What makes a successful team?

The focus of this blog is to bring insight to a few issues. One, success is measured by the person holding the measuring stick! Two, why are we comparing ourselves to each other? Thirdly. why do we care so much about what the other group or team is doing? Why not spend that energy and focus on our own efforts?! Stop worrying about if this team or that team is getting into the big name places and you are not. The big name places cost money to get into and the REAL difficult locations are the residential investigation.

 These are the investigations that truly matter anyway. I started this group to answer many questions that I myself had. How does this happen? What are these events? Can they be removed? What is it? and Can they be made to stop?

In the pursuit of these answers I have only found more questions. Is there a point where death is suspended from judgement? How can the spirit realm exist if Gods judgement is absolute and instantaneous? What are these entities if they are NOT angels or demons?

As you delve into paranormal investigations you will realize that, not everything is going to have an answer! There are things you can not explain, you must experience to believe!! There will always be skeptics.... ALWAYS!! So stop worrying about them and the nay-sayers. Stop worrying about the critics and their negative comments. Stay strong and head-fast. Stay the course. You are the measure of your success. If getting 5 residential investigations is your goal and you get 7, you my friend are a success!!

Start yourself out with reasonable and yet modest goals.. sounds very simple and mundane, yet it works!! With each year attempt to go one step further, one step higher, and one step closer to your end game, But be mindful, this field is either feast or famine!! Be ready to accept the set backs and the failures, We only learn from our experiences and our failures!

So what is a successful team? Its simple.. its the team that sticks together, the team that perseveres, the team that accomplishes its mission each and every night they investigate. The team that stay TRUE to its self and its clients. THAT is success to me. I feel that my team is successful due to my members. They are the ones who put in the hours along side me, they sacrifice their time and their efforts just as much as I do and that is where the real pay off comes from, everyone driving to the same goal. Being there and being ready to pick up the slack where one falls off and knowing they do the same for you!  Team work is success!!

Are you a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator?

I have been listening to and reading several issues dealing with the pursuit of ghosts. One being what is the proper title. Ghost Hunter or Paranormal Investigator.

My theory is BOTH! If you are looking for or seeking the existence of ghosts, you're a ghost hunter AND a paranormal investigator. BUT, if your sole purpose is just UFO's or cryptids or whatever, you are just a paranormal investigator.

There are those in the field that are offended by being called a "Ghost Hunter" they say I am MUCH more than that. Well, that is the core task isn't it??

Well, for me, I use both terminologies. Its in our group name and when asked, I say I am a paranormal investigator. Reason being is that ghosts are a paranormal anomaly. To me its a moot point to debate over what someone refers to themselves as or to belittle those who decide to use one term or the other.

The field is what is important. The research is important. But most importantly, the explanation and the reassurance to the client is the most important aspect of the venture. We are a collective owe it to those we help to give 110% of our effort to helping them become comfortable again in the home. After all, they are the reason we do this is, isn't it??

Is impersonation the highest form of flattery?

Ok, so I have been in the middle of a few of these debates and it ALWAYS gets ugly!! One team claiming to be the "first" to do this or say that.. To clear the air.. I THINK the FIRST was Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson to actually bring paranormal investigations to main stream popularity. I THINK. So with that being said, everyone else ( me included ) can not claim to be the "first" to do anything in the field. Oh sure we have our own phrases, but in the long run, we all owe origins to someone else.

From my knowledge, "Mysticism" is the origins of paranormal investigations and that began around 1620 during the Age of Enlightenment. You see paranormal investigations has been around for quiet some time now under one name or another. So all this "you are copying me" stuff is just drama!!

I always give credit where credit is due and I always tell folks if I got the idea from someone else or if I am just re-coining  the phrase. Example. T.A.P.S  calls an area of high electro-magnetic frequency that is focused on a specific location a "Fear Cage". I have always thought that a more simpler term has always been more appropriate to explain to the client. I call it "EMF Poisoning" In the simple term you understand that EMFs have done something bad to you. Even if you don't know what an EMF is or what it does, you know its bad.

