IRA ROAD CEMETERY, EVERETT

IRA ROAD CEMETERY, EVERETT - 10/7/06









Ira Road Cemetery is a small well-kept cemetery of about a hundred graves just south of the Peninsula area, in the Cuyahoga Valley park system, with a large open field off to one side. It is close to a main road with moderate traffic. The earliest burial dates from 1829, with a few right up to the present. A couple of Civil War soldiers are also buried here. Orb activity was light to moderate, with one or two being exceptionally bright.



The area of greatest activity seemed to be centered towards the very back of the cemetery on the right hand side, which would be the southeast corner. Not only was that where most of the orb activity was captured, but also this extremely rare shot of a blue mist in the same area, which was not seen anywhere else that night.


Two EVPs were caught that night, one of which being the most remarkable we've ever recorded. In the first IRA CEMETERY CLIP 2006-1 one can hear a short 2-syllable pharse of word being spoken at slightly faster than normal speed. It becomes slightly clearer here IRA CEMETERY CLIP 2006-1A, but not much. The voice isolated on its own can be heard at IRA CEMETERY CLIP 2006-1B, One cannot make out what is being said other than it is a voice that should not be there.


The second clip is one of the most interesting we've ever caught. One of our group, Pat, had earlier in the spring undergone extensive foot surgery that kept her off her feet for more than two months. At this cemetery is a small park-like bench towards the back. During this clip you can hear the exchange where I suggest that there's a bench nearby in case she'd like to sit for a bit. Pat replies, "No,I'm better off walking" and then goes on to make a comment about a nearby headstone. Soon after starting her comment she is almost drowned out by a voice that seems to be replying "Sit down here"! At first we weren't sure what was being said, but the voice seems to be speaking with either a slight Southern or New England accent. Once my wife noticed that, the rest just clicked into place. The full exchange is heard here IRA CEMETERY CLIP 2006-2 and a shorter, slightly enchanced version here IRA CEMETERY CLIP 2006-2A. This implies that a spirit or entity was not only present, but aware of our conversation as well!

IRA ROAD CEMETERY, SECOND INVESTIGATION - 9/30/07

Almost a year to the day after our initial investigation we had an opportunity to revisit both Ira Road Cemetery (also known as Everett Cemetery) and the covered bridge. We arrived about 45 minutes before sunset, and after enjoying a spectacular sunset got quickly to work.

















With 5 people present we covered the area in a systematic fashion, concentrating on the back third area of the cemetery where we had obtained results before. Unlike last time, there were almost no orbs photos worthy of note. Immediately after it got fully dark, however (about 20 minutes after sunset), we started picking up a whitish mist that in later photographs seemed solid enough to be compared with the old-fashioned ideas of what “ectoplasm” was. The first photograph (above) was taken by my wife. It is interesting to note that evidence of the mist was captured independently by two different individuals, using two completely different cameras of different makes and manufacturers, which helps during investigations in ruling out a flaw in any particular camera.













In the first few images the mist seemed to build slowly and the pictures needed to be enhanced to see it. Photos were obtained of this patch of mist both near the ground, moving across and among certain headstones, and above near the trees. It seemed to center in that back area of the cemetery and moved along with us as we took pictures. In some case it would appear in a single photograph, be totally gone for the next few, and reappear 3 or 4 pictures later.





The ground was dry and humidity for that day was recorded about 65%. Just before dusk it had reached the high for the day of 75-78, and was still warm enough at the time of the investigation for shorts and T-shirts. The mist moving from one headstone to another makes it unlikely to have been normal ground fog, as does this unique photo of a bright blue patch of mist that was photographed. The vivid blue coloring does not appear naturally, especially at night. It is interesting that a bluish-colored mist was also captured at this same cemetery last year (see above).
















These were the most spectacular images we obtained that night. Whoever was present was defintely trying to make itself known. After appearing in various photographs for about a 10-minute period, it slowly faded away and vanished, as if no longer interested in what we were doing.




These two enlargements come from the second and third photos above. These sections clearly stand out in the originals. Are these faces formed in the mist or just the power of suggestion?

We recorded some spectacular EVPs on this visit. My wife Sharon started out conducting the EVP session and caught four different responses over a ten minute period, coming from at least two distinct individuals. It was the closest thing to a "give-and-take" conversation we had yet encountered.

In the first clip, Sharon asks "Is anyone here with us?" and almost immediately gets a response "Yes" from what appears to be a man's voice: IRA CEMETERY CLIP 2007-1. In the next, Sharon says she will leave the recorder at a particular spot. Over her comments can be heard a woman's voice either singing or humming: IRA CEMETERY CLIP 2007-2.

