Things I Learned from my Mom (on what would have been her 92nd birthday)

Norma - one of her favorite photos

Today would have been my mom's 92nd birthday, and I thought i would look back at the 
things that I learned from her. It also would have been my parents' 65th wedding anniversary, so I'll highlight some of my dad's influences, too. Read on! 

My mom, Norma G. (Tutela) Gutro was born in 1928. At age 85, passed quietly from this life on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at the Massachusetts General Hospital. 

Norma was born in East Boston and spent the majority of her life in Quincy. A devoted mother and homemaker, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty-three years, Edward, also known as "Buddy," in 2008. 

Norma loved dogs, especially her late poodle, Gigi, and cocker spaniel, Penny. That's where I got my love of dogs - actually from both Mom and Dad. Of course, both mom and dad loved our kids, Dolly, Franklin, Tyler, and the late Sprite  (but mom and dad never met Dash, who came to us after mom passed). Dad never met Sprite on this side, but he was there at the Vet's office in Spirit when Sprite passed, and he let me know (you can read about it in my book "Pets and the Afterlife" on Amazon). Dad also never met Tyler, because we adopted him as a pup the year after Dad passed. 

Sprite 

Mom was an avid seamstress, making her own clothes, draperies and bedding and she made shirts and halloween costumes for me and Doug. She also painted Winnie the Pooh scenes on our bed sheets, so when you folded them over, you'd see the scene. 

She loved to draw and paint, and she taught me how to sketch as a kid. My dad bought me comic books and inspired me to read. Dad was never without a paperback novel in his hands, either, much like I am today. He loved to read, and since my mom always loved to make him wait a long time while she got ready to go out, or while shopping, he did a lot of reading. Together, their influence has carried forth in me today as I still read comic books and do sketches of ghosts when on paranormal investigations (sketches that have appeared in my books). As a kid, I used to write and draw my own comic books.  

Mom's other past times and interests included bowling, cooking and baking, gardening, playing cards, entertaining and taking long walks. 

Mom and Dad taught me how to bowl - and since we lived in Massachusetts, it was always "candlepin" bowling, and later we would do the duckpin bowling. 

Mom also taught me how to bake, and she and I would make and design cakes together. I still love to bake. As a 100% Italian, mom loved to cook, too. She used to tell me to watch her and learn, and I did. Even today, my favorite meal is pasta with my mom's homemade spaghetti sauce (which I make in a crockpot, instead of stirring it all day on a warm stove, as she did). 

I didn't get the gardening gene, but fortunately, my hubby Tom has it. I used to love to play cards on Sunday nights with mom, dad and my brother Doug (and my grandma before she passed). Of course, I got the entertaining gene and love taking daily, long dog walks! 

Mom and dad also loved to ballroom dance and took many trips together, too. I took up country line dancing back in the 1990s and even won a few contests, and of course, Tom and I love to travel.

So, I learned a LOT from mom and dad, and think about them whenever I do any of these things. As a medium, mom and dad have both come through to me a lot, always letting me know they are around. In addition, Tom seems to like to channel my mom and says some of the crazy things she used to say!  So, our parents may no longer be with us in the physical world, but they're truly around in things we do and in spirit.

Join a ZOOM Animal Rescue Fundraiser about Pets and the Afterlife - JUNE 27 at 1pm EDT

     Animal Rescue Rhode Island is pleased to announce the return of author, pet medium and paranormal investigator Rob Gutro for another exciting presentation on Pets and the Afterlife. This will be Rob's third year speaking on this highly popular subject to an ARRI audience. He will discuss several topics related to pets and the afterlife, including how to cope with grief after the loss of a beloved pet and how to recognize signs our pets send us from the hereafter.
 WHEN: Saturday, June 27th from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
COST : $20 per person (donated directly to the shelter) *Tax Deductible*
TICKETS:: To purchase tickets to this unique event, you can contact Dawn at 401-783-7606, ext. 112, or you can click the button below to buy your ticket(s) online.
FOR TICKETS, CLICK HERE or https://tinyurl.com/y9n72qch
NOTE ABOUT ZOOM: This presentation will be delivered over Zoom, a web-based video conferencing tool that can viewed on your computer or mobile phone. You will need a password to join the presentation, which we will email you after your purchase is complete. *Please do not share your password with anyone else.*

11 Signs You Might be Clairaudient - from Intuitive Souls

One of the gifts that people can get is clairaudience. That is, the ability to hear earthbound ghosts or spirits who have crossed over. I recently came across a blog by Intuitive Souls, and found this interesting blog on the topic. 

