Homes

The Chilling Encounter: A Night in an Abandoned Mansion tales

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The old mansion had been abandoned for decades; its grandeur and beauty slowly being consumed by the passing of time, each year eroding its once-stately presence bit by bit. The once-manicured lawns were overgrown, wild weeds intertwining with the remnants of carefully curated flower beds, the sound of crickets and the rustling of leaves the only signs of life echoing through the hushed air. The crumbling façade, adorned with peeling paint and shattered windows, seemed to tell tales of laughter and joy long forgotten, yet it also emanated a palpable sense of foreboding. Despite its rich history and the allure of its intriguing past, the mansion was a place to be avoided, a place where people whispered of dark secrets and unexplained occurrences that sent shivers down their spines. But I was always drawn to the unknown, the unexplained—compelled to explore the shadows and uncover the stories that lay hidden within its walls, eager to immerse myself in the mysteries that surrounded me.

As a paranormal investigator, I had spent years exploring the depths of the supernatural, and the mansion was the ultimate challenge. I assembled a team of fellow investigators, their expertise ranging from mediumship to scientific analysis, and together we entered the mansion, our equipment at the ready, including EMF detectors and night vision cameras. As we made our way deeper into the sprawling estate, the air grew thick with an eerie presence, as if the very walls held the weight of countless untold stories. We began to feel an unsettling sensation, akin to a prickling on the back of our necks, as though we were being watched by unseen eyes. The shadows cast by our flashlights twisted and writhed like living things, darting to and fro, adding to the palpable tension in the air. Each creaking floorboard echoed like a whisper, fueling our collective anxiety and excitement, as we ventured further into the unknown, determined to unravel the mysteries hidden within the mansion’s dark corridors.

We set up our equipment, hoping to capture some evidence of the paranormal activity that was said to haunt the mansion. It started with small things that danced just beyond the threshold of reality, unannounced yet undeniably present. Doors creaked open and shut with a life of their own, faint whispers slithered through the darkness, weaving tales from the past. But as the night wore on, the occurrences grew more intense and undeniable, like the crescendo of a symphony building towards its dramatic climax. We captured disembodied voices on our audio recorders, the words indistinguishable but the malevolence clear, resonating like a distant warning echoing through time. We saw shadowy figures darting around the edges of our vision, always just out of sight, slipping between the lines of our perception as if playing a darkly exhilarating game of hide-and-seek. And then, we found the room—a discovery both thrilling and chilling. It was hidden behind a secret panel, an unexpected revelation that beckoned us closer, revealing a small space filled with ancient artifacts and strange symbols that whispered secrets long forgotten. In the center of the room, a single chair sat facing a blank wall, its presence almost sentinel-like, as if someone had sat there, lost in reverie, staring at the wall for hours on end, perhaps waiting for something—or someone—to return. As we examined the room, the presence grew stronger, a palpable weight in the air. We felt like we were being pulled towards the chair, drawn into some dark and ancient power that thrummed with an energy both intoxicating and terrifying, as if the very walls themselves were alive, watching, and remembering.

One by one, my team members began to feel its influence, their eyes glazing over as they sat in the chair, staring blankly at the wall, seemingly entranced by an unseen force. I tried to snap them out of it, but it was too late; they were gone, consumed by some malevolent force that lurked in the shadows, waiting patiently for the perfect moment to strike. The atmosphere grew heavy and oppressive, filled with an unsettling silence that hung in the air like a thick fog. I felt a chill run down my spine as I watched their expressions change from curiosity to dread, as if they were witnessing something unspeakable just beyond their sight. Desperation clawed at my insides; I knew I had to act fast to save them from this fate, but the deeper I delved into the mystery of the presence, the more I realized that its grip was tightening around us all.

I was left alone, the darkness closing in around me like a suffocating shroud. Every breath became a struggle, each inhale tinged with the metallic taste of fear. I tried to flee, but the doors were sealed shut, as if a great force was holding them in place. The windows refused to budge, their frames cold and unyielding, mocking my desperation. I was trapped, alone and defenseless, with no escape in sight. The air grew thick with tension, and then, I felt it—a presence behind me, watching me with an intensity that sent chills down my spine, waiting for me to succumb to its sinister power. I turned to face it, but there was nothing there, just an oppressive emptiness. Nothing but the chair, the wall, and the overwhelming sense of being consumed by an unseen predator. I screamed, but my voice was drowned out by the sound of my own heartbeat, each thud echoing in the silence, a frantic reminder that I was still alive, even as the darkness closed in tighter.

When they found me the next morning, I was catatonic, staring at the wall in the hidden room, my mind an empty vessel filled with echoes of fear and confusion. They never found my team, and I was left to wonder if I had imagined the whole thing—a vivid dream turned nightmare. The shadows seemed to dance around me, taunting my sanity as I recalled the night’s terror. But sometimes, in the dead of night, I still feel that presence, its weight oppressive on my chest, watching me, waiting for me to succumb to its power, as if it has been biding its time. The mansion was torn down years ago, yet the memory of that night remains, a haunting reminder of the darkness that lurks just beyond the edge of our reality, whispering secrets in the silence. And sometimes, when I’m alone in the dark, I still hear the sound of whispers, chilling and laced with an otherworldly quality, drawing me back to that chair, that wall, and the abyss that waits beyond, beckoning me to reunite with whatever haunted my dreams that fateful night, making me question whether I truly escaped or simply became a part of its ghastly tapestry.