So when teams "compete" and I hate to use the term but it fits, against each other for the right to say "I was first".. it does nothing but separate and already fragile alliance that we have with each other. I believe in TRUE unity and true partnership. I have on occasion sought out other teams and asked if they wanted to investigate one of my cases. Now, it hasn't always happened, but I try to reach out to others and extend the olive branch of unity. I mean, I cant force a client to allow another team investigate when they have already entrusted me, but I try!!! I have tried a few times.

I just hate the fact that so many teams are in COMPETETION with each other. Yes, we all want to protect our sandbox. For me, I am weary of trusting others with my teams reputation. We have worked hard to get where we are and to keep the drama and speculation away from our name. Its very hard to shake old opinions. Some folks are KNOWN to be controlling or possessive of investigations. Even to the point where they may feel so threatened by another successful group, that they fabricate stories or falsehoods about that group to steal their shine!

If you have ever been a victim of this, TRUST ME when I say this, it will be ok! Just remain true to who you are and your character. Others will see by your actions that the stories were nothing more than a lie! Then you will shine brighter and stronger than your accuser! Be who you are, and be true to your cause! My group is not out for thrills or glory or notoriety. We are out there seriously trying to help others and document the actual existence of the paranormal claims. To further the field of research and hopefully, provide one or two bricks in the road to creating an actual field of scientific study into paranormal events.

So, stop worrying about who said what term first or who made up what phrase first. Hell, I made up a paranormal glossary years ago and now someone else took the idea and made it their own. I'm not mad, hateful or have any resentment toward them. I should have published it first! LOL
We need to work together, truly work together as one team to push this field into an area that is more than social entertainment and more toward a field of scientific study.

In closing, to all of you out there struggling as a team.. keep pushing forward!! Its not over yet and if their is internal conflict, START OVER or START NEW!! There is too much to do than to fight amongst ourselves. To the teams that hate each other, why?? You were friends once, cant you be friends again? At least squash the issue and stop bashing each other, it doesn't look good on either side. For those who are the glory hound or always playing "victim" for support. GROW UP!! eventually everyone will see you for who you are and when it happens, it will be like a landslide has fallen upon you and you will be shunned by the very community you called home. Its not too late to change and actually do the good things you have claimed you are aspiring to do.

I believe in unity or partnership in this field. I believe it so much that I try to assist others as much as I can. I think my willingness to help or eagerness to believe in others is both my strength and weakness. I sometimes trust too easily and it bites me in the butt from time to time. Stop worrying about what other teams do or say, especially about you if you have done nothing but grind and hustle to get your team to a level that inspires others. Be proud of your accomplishments, its not bragging or showboating if you're proud  of your accomplishments. But be humble as well, cause some may take it as arrogance and vanity. To those who feel inferior: stop it... we all started from ground zero!! We all have a beginning! Just stay the course and stay true to your heart. Everything else will work itself out.

I seriously believe that this community is unlike any other, and that we will support each other and help each other succeed. Be good to one another cause your actions speak louder than words and when you trash talk someone or purposely make a team look bad, it comes back to you.

Until my next rant!! Stay true, stay dedicated and most of all stay you!!

You are ruining the reputation of REAL paranormal investigators!!

A few days ago I seen a video post from a person who says they are a paranormal investigator and she was saying how she is "rebuilding" her team and asking folks to tell her of places to hunt. Seems legit so far , right? Well, most of us are constantly revamping our team and methodology to make our group better anyway. We are also self publicizing ourselves to get more awareness and publicity, which in turn hopefully garners more investigations. Ok, so pretty normal thus far. 

But, when you get on social media and post a video or yourself asking for tips or explaining why your team has no equipment or no hunts in the last 16 months... make sure your not drunk or high!! 
You don't think EVERYONE can tell your intoxicated?? Your slurred speech, your glazed eyes, and the fact you loose track of your train of thought mid-sentence is all the red flags needed.