In the third, Sharon asks "How did you pass away?" and the response, again from a man, is the single word "fire": IRA CEMETERY CLIP 2007-3. In the last, Sharon asks if there is anything more the spirits would like to tell us. In the background, again from a woman, is a very clear response "Oh I'm Sad": IRA CEMETERY CLIP 2007-4. These are among the clearest EVPs we have ever recorded, and would definitely be considered of the Class A variety.

Three or four other EVPs were also recorded that night, either noises or voices that didn't belong there, but were either of a much lower quality or otherwise indecipherable. A good example of one of these is IRA CEMETERY CLIP 2007-5, which is just a garbled whispered voice. Other than the fact that it appears to be the same man's voice again, nothing can be made out of it when slowed down, filtered, or reversed. It would fall under the Class C category. Needless to say, it was a very productive and worthwhile visit and we will definetely return again some day.

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EVERETT COVERED BRIDGE - 10/7/06
About a mile and a half down the road from Ira Cemetery sits the Everett Covered Bridge. This bridge is actually a replica built in the 1970's after a series of accidents heavily damaged the original. Local folklore tells the story that on the night of February 1, 1877, John Gilson and his wife tried crossing the creek just north of this location. The horses bolted, tossing the wife out of the wagon, and charged into the bone-chilling creek, now swollen by recent rains. Mrs. Gilson was rescued, but her husband and the horses perished. John's body was finally found four days later. There have been several accounts of restless souls still roaming, only this time, taking the safer route - the bridge. Perhaps it’s John Gilson in his wagon crossing the bridge, trying to make his way home one final time.

There is another possibility to these legends, however. Immediately to the right of the bridge is what used to be Chamberlain (Everett) Cemetery. This was a private cemetery owned by the Chamberlain family. Several decades ago, the cemetery was abandoned, but only a few of the bodies were removed. All of the headstones have since disappeared. Over a dozen graves still remain, forgotten and lost to memory. The spirits of the remaining dead may be upset by this and still roam the area surrounding the cemetery and bridge adjacent to it.

Not far from the covered bridge, the quiet streets of Everett also hold an unknown and otherworldly phantom hitchhiker. The black shadow of a man in a hat has been seen several times walking the dark road between the bridge and the local Everett church. No one seems to know who he might be, and he never stays long enough to tell his story.













On the night we were there, we obtained several good images of orb activity on the bridge. The bridge is closed to traffic and is now only part of a footpath, so it's easy to drive by this lonely setting, especially at night on a darkened road, and miss it entirely.




Several images were taken of the wooded area to the right, in the reported location of where the abandoned and forgotten Chambelain cemetery should be. It borders the small stream that runs below the bridge, and is no heavily wooded and overgrown. It would be difficult to find your way further in, especially at night, without first scouting the area in daylight. Three or four images turned up nothing particularly interesting except trees, but one photograph taken from the road captured an especially strong, whitish-mist in that direction. It is interesting to note that this image was not captured on the bridge, but might confirm the existence of the lost Chamberlain cemetery right where local legend says it should be. (NOAA Weather indicates air temperature at that time was a warm 60 degrees, which rules out the possibility of it being exhaled breath.)



One EVP was recorded at the bridge that is just at the edge of being discernable. After examining the inside of the bridge I move outside to start taking photographs of the outside area, and the wooded area nearby where the abandoned cemetery is said to be located. Soon after I state that I will start taking some views of the outside, a very faint voice is heard seconds later. It might be one of the faintest we've yet captured. Upon cleaning up the audio and amplifying it a phrase is heard saying "help me", as best I can make out. The full untouched clip can be heard at EVERETT BRIDGE CLIP 2006-1 , an isolated and slightly cleaned up version at EVERETT BRIDGE CLIP 2006-1A , and another version slowed down to about 60% normal speed at EVERETT BRIDGE CLIP 2006-1B. What is remarkable is that it was caught at the same time as the mist photograph (above) was being taken, implying a connection between the two. We welcome your suggestions at to what you hear in the clips! We obviously plan on going back for a more extensive investigation at some point in the future.





EVERETT COVERED BRIDGE, SECOND INVESTIGATION - 9/30/07
On our return to the bridge in 2007, after our second visit at Ira Cemetery, we set up our equipment are were able to spend a little more time than we did on our previous visit. Less photographic evidence was obtained this time around, however, and no signs of any mist as we had done the year before.

A number of orb photographs were too faint or unimpressive to be included here, however three very bright orb photographs were obtained surpassing anything we had seen on our previous investigation. The first photo about was taken by me, the next two were captured by my wife. All show a very bright, bluish-colored orb both near the ground and also up near the rafters of the covered bridge, close to where we were investigating.




This photograph, though visually uninteresting, is notable for another reason. On the extreme right can be seen a single orb, beyond the white fence. Rather than on the bridge, it is in the very area just beside the bridge where the lost graves are located. Perhaps it's tyring to show the way?