 11 Signs You Might be Clairaudient 

By Jessica https://intuitivesoulsblog.com/clairaudient/ 

 There are many clairaudient people who don’t even know they have this cool intuitive gift. Are you one of them? Let’s find out. :) 

Signs that you might be clairaudient 

1. Hear someone saying your name when no one is around Does it ever seem like you hear people talking, but no one is around? Maybe you hear soft voices in the background or could have SWORN you heard someone saying your name. If this happens to you, it’s a pretty good indicator that you’re clairaudient. You see, when you have psychic hearing, you can hear things that other people can’t. It may be a soft, subtle sound (like music), or something more dramatic (like a voice). 

 2. You enjoy and need quiet?   Intuitive people are usually sensitive, both emotionally and physically. Because of this, you may be sensitive to noise if you’re clairaudient. For example, a loud party or TV may make you feel like you are going to crawl out of your skin! Personally, this is my only complaint about being clairaudient. Too much noise may also make you feel: tired irritable ungrounded (learn how to ground yourself) or give you a headache And believe me, I know it can be frustrating when your family doesn’t understand how sensitive your psychic causes you to be… and that’s why it’s SUPER important for clairaudients to have quiet time every day. You may even like to try noise canceling headphones or practice meditation. 

 3. You talk to yourself often?  Talking to yourself often is another clairaudient sign. So let me ask you… Do you have conversations with yourself in your head ALL the time? If so, it could mean that clairaudience is one of your dominant intuitive gifts. Why? Well, since you are already good at “being in your head,” it will be easy for you to learn how to tap into your psychic hearing. And… If you talk to yourself a lot, you’re likely getting Divine guidance without even realizing it! 

 4. Ideas and creativity flow through you.  If you’re clairaudient it can feel normal to have creative or inspired ideas that flow through you. This is especially true when you are feeling relaxed, joyful, or grateful. This is because when you are happy, your vibration is high and you are most connected to your soul! And… This is why clairaudient people seek quiet. We intuitively know that we can connect with Divine guidance when our mind is quiet. Pro tip: It’s common for people with psychic hearing to get inspired ideas while taking a shower! Try bathtub crayons so you don’t forget any of the guidance you get! :) 

 5. Your best friends were imaginary. imaginary friends aren’t imaginary. Au contraire! “Imaginary” friends can be angels, Spirit guides, and even departed loved ones. So if you talked imaginary friends as a child, you are probably clairaudient! Yay! 

6. Music makes you feel connected to your soul. The other day, Tom Petty was on TV talking about how music comes from the soul. Yes! When I’m stressed, it’s usually because my soul needs something and I’m not listening. That’s when I get in my car, hop on the nearest country road, and play music that I love! Within a few minutes, my vibration lifts and I feel reconnected to my soul. If music moves you to this extent, you may be clairaudient. 

  Tip: Psychic hearing is ONE of the FOUR ways that we can receive intuitive information. And when you think about it, it makes total sense that clairaudient people are SO moved by music! If you have psychic hearing you may also: Be musically inclined or play music by ear Write music. You may even hear the music before you write it, or feel that it’s inspired by a higher power. On a side note… if you start seeing pictures in your head to match the song lyrics, it may also mean you are clairvoyant!

 7. You’re the “Dear Abby” of the family. Do you enjoy guiding and uplifting others? Do people tell you that you should charge money for giving advice or that you have a “gift”? Do people call you to “vent” because you words are so soothing? If so, you could be channeling Divine wisdom and not even realize it. This is of the most beautiful ways to use your clairaudient gifts! 

 8. Hear ringing or high-pitched noises in your ears clairaudience signs.

When I hear a high-pitched tone in my ear, I know my Spirit guide is around. If this happens to you, (and there is no medical cause), your Spirit Guides or angels are around, too! Oh and you may also hear buzzing or feel your ears “pop.” But don’t worry. If it bothers you just ask your guides to turn down the volume! 

 9. You learn through the auditory channel .Your preferred way of learning can be a clue about which psychic gifts you have. For example, many clairaudient people learn best through hearing. So you may enjoy listening to a book on Audible rather than reading a book. 

 10. You can hear animals.  Hearing animals doesn’t mean they start talking like Mr. Ed, instead, it’s like blocks of thought that pop into your mind. Here’s an example… I was petting my cat one day when a thought popped into my head that my daughter was telling our kitty secrets! I mentioned this to my daughter and she shrieked, “He did! Did he tell you what my secret is?” :) 

 11. You get “signs” in song and speech. Signs can make you feel connected to Spirit, feel validated, and are fun to look for. And best yet? Signs can come to us in all different ways. So try asking your Spirit Guides or loved ones in heaven for a sign. Then, take notice of how they come through for you. Does the guidance you’ve been seeking come through in the next song that plays on the radio? Or do you find yourself saying, “Funny you should say that,” when a stranger says exactly what you need to hear? If so, these are traits of clairaudience. So what do you think? Are you clairaudient? How many of the signs do you have?

