Visiting Gettysburg

On the top few chosen sites on Gettysburg visitor lists is of course the Soldiers' National Cemetery, and rightfully so, it is a sacred place to pay homage to the fallen. However, when visiting the Soldiers' cemetery, do not neglect the Evergreen, right next door. You can drive through Evergreen; but I encourage you to walk and take in all its quiet treasures.
Stop by Elizabeth Thorn's memorial....Elizabeth's story is one of heroism and responsibility and she rightfully deserves a place of honor at Evergreen.
Jennie Wade is laid to rest here..the American flag waves to honor her civilian sacrifice during the Gettysburg Battle.
The first soldiers buried still remain in this peaceful cemetery; the site where Abraham Lincoln actually stood during his Gettysburg address.
So do not forget Evergreen....its beautiful gatehouse stood witness back in 1863 and still watches over Gettysburg today.
© Shirl Knobloch

A Taphophile at Heart

For me, no such place offers the peace and spiritual nourishment as walking through the beauty and grandeur of an old cemetery.
I love photographing and capturing the feelings conveyed through marble and stone....I hope you enjoy my photos. Perhaps my favorite cemetery is located on the outskirts of London, with a haunted and colorful past....Highgate. If you ever travel across the pond, I recommend an afternoon strolling through Highgate's ivy laden paths.
Thanks,
Shirl

Dust or Orb?????????

Whenever a picture of orbs is submitted by me or someone on my site, I invariably can expect the same comments......."it is dust" "it is moisture" .....etc.

Science can explain and recreate orbs under dust laden or moisture heavy air...I realize this. I also realize that it takes a lot of courage to open oneself to comments from peers and it is a big step to open one's own mind to the wondrous possibilities that our energy just might linger in the atmosphere around us.

I welcome everyone's photos; judging or criticizing can only close that small opening that has begun to seep a crack in hardened minds that have been taught to be logical and scientific too much of the time.

I know there is a need to "debunk" fraudulent attempts to deceive the public; and there is room for all opinions on my pages. However, I ask that you post your opinions and ideas in separate blogs and messages and try not to put a damper on someone's newly found paranormal interest. Once that spark is extinguished, it may never again ignite.

I have taken hundreds of photos.....some, I am sure are dust.......some, I am sure are moisture. But sit yourself in a field and take about 40 consecutive empty shots and get one in the midst of them filled with orbs and wonder...............

Walk on a bridge in absolute darkness and shoot infrared at bugs..(and there is no shortage of bugs in Gettysburg,) and learn the difference in how a bug flies past your infrared and something else.....unexplainable.

So thank you to everyone who has opened their minds and shared their pictures with me.

Orbs, dust, moisture......form your own opinions......graciously accept the opinions of others......never judge or criticize in a hurtful manner.

Thanks everyone,

Shirl

copyright Shirl Knobloch 3/25/2010
Photo courtesy of Julie Horvath, taken at Sach's Bridge, Gettysburg

Getting Started as a "Ghosthunter"

When starting out investigating paranormal sites, it is best to take multiple digital pictures of the same image in quick succession to capture orbs and light anomalies. Sometimes the best results come when you are not "looking for something," just enjoying the photography. You can also bring a digital recorder and keep it running as you ask questions such as "is there any spirit here who wishes to communicate?" Hope these tips on getting started help. And study your photos carefully, sometimes you miss something as you look them over the first time. Always respect private property and public land rules and regulations. Don't dig or disrupt historic sites......this is illegal and carries steep penalties. Mind the opening and closing times for public parks and battlefield land and treat the areas with the respect they deserve.

Never go investigating alone; use common sense and go with friends.....there IS safety in numbers when venturing out in the dark in isolated areas.

Don't be discouraged if you experience nothing unusual in the beginning, it takes hours and hours of patience and diligence to do this type of investigating.

If you find yourself enjoying this pasttime, then you can explore further investigative equipment. In the beginning, a digital camera and an open mind is really all you need.

Walking Among the Ghosts of Gettysburg

Hi everyone.......I am embarking on a new journey this year. I have just purchased a restored historical farmhouse in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. My home served as a Confederate General's headquarters during the Battle of Gettysburg. I love the beauty, the history, and the paranormal uniqueness of this place of rolling hills and sacred ground.
I will be journaling my adventures and posting pictures for all to share and speaking a little about the work I have done over the years to investigate the spiritual and paranormal elements of life. I am a Reiki Master and Intuitive who specializes in the care of beloved pet companions.
For those unfamiliar with Reiki, I will talk more in blogs to come about this healing energy and how it can enhance the wellness of our lives and the lives of the animals we love.
Blessings to my old friends and new friends that find their way here........
Shirl
www.briarrosereiki.com