You have no team.. its you and your child.... you have NO GEAR!! You have no TEAM. Its you and your son! You just have a Facebook page, that's it!! You portray yourself as a paranormal investigator or ghost hunter, which ever you prefer, but you are damaging the legitimate teams out there by posting videos of yourself drunk or high!! This is why no one comes to you for help. This is why you have NO MEMBERS. You tried to scam people out of money in order to pay for YOUR tickets to a tour, NOT a hunt! 

Its people like you that ruin this field for everyone who has a legitimate team or group. For those of us who are working on their group 24/7, we disown you!! You are NOT a part of our family. Is that harsh? Yes, just a bit but, you cant allow cancer to stay in you body if you want to stay healthy. 

As a member of a much larger association of paranormal teams, I am the FIRST to promote para-unity! But I will not sit back silently and allow this type of ignorance to be portrayed upon this community. This type of behavior is TOXIC to our community and the growth of this field. You have a drinking or drug problem. GO GET HELP!!! Get sober then reenter the arena of paranormal investigations. 

You are ruining the reputation of REAL INVESTIGATORS.. and you are ruining the credibility of real teams. Stop, please just stop. Get help, beat this addiction and come back to the paranormal family and help us establish a credible field of research. 

Cause if you continue on this path, all you are doing is destroying everything you hoped to accomplish.

Haunted Dolls

The other day I was contacted by a woman on a Facebook group that was oriented toward the paranormal. She made a post about these two dolls that she bought and was looking to give them away. She stated that "weird things" had been occurring in the home since she brought them back. So... I asked .. "How much do you want for them" She replied they are FREE!! So of course I said ' I'll take them" 

2 weeks later they arrived in the mail and last night was the first night they stated here in our home. We placed them on an old steamer trunk in the living room. Getting home late from work that night, I wanted to watch some tv and relax a bit before going to bed. So I cleaned up, and began to watch one of my favorite shows. I began to get sleepy and thought... " Hey!! Ill just sleep here and see what happens!!"

Well after a few moments of hearing the cats run around and a few faux heart attacks,,,, I realized nothing was going to happen. So I fell asleep, lightly I might add, but never the less, I think my apprehension of the dolls was more than the actual activity. But hey, it was the first night!! 

They look rather peaceful and content on the trunk and we do have several pets. None of the dogs or cats have had an irregular reaction to them. But again, its the first 24 hours in the home. So we shall see what occurs or doesn't occur. 

Where does paranormal investigations stop and occult practices begin?

I am sitting here watching another paranormal show on the Travel channel. This couple is recounting their survival of their paranormal experience. There was a lot going on according to the couple so they contacted a "paranormal investigator".

The first thing that got my attention was.. he was using a phone application to assist him in "talking to the dead". RED FLAG #1. Its a phone app, its made for entertainment, NOT investigative practices. These apps work by using your phones internal GPS, then it researches the internet for commonalities. Then the artificial intelligence program begins to generate words or phrases that would be recognizable to the location.

This is a computer program designed to give words or phrases related to the location, NOT from a spirit. So this man then tells them he captured an EVP that he thought was telling him that the spirit could and can use the female owners energy.

Well after a while the activity got more frequent and more aggressive to the couple. Even to the point of reportedly being possessed and talking in a strange voice. They contacted the "paranormal investigator" again.

He came into the home and "searched" for "spirit portals". According to the man, these were doors or windows that spirits could use to enter and leave our world and return to its world. I started to doubt that the man was an investigator but more of an occultist. I was RIGHT!. So he begins to address the "spirit portals" and said there were 18 portals in the home and that since the apartment was vacant for so long the spirits energy had claimed the apartment and " that wasn't good".

So he goes on to describe how he "closed" the portals. He said he took some torn fabric with light shining through it and then ( Well I am not condoning this behavior so I am not going to give the exact description)  completed the task in order to bind the spirit in the other world/realm.