Not much was caught this time at our second trip to the covered bridge. We did, however, catch one very clip when it was silent and no one was talking. On this clip EVERETT BRIDGE CLIP 2007-1 you can clearly hear the word "danger" near the end of the clip. We did not feel that it meant we were in danger, but rather that a bridge site where past tragedies had occurred could always be considered dangerous. What's interesting is that last year's clip, which might be interpreted as "help me", fits perfectly in with "danger" recorded nearly a year later. This is one of the clearest EVPs we have ever recorded, and would be considered a Class A example. We will continue to study the site in the future. 

http://www.clevelandsupernatural.com/28-Ira.html

The Truth May Set You Free

The Truth May Set You Free

Theory: There is much confusion about the spiritual/psychic world. A little known fact is that some nasty thoughts in your head are not your own. You can develop the strength to resist them, and it is important you do so. Also, you MUST know that all that glitters is not gold.
Know that a lot of negative emotions, destructive thoughts, nasty thoughts, obnoxious imagery and so on are probably not products of your own mind, but of a nearby dark being's. To know that you are not crazy, that the voices really aren't yours, can be a great relief. Now you need to work on getting rid of them. Don't let the knowledge of outside influence make you irresponsible; you still have the duty to silence dark thoughts and to not act on them. Pray for the removal and rescue of those who speak inside your mind.
(Note: Sometimes negative emotions and destructive thoughts are not from a nearby dark entity's, but your nearby distressed family member, coworker, or friend! I've had a day where I was extremely upset for no reason and later realized I was picking it up from a coworker having US visa problems! If you are empathic or telepathic, you MUST be aware of your vulnerabilities and you should work on a close relationship with the loving God.)
Do not yield to temptations, and don't let life in this world push you into "selling your soul" for a short-term gain; this not only hurts others and yourself, but it helps dark ones get a handle on you for later attack. On the other hand, if you have done so already, don't despair. I heard from someone else a really marvelous line, apparently addressed from a good spirit to a lost spirit: "We know you sold your soul. But God didn't recognize the sale. Come on home"!
Do not assume you deserve what you get! Don't guilt trip yourself. Also, if you hear voices or subtle thoughts that say that you deserve suffering, or that the ordeal is actually a good thing, tell those thoughts and voices to go away --- they are likely coming from someone who is not looking out for your best interests. I don't think God wants us to suffer, even if suffering may sometimes be necessary. Even a karma debt does not have to be repaid by suffering; it can be repaid by good work, and by seeking God's forgiveness. God does not punish us, if we come humbly, and does not subject us to judgment trials. God applies mercy to the repentent, and loves the unlovable!
Do not consider suicide as an escape. Many suicides who have had near death experiences report that suicide is wrong -- some even say it is a crime, and many suggest great suffering will result. The general gist remains: don't do it. Suicide is what demons want you to do -- don't listen to them, and don't fall into their clutches. Don't give them reason to gloat in triumph (and they DO gloat - rescued suicides have reported hearing them) -- instead, seek God, ask God to rescue the demons or (if rehab is not possible) bring them to justice, and in the meantime LIVE and enjoy life. Remember, while there's physical life, there's also hope. Go, seek, ask, knock, and wait with patience when necessary.
Know yourself to be a soul that lives past death. The fallen can rise again. Even physical death is not the end, and there really is Light at the end of the tunnel.
Warning: If you meet spirits that claim to be angels, do not necessarily trust them. Some radiant beings merely reflect light or channel light (like optical fiber), instead of generating it themselves out of love. Some "angels" are more interested in making themselves your spirit guides, and slowly, imperceptibly make you dependent on them for guidance, aid, advice, information, and so on. They also tend to emphasize special treatment, telling you that you are somehow special or better than most other people. Finally, they tend to make reincarnation sound like the cure-all and end-all and something to be done over and over, but remember the highest of religious teachers have discouraged reincarnation throughout history. You do not have to reincarnate to "erase" karmic debts. All these are extremely subtle deceptions, but the danger is real. The road starts quite plain and straight and wonderful, but slowly, slowly, it curves away. Be wary! Here are some resources that might help you tell good from fake good.

Make PEACE not war

50 Peaceful Things

50 Peaceful Things
by Lori Deschene

“Peace is not something you wish for. It’s something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away.” ~Robert Fulghum

Recently I’ve been spending a lot of time visiting 1000 Awesome Things, a blog devoted to the many simple pleasures in life. Some of them remind me of being a kid, like this one about celebrities on Sesame Street. Others remind of me I’m stronger than I think, like this one about getting through difficult situations.

With that in mind, you can imagine how excited I am to receive a copy of Neil’s upcoming book, aptly named The Book of Awesome. I’m even more excited that I’ll be able to give away two autographed copies when I write my review. (Coming soon!)

