited too - and this year it seems like almost every convention in the U.S. asked us. While Trish and I both have SOOOO much fun meeting other paranormal enthusiasts, I can't see myself doing that - the subject matter that I talk about can be very personal at times, and I just don't like doing it a lot.

I'm also working this year on publishing a book of my family story - the reason we go to conferences is to have the opportunity to tell what happened to us - in the hopes that perhaps others who have experienced the same thing might not feel so all alone in the world. Also - perhaps we can open up a few minds who don't buy into the phenomenon that maybe - just maybe - there might be something to this after all. A book has so much more potential to do this I feel....

Please don't think that Trish and I have any disputes or disagreements with any of the paranormal conventions or conferences out there - we don't (okay... maybe TapsCon, hehe). We just have very limited time, and have had to be very selective in the conference we have chosen to attend this year.

T

Wow....

By far the most fun I have ever had at a paranormal conference!The "Haunted Hickory Conference" had it's beginnings when Johnny Clontz called me one day, looking for horror movie celebrities and paranormal speakers to appear in Hickory, North Carolina at Time Tunnel Comic's annual convention. From there... it blew up into it's very own conference featuring some of the biggest names in paranormal research and investigation.

Of course there were challenges for me... most people who have been reading my blog know that I have recently been dealing with a health problem, and anxiety attacks. Violent hauntings can be a challenge for me to talk about sometimes - especially my own personal experiences... and I have discovered that getting on airplanes recently is not something that I enjoy either. Somewhere between West Palm Beach and Atlanta I suffered a panic attack, and spent the rest of the flight laying on the floor of the serving cabin area. After coming to again - I found myself being attended to by a trio of stewardesses with ice-packs and wet cloths on my forehead (I'll do anything for attention from cute girls, hehe). The episode soon passed, but it threw me a little bit - and once again I wasn't at my best for the weekend.

The conference founder's - Eddie, Clam and Johnny put the whole thing together and made sure that both guests and speakers had a wonderful time. They were challenged with a few setbacks along the way... and handled them with ease! Everyone had a fantastic time thanks to them - and because of the family-like atmosphere they presented, there were no problems that couldn't be handled easily with a group approach to them!

I am SO proud of my buddy Jason... I can't think of any presention that I have ever watched that I enjoyed more than his. Jason has been blessed with just the right blend of humor... respect.... and passion when it comes to the paranormal. The presentation he did was flawless - and he was the hit of the conference by far! Way to go buddy - you are awesome : )

Keith Age - someone who is really becoming a great friend. I don't think I have ever laughed so much in my life more than this weekend... and at the same time ever worked so hard to get through a conference. Keith is someone who shows up - and goes to work from the first minute to get the job done.

Brian Harnois - A class act. Donna LaCroix suffered a crippling family emergency and was unable to attend the conference... but when Brian heard about what was going on - he agreed to give up his last weekend with family and friends before filming overseas for two months to take her place. That's a true friend. It was an honor to meet Brian and spend time with him and his family!

The people who came to the conference as an audience were amazing! I had the opportunity during the ghost-hunt to meet so many of them... and share so many incredible stories about their experiences. I love doing that... it makes me feel good. There were a few small problems along the way during the ghost hunt, but the audience in attendance took it in stride - and often solved the minor events all on their own. I am truly honored to have met you all... and I hope that we may see each other again soon!

I had one moment during the event event that caused me sadness... that was our trip out to the local Hooters for lunch. When we pulled into the parking lot with everybody, I recalled that it had only been a few short years since I was at the very same restaurant with my friend George Lutz. I thought back about that day, and the memories of our time spent in Hickory... and it threw me a little when I found myself sitting in the same booth that George and I had sat in. I have to admit that it kinda brought me to tears a little when I looked up and saw a photo of George Lutz and all the Hooters girls... they had hung his picture on the wall above the booth where we had sat.

Thanks to all of you for so many things - for helping and caring... for support and friendship... for listening and for laughter.... I love you guys.