This is the performance of occult practices. Once you start to perform seances, cleansings, summonings, anything other than the gathering of evidence, you have crossed the line. You are no longer an investigator. You have become a practitioner of these "arts".  You have effectively stepped through the "portal" of the realms. This in not ghost hunting or paranormal investigations. This is  whatever you wish to call it, witchcraft, magic, or occultism. You have taken the role of "medium" or a guide between the realms. You are shutting the doors. You are the focal point of this spirit now and the focus of its anger or.... hatred.

Once you become active in the occult practices, you stop being an objective investigator. You are looking for proof. Not beliefs. As an investigator you are looking for photographic evidence of spirits or ghosts. You are trying to capture it on audio, video and in pictures.

These "occult paranormal investigators" are dangerous*. I do not and will not conduct an investigation like this or similar to this. I have allowed individuals who claim to have abilities accompany us to investigations and allowed them to attempt to communicate with the spirits. But this is when the investigation is OVER.

I personally do not like when TV portrays this as paranormal investigations. This is 1930's occultism. Plain and simple.


******* This is my own personal opinion based on life experiences. I in no shape or form am calling these people liars, fakes or frauds. I am just saying that based upon my own outlook on what a paranormal investigator is and should be, this is not paranormal investigations, but occult practices*********

Am I wrong or am I right?

Here I am, torn between being supportive of other paranormal teams and wanting to separate myself from teams that I feel are not authentic and sincere. I watch and follow a lot of paranormal teams on social media. Some are down to Earth, rational folks who are genuinely looking for answers. While there are those out there riding the current wave of popularity in paranormal investigations and looking to create a name for themselves. Even if that name and reputation is bad.

So how do I promote unity in the paranormal field, when there are teams that do not portray the traits that are desirable? Please, do not get this wrong. I feel everyone should follow their dreams, even if that means you want to be the next television personality out there chasing and over reacting to noises in the dark.

But what about those tried and true teams and individuals that are busting their butts doing research and studying the field looking for answers. How do you give credence to one group but not the other? What standards do you apply? The brand name of their gear? The amount of gear they have or the types of gear they have?

Neither, it has nothing to do with gear, its about integrity and heart. Are they in this for the right reasons? Do they conduct themselves with honesty and present their findings honestly. Do they fabricate or exaggerate their findings? If they do... this is not a group to emulate or to duplicate. This is the dilemma which we fall into with unity in the field of paranormal research.

If you "out" a group for being fake or overly dramatic, then you become a "hater". if you allow these groups into your circle you dilute your resolve and your reputation. Thus, enabling them to continue to ruin the integrity of paranormal investigations as a whole. Do you become an isolationist in behavior? Do you refuse to associate with other groups and just be "Facebook friends"?

These are the questions many investigative founders and team members are faced with today. the hashtag #Paraunity is used to inspire teams to work together and to help bring the field together. But some use it as a mockery and hide behind its meaning to further their fraud.

I guess for me, I will stand by teams that I deem fit for association and I will still say #Paraunity when commenting on certain posts. If we strengthen our resolve and strengthen our position on and against some of the "frauds" or "drama queens" We will strengthen the respect that those outside our community has for us. It will give credence to our purpose and our cause. I guess it should read #Paraintegrity.

But as I asked before, Am I wrong for feeling this way,  or am I right??

Why did I become a ghost hunter?

I got into "ghost hunting" some where around 1997. It wasn't called ghost hunting then, it was more of individual people exploring the unknown and paranormal events.

I have had numerous personal experiences with paranormal occurrences. I don't know why or what caused it or what linked me to these events, I just know they happened. I had several situations where I seen some sort of "ghost". When I was younger, about 8 or 10, I seen this …. black misty, "thing" flow out of my parents bathroom into their room and come across the ceiling toward my room. It was FREAKY!! It looked like some sort of black liquid that spilled out over the doorway, but on the ceiling. Then it began to flow towards my room! I quickly jumped out of bed slammed my door and called out to my parents.