Are There Spirits in Your House?

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Have you ever thought your home was haunted and had a strange past? Perhaps you’ve felt an eerie chill in certain rooms or heard unexplained noises late at night. Many people experience unusual occurrences that leave them wondering about the history of their dwelling. Some even uncover old stories or rumors about previous inhabitants, leading to a fascination with the supernatural. If these thoughts have crossed your mind, you’re not alone; countless individuals feel a deep connection to the mysteries hidden within their homes, igniting curiosity about the lives that once filled those spaces.

Have items been moved and you don’t know how they were moved? Recently, my wife asked me if I had moved a particular package that had been left over from Christmas. I said no, why would I move that package, especially since it was just an old box that we had intended to recycle? She insisted that she didn’t move it either, leading to a perplexing situation where we both found ourselves scratching our heads in confusion. Well, then who moved it? This mystery has lingered in our home since we moved here in 2016, and it seems like small items vanish without a trace, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. It makes me wonder if there is some unseen force at play or if perhaps, we are just misplacing things more frequently than we realize.

Have you ever been sitting, immersed in your favorite TV show or intently pounding away on your laptop, when suddenly you catch a fleeting glimpse of something in the corner of your eye? I have experienced this puzzling phenomenon more times than I can count. My heart races with curiosity as I instinctively turn my head to investigate, only to find that nothing is there—just the quiet hum of the electronics around me and the dim light of the room. It leaves me wondering: what was it that I saw? Was it merely a trick of the light, or perhaps a shadow playing on the edge of my perception? This disconcerting moment often makes me ponder the edges of my reality and how easily our minds can be ensnared by the unknown.

Have you ever entered a remote part of your home and noticed that the light is inexplicably on? It’s an unsettling feeling, isn’t it? I can’t recall leaving the light on myself, and when I asked my wife about it, she insisted that she hasn’t been in that room for a long time, adding to my confusion. The eerie silence of the empty space only magnifies the mystery. Well, who could have turned on the light? Was it a simple mistake, or is there something more supernatural at play? I can’t help but wonder if I’m alone in this house or if there’s a presence lingering in the shadows, messing with my mind just a bit.

Have you ever looked into a mirror and seen a strange face looking out, one that quickly disappears before you could recognize the image? This fleeting encounter can leave you feeling unsettled and curious, as if your own reflection is taunting you with secrets from your subconscious. Yes, this has happened to me on several occasions, each time leaving me pondering the deeper meanings hidden beneath the surface of my own identity. The moment is brief yet haunting, igniting questions about who we really are and what lies beyond the veil of our everyday appearances.

All we know about the previous owners are that the husband lost his wife some years before he put the house up for sale. Did the wife die in the house or elsewhere, we don’t know, and there are many unanswered questions surrounding her passing that linger in the air like a distant memory, casting a shadow over the home that may still feel the impact of their shared life. After the sale, he moved to Phoenix to be near his son or daughter, seeking comfort and connection in a new environment, yet still holding onto the echoes of their shared past, reminiscing about the joyful moments while grappling with the weight of his loss. He passed on a couple of years after moving to Phoenix, leaving behind not just a house, but a history filled with love and loss, a tapestry woven with the threads of their lives. Are their spirits still making a presence in the house, where moments of joy and sorrow intertwined? Perhaps the walls remember their laughter, and the rooms still feel the weight of their grief, suggesting that the essence of their lives might somehow persist within those four walls, almost as if they have left an imprint on the very atmosphere of the place. After nine years, we still receive mail addressed to them, a curious reminder of their existence that fills us with nostalgia and intrigue. One would think that would have dried up long ago, yet here we are, contemplating the stories behind the envelopes that arrive at our doorstep, each one a whisper from the past that beckons us to remember, to reflect, and to imagine the lives that once thrived in this home.

If there are spirits present, they are good spirits, benevolent entities that seem to watch over us and guide us in ways we cannot always perceive. We have never felt threatened or ever experienced anything really scary; instead, their presence brings a sense of comfort and reassurance. There are millions of questions that will be answered in this strange and mysterious world, from the nature of these spirits to the deeper connections they forge with our lives, as we uncover the hidden truths of existence and explore the profound mysteries that linger just beyond our understanding. This journey invites us to embrace curiosity and seek the wisdom these entities may offer, enriching our lives in ways we have yet to fully comprehend.

In your living experience, have you ever had any intriguing paranormal stories to share? It’s fascinating how often people encounter the unexplained, whether through eerie feelings in old houses, mysterious noises in the night, or encounters with spirits that linger in our memories. These personal stories often spark discussions and stir curiosity, leading us to wonder about the existence of the supernatural. It’s not just about the experiences themselves, but also the emotions and thoughts they provoke. From ghost sightings to unexplainable occurrences, these tales connect us, revealing our shared fascination with the unknown.

