New Orleans is, in my mind…one our country's truly unique treasures. And where else better to go on a "ghost expedition?" This was definitely a different experience. It wasn't a walk, nor did we use equipment on this particular evening, as I have done before with the Peace River Ghost Trackers at the Spanish Military Hospital in St. Augustine. This was more an excercise to get in touch with our senses. And so, we headed out to Ashley House, an historic property behind the pool at the Avenue Plaza Hotel. First, it's absolutely beautiful with a winding staircase, and it's been restored to the Civil War era with subtle perfection. We go in at night knowing nothing about the place, what is supposed to be, who is supposed to be haunting the residence, or any of the history. Now, I am the world's greatest coward, and I always have to wonder what I'm feeling just because I'm so susceptible to suggestion. But sent in alone, Connie and I both stop at the entry–there seems to be a heaviness about the place. We're looking for impressions, and I don't care for the music room at all–is it the darkness? Or something really there. Upstairs, in one of the bedrooms, the impression is sadness. Now, of course, I'm jumping at the movement of every shadow . . . .

We find out later that there is supposedly a woman who stands in the entry, perhaps making sure that strangers do not come in and mess up the house! There was a middle aged man who died of a heart attack in the music room, and upstairs, twin sisters had died within months of one another, one from a riding accident, and one from disease. Confederate prisoners were held in the house when "Beast" Butler clamped down on New Orleans when the city was occupied by Northern forces during the Civil War.

I am now trying to find real records on the house, because the history that would bring about a "haunting" is most fascinating to me!

In New Orleans, a bit of scouting and planning for our Writers for New Orleans, taking place Labor Day weekend (please visit writersforneworleans.com,) and then on to Houma and the Jubilee Jambalaya, a chance to see Harley (magnificent and hysterical keynote speech) and Paul, Traci, Tina, Cherie, Molly, Kay, and so many really good friends. Now, a bit more business, and home–to plan for the RT Booklovers convention coming up in Columbus, Ohio, April 28th to May 2nd.