Well, they were not happy because "Little Roger" was not sleeping, but was up "messing around". I guess parents don't believe children because they look at it as an "excuse" to not go to bed, but this happened and I was so mad at them for not believing me. I had situations since then, but nothing as eventful. Then I had my second most memorable event. I was about 18 or 19, I was working for a grocery store during my summer between my 11th grade and 12th grade year. I worked nights night so I slept during the day. I was off that night and my alarm began to sound. I was so groggy and sleepy, but I was about to get up to turn it off when I saw him. This older man, he was short about 5ft 5inches and had a flat top hair cut. He wore brown slacks, a white short sleeve button up, with suspenders and a pocket protector or glass case in the shirt pocket.

Now, I know what your thinking.. that's a hell of a lot of detail in such a short moment. You're absolutely correct too. But that moment was seared into my mind! Cause as he walked across the room to turn it off , he waved at me like "go back to sleep. I'll get it"   I laid back down then jolted up!! Cause I was the ONLY person home!! By the time I got back up, which seemed like seconds was 2 hours!! I frantically searched the house for anyone, but all the doors were still locked.

I kept the incident to myself for YEARS! My parents already thought I was nuts for believing in Bigfoot and the like, I wasn't going to add fuel to the fire! Then about 20 years later, me and my mother were going through old photos, and I came across a picture that made me freeze. I asked my mom, " who is that guy?" She said that's my grandpa, he died when I was a little girl." Then I told her the story, she didn't believe it at first, then said, he always said he would look after me.

So after these two huge incidents in my life I began to question, is it possible people can come back or stay as ghosts? I thought we all faced judgement instantaneously when we died, you go to heaven or hell.. that's it. Thus began my quest! I had always read about ghosts, demon, and spirits. But now I was determined to UNDERSTAND what was going on versus ACCEPTING what was going on.
News flash... I still don't understand completely ! lol Each time I think I find an answer, I find 6 more questions.

But the further I go , the more I learn and do understand. Its more of a continuous adventure or ladder to climb. I don't think we were truly meant to understand the paranormal world. We are just here to coexist with it, and that has become my mission, to help others understand the occurrences in their workplace or home and to help them coexist with these events. Some of which are nothing more than replaying energies. My quest is not over and far from it, but I look forward to the coming adventures this path has set before me!!

Are you a ghost hunter or thrill seeker?

Two  of the  most frequent  questions I get being the founder of a paranormal group is: "How do I join or Can I go with y'all?"  I love when I get these questions. I tell the folks looking to join that we have an application process and that just shocks them. It is like... an application process?? Yes, I need to know who I am taking into a persons home and trusting them to behave. Then when I say we have membership dues... it is crickets! But, the membership dues, help keep away the thrill seekers who are not committed to actual investigations.

There are groups who do not have fees and they are usually a very small group of friends and they don't allow new members. I allow people to join our group, and I train them on how to use the gear and how to investigate. Those dues, go to help pay for promotional items, business cards, flyers, the website, and it helps off set the cost when we as a group ay to investigate some of these big name locations.

Call it as you like, ghost hunting or paranormal investigator, both are serious people looking to investigate the paranormal world. A thrill seeker is just looking to get a scare or looking for something to do fun. Its not a serious venture for them. Well, for us, it is serious and we spend a lot of time researching locations, researching new info, and conducting maintenance on the equipment. Its very time consuming.

So for the thrill seeker, I say wait till Halloween. There will be numerous locations holding "ghost hunts" and "haunted houses" to explore. You can even schedule and pay for your OWN paranormal experience at some of these locations. ***Spoiler Alert, IT IS EXPENSIVE*** Most of the paranormal investigation groups are serious investigators, looking to help others with their situation or documenting evidence of paranormal activity.