Ramblings Magazine Issue #10

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I am Ready for Spring

After months of cold, snow and being shut in more than what I like, I am ready for spring. The days are getting longer, and I am getting excited about the warmer days of spring. I like the spring. I enjoy watching the trees and bushes preparing to green up. Since we have moved, I do not have much space for gardening, but I still get the many seed and flower catalogs for me to thumb through and think of flowers and vegetables. I enjoy watching things grow and many days I just go out to see how things progress. Last year I did not have very good luck growing tomatoes but that did not stop me to attempt growing tomatoes again. The other day Dee and I went to Dollar Tree, and I happened to notice some seed packets. I had to buy some. I am not sure where I am even going to plant them, but I just could not pass up the good deal. 

Spring is just a happier time for me. Winters are hard for me to stay in. I am glad when I am able to get out and enjoy the outside without freezing my tail off. My attitude changes and it is just a better time in my life. That is one thing I really like about the Colorado weather and that is the many days of sunshine this area has. I remember when I was in the army in Nurenburg Germany for about 8 months. In those eight months I do not think the sun was out more than 2 weeks for the entire period I was there. This was from December to July but even the springtime was cloudy and overcast. The Nurenburg weather was not my favorite. I guess I will be a Denverite the rest of my time.  

I am sure there are other things that happen in spring, but I just can’t think of anything at the time. I guess I am stuck on the weather. Dee has asked me if I am writing about my duck. So, I will write about my duck. I won a duck at a bazaar when I was young. This was a recently hatched duckling and I enjoyed watching this duck grow up that summer. I made a cage and the duck stayed in the cage during the day and at night I would pick up the cage and the duck would follow me into the garage. The duck would stand on the paper. The duck waited for me to put the cage over her. This duck knew the drill. Also, I dug a small pond and would fill it with water and watch the duck swim around and have a ball. This duck gave me many fond memories. 

SPRING IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR! 

I Survived the March 14 Record Snowstorm

For three days the news media has concentrated on the gigantic storm coming to Denver metro area. It finally started to rain last afternoon and turned to snow sometime during the night. Woke up with five inches of snow this morning. Some foothill locations got forty inches. During the day the lights flickered occasionally but never went out. However, there were reports that around 50,000 were without power due to broken trees taking out power lines.

We live in a community of forty-four homes and the HOA handles snow removal and received an email that snow removal will be done after the snow stops. Well, it has been snowing all day and I hope there is not a medical emergency in the circle. There have been very few auto tracks on the street, and I don’t know if a fire truck or ambulance could navigate the amount of snow on the streets. plus, none of the driveways or walks are cleaned. Wonder if someone has a medical emergency and emergency treatment cannot get in, can the HOA be sued for neglect of duty? Since this post was started Thursday night I will finish it Friday.

Here it is Friday morning, no power outages, no fallen trees or branches. We still are snowed in though. The HOA crew has not done a thing on the snow removal. I have thirteen inches of snow on the front porch. The city did plow down the middle of the street. However, that leaves a twenty-four-inch pile of snow in front of the driveway. No way could I drive over or through that pile. I am over eighty and no way can I remove that pile of heavy wet snow. I guess I am snowbound for a while.

My Dream Came True

Here is a video of our dream home. These are photos that was on the agents listing.

Back in 2016 my dream came true. For about two years prior we have been looking for a new home. A medical emergency prompted us to do a home search since the EMT’s was not able to get their gurney down the hallway. We looked at many building sites in the Denver Metro area and was not having much luck finding our dream home. We were about to give up the search and started to accept that the home would not be found. 

One night around eight PM we were driving down this street we have been down many times in the past. I was going east and happened to see this for sale sign in a residential neighborhood. I asked my wife, “would you like to tour a home I just saw a for sale sign?” She said, “might as well, it doesn’t look like we will find a new home.” When we got home, I made an internet search and got the address and listing. It was just put on the market Thursday one day ago. Contacted our agent and she made an appointment for Saturday afternoon. We went Saturday and signed a contract the following Sunday.

The house was built in 1998 and the original owner was moving to Phoenix and was selling his home. It was all I ever wanted in a home. A two-car garage that didn’t need to be used for storage space. A large master bedroom larger than the 10 x 12 one we are used to. The laundry room is on the first floor, one of the requirements since we are becoming seasoned citizens. The HOA takes care of the lawn, trash pickup, snow removal, gutter cleaning, and other items. The basement is finished, and it has a workshop. something I have always been dreaming about. This was the final straw. I wanted this house.

To this day I still do not know how I saw the for-sale sign. It was dark and four houses down the side street. My wife says, “it was the Holy Spirit at work and this home was meant for us”. One will never know. We have been here for eight years and will more than likely spend the rest of our lives here.

Daily writing prompt
Write about your dream home.