In the meantime, as a way to pay tribute to this awesome book and my awesome new friend, I’ve decided to create my own awesome list, tinybuddha style.

Here are 50 peaceful things to help you be mindful and happy throughout the day:
1. Laying in bed for a few minutes in the morning before hopping into your day. There’s no reason to rush.

2. Eating breakfast slowly, at a table, instead of grabbing something on the go.

3. Listening to your favorite music on the way to work, and remembering when you first heard it. Where you were, who you were with, how you felt.

4. Hugging someone you know long enough to make it meaningful.

5. Appreciating something you take for granted, like your feet for taking you where you need to go.

6. Focusing solely on the smell of your coffee as it brews.

7. Noticing something thoughtful a stranger does for someone else. (There are a lot of beautiful people out there).

8. Watching a coworker get proud about doing something well and feeling happy for them. Nothing’s more calming than focusing on someone else and forgetting yourself for a while.

9. Getting into the zone typing, like finger-moving meditation, maybe set the rhythm of a great tune on your iPod.

10. Doing only one thing, even though you have a lot to do, to fully enjoy what you’re doing.

11. Knowing you did a good job and taking a few minutes to bask in self satisfaction. You’re pretty awesome.

12. Expressing how you feel and then letting it be without feeling pressure to explain (pressure we usually put on ourselves).

13. Taking a break without anything to do besides breathing and noticing little details in your environment. How soft the rug is after having been cleaned. How sunlight from your window leaves shadows on your desk.

14. Holding someone’s hand in both of yours when you thank them.

15. Listening to someone talk–really hearing them–without thinking about what you’ll say next.


16. Remembering a time when you felt peaceful, and going back there in your head.

17. Writing a thoughtful, hand-written note to someone, even if you could email, because you feel more connected when you write it out.

18. Channeling your inner Kevin Rose and savoring a cup of loose leaf tea.

19. Forgiving someone, not just in words, but by feeling compassion for them.

20. Writing down thoughts that keep racing through your head, crumpling up the paper, and throwing it away. Being done with them.

21. Letting yourself have lunch without any thoughts of work.

22. Doing something slowly and finding it more fun than you realized when you rushed through it.

23. Holding a smooth rock in your palm and feeling stable and grounded.

24. Believing someone else when they say everything will be OK.

25. Feeling whatever you feel without judging it, knowing it will pass. It always does.

26. Making a short video of your child or niece, and watching it in the middle of the day when the world seems to be moving too fast.

27. Watching something in nature and letting yourself be intrigued. Feeling wonder at something simple that man hasn’t touched or changed.

28. Finding something beautiful in chaos, like the love between your loud family members at the dinner table, or one raindrop dripping down your window as you navigate a traffic-congested road.

29. Thinking something and realizing you can change your thoughts whenever you want. You don’t have to dwell in a painful memory–you can make a better one right now.

30. Telling someone you love them, not because you want to hear it back, but because you feel it too deeply not to express it. Because expressing it makes you happy.

31. Realizing there’s nothing to worry about. You can be happy right now–you have everything you need to smile.

32. Doing something creative and childlike, like making someone a card or coloring. Even as an adult, it feels good to pick all the right colors and stay mostly in the lines. Or go out of the lines and embrace it. It’s your picture!

33. Giving someone you love the benefit of the doubt to put your mind at ease and maintain a peaceful relationship.

34. Rolling down the window when you drive and feeling the pressure of the cool air on your face.

35. Calling one of your parents in the middle of the day to thank them for everything they’ve done–everything they’ve given you that one crazy afternoon can’t diminish or take away.

36. Taking a walk with no destination in mind, just to see what’s out there to be seen.

37. Letting go of something you’ve been holding onto that does nothing but stress you out.

38. Telling someone why knowing them makes you lucky.

39. Letting someone have their opinion; knowing you can honor it without changing or compromising yours.

40. Setting out on a joy mission–looking for something to do solely to experience fully present, open-to-possibilities bliss.

41. Defining peaceful for yourself. If peace is yelling, “I’m the king of the world!” while jogging around a track, do it with abandon.

42. Listening to a song that gives you goosebumps and creating a mental montage of moments that made you happy.

43. Turning off all your electronics to read without distractions.

44. Doing something by candlelight and remembering a simpler time.

45. Closing your eyes and dancing to a song you can feel pulsating in your veins.

46. Turning off your cell phone, no matter who might call or text, because there’s something you’d like to do with all your heart and attention.

47. Sitting in a sauna, and letting the heat melt all your stresses away.

48. Finally making time for something you want to do but always say you don’t have time for.

49. Making eye contact with a stranger and feeling connected to a world larger than your own.

50. Letting yourself lay in bed at night without making a mental inventory of things that went wrong today or could go wrong tomorrow.

And one last peaceful thing: being grateful for new friends with awesome ideas, and letting them inspire you.