So please, if you are just looking for the thrill, wait... some of these teams host "hunts" during the Halloween season. You can get your scare on that way. But they then return to the seriousness of the business afterwards. If you want a scare that bad, JOIN a team, pay the dues and LEARN about the paranormal. Its not that bad of a deal and the dues aren't usually that bad. they can be any where from $25 to $100 a month. It just depends of the group.

Stay safe and pursue your dreams, contact teams and ask questions!! Not all teams are closed to new members!

What makes a good paranormal investigator?

There are almost as many theories on this as there are groups out there investigating. It is all about the perception. By that I mean, it is what you perceive as a good investigator. Is it the type of equipment they use or the amount of equipment or what really?

For me, a good investigator has to have integrity. It is that simple.

If you have a team out there fabricating "evidence" or exaggerating their claims for notoriety, that isn't integrity. If they are bullying other teams and purposely trying to discount them or their findings, that is not integrity.

The integrity I am talking about is being honest with themselves and others. Be honest about what kind of group they are. What kind of an investigator they are. Are you out there trying to find real evidence to establish proof of the paranormal? Are you out there trying to get ratings on your social media site? Are you trying to validate the claims that there may be something in some ones home? Or are you the investigator that is out there trying to help those who are afraid to turn the lights off at night. The investigator that is going to look for all rational answers first before saying the house is haunted?

Do you have the integrity to say... we didn't find anything in here or to say we cant catch anything in your location?

For me, and this is my view only, a "good investigator" is in it for the "client". They are there to honestly help the home owner answer some rather disturbing questions. To help put at ease, the fears the home owner has and to be honest about them.

One of the first things I make clear is, " I do not have a magic vacuum cleaner that can suck the ghosts out of your house, I don't attempt to cleanse the house nor am I an exorcist"

I am simply there to see if I can find a rational and mechanical reason for their experiences. If I cant, then I look for paranormal answers. Theni try to help the owner understand what is occurring in the home and how to proceed.

A good paranormal investigator doesn't always get the ghost, but they definitely get the home owners trust!

Why is there no real unity in the paranormal community?

I have been a paranormal investigator for over 15 years now. I have ran across some of the nicest people and some of the rudest people in the field. I am still confused as to why people in this community are NOT helping each other. I understand NO ONE wants to give up the details on a location and have it "taken" from them. But How can it be taken if it isn't yours to begins with??

I was extremely happy to be asked to help create an "alliance" for Texas paranormal teams. I am eagerly waiting to see how this pans out, not only for my team, but for all teams in Texas.

Sadly, I have seen everyone jockeying to be the next Ghost Adventures or Ghost Hunters tv show. If that's what you want.. more power to you and I wish you all the success. Do not go stepping on others or looking down upon them as if they are inferior because they are not on TV. I have turned down 2 offers. Not because the "money wasn't right" but because its not who I am or what I have envisioned for our group.

Our group has a philosophy, " you do not have to be alone!" By that statement, my intent is to help those who truly need the help. We are a FREE service!! I mean.. I'm doing this to honestly help folks understand what is going on in their homes. While their are other who do it to get more subscriptions on YouTube or Instagram or help launch what they feel is a TV career.

I do it to help the person understand what is happening in the location. and for FREE.

But like I said, there are those who would bash other teams and say they are not "REAL INVESTIGATORS" because they don't or do use (fill in the blank) item.

There is no real academy for this type of endeavor. There are no REAL EXPERTS. Just people who have more experience in investigating and more experience in the field of "ghost hunting".

Its truly sad when like minded people can not join together and resolve their differences for the betterment of such a small community. I guess it boils down to just one word.

COMPETITION.

That is the true adversary of paranormal investigations and ghost hunting groups, Everyone is too busy trying to be better than, or have better evidence or better gear.... How about having a better relationship with fellow investigators and teams. I would LOVE to create a coalition or some sort of alliance that agrees to collaborate with each other instead of competing with each other...

Hopefully that day is coming soon. Until then...

You don't have to be alone!