Tell your Veterinarians about "Pets and the Afterlife"

If you've read my books "Pets and the Afterlife" and "Pets and the Afterlife 2" and have found comfort and understanding in the books, please let your veterinarians know about them, so they can help comfort other pet parents who are suffering from the loss of their pets.  Both are available on Amazon . com (under $10) in paperback and Ebook.    BOOKS:  https://tinyurl.com/vzy7kre

Paranormal Q&A: Is this something that you practice constantly?

Each week, I'll answer a question about the paranormal, whether a general question, or one about human or animal ghosts (Earthbound) or spirits (crossed over). Here's this week's question: 

Q: Is this something that you practice constantly, or do you only do medium work when it is called upon?

A: Good question!  I don't practice. Ghosts (earthbound) and Spirits (who crossed over) come to me when they come to me.  

Ghosts of England by Rob Gutro

The only times I actually focus to tune in is when I get emails from people who find me on-line or have read my books and ask me about someone (person or pet) who has passed. Then I concentrate. 

Same as when I go into a private residence on a paranormal investigation to try and help the ghost. Otherwise I can usually block the messages out when I get preoccupied or concentrate on something. The exception however, was during my two trips to England where there are a bevy of ghosts from history and many of them called to me and gave me messages and clues to their identities and why they were still lingering on Earth as a ghost. I wrote about that in my new book "Ghosts of England: On a Medium's Vacation."

For Rob Gutro's 7 books on the paranormal, visit: www.amazon.com. All of Rob's books were written to help explain the paranormal, and teach readers how to find signs from spirit.

Hever Castle's Ghostly Encounter:- (video and book) Ghosts of England on a Medium's Vacation

In my book "Ghosts of England on a Medium's Vacation" by Rob Gutro, I wrote about my encounter with a ghost named "George" when I entered Hever Castle in the United Kingdom. Having no knowledge of the castle, and no idea who it was, I learned it was Queen Anne Boleyn's brother, who met a fateful end under the rule of Henry VIII, George shared a number of personal things with me and accompanied me through Hever Castle, acting as a ghostly tour guide. This video that I made outside the castle captures some of that, and the rest is in the book!

Video: https://youtu.be/oa4rkg-nz9k 

ABOUT "GHOSTS OF ENGLAND ON A MEDIUM'S VACATION by Rob Gutro:

What happens when a medium goes on vacation? Can a medium simply switch off their ability at will? Well…not exactly. Rob Gutro is a medium/author/paranormal investigator and a scientist who has written 4 books about his encounters with human and animal ghosts and spirits. In this book, you will read about his experiences on two separate trips to the United Kingdom. England’s rich history and many epic battles have caused an over-abundance of residual emotional energy. Everywhere he traveled, he had a paranormal experience. He explored royal palaces and spent the night in haunted castles. He encountered the ghosts of historical figures including a queen, a prince, and a nobleman; and several ghosts even shared their pain of death experience with him. On one occasion, the doppelganger of a loved one provided directions when he became lost while driving in the countryside due to a malfunctioning GPS.

Hampton Court Palace

But not all of his encounters were of the human variety: there was also a very special visit from a canine ghost. This book is intended to be more than just a collection of personal ghost stories. In addition to relating my ghostly encounters, he has also included a short narrative history of the places where the experiences occurred. After all, knowing the history of a place is key to understanding why a ghost has decided to stay behind. So, join Rob as he relates his encounters with the ghosts of England. Rob has written 4 other books about the paranormal, two about people (Ghosts and Spirits and Lessons Learned From Talking to the Dead) and 2 about pets (Pets and the Afterlife and Pets and the Afterlife 2). The books are available in paperback and e-book on Amazon.com.

Important Tidbits When Having a Mediumship Reading

 This week's blog is from my friend and amazing medium, Barb Mallon. Barb published the following in her newsletter (www.barbmallon.com) and I think it's really important to share with everyone who is considering going to a medium to connect with a loved one in spirit. - Rob

 

A FEW BUT IMPORTANT TIDBITS WHEN HAVING A MEDIUMSHIP READING

         

 Recently, I've had more people than usual not understand how a medium works, how the process works or why they don't hear what they wish to hear in a session.  I've even had clients tell me how they'd like me to read for them with no "ifs," "ands," or "buts" allowed.   I truly can't dictate a reading, nor can I conform how I work to fit someone else's expectations.  It's really always best to understand how a psychic or medium works, know what to expect in advance, and to get good references, rather than be too "on guard."  Here are a few pointers!  :)

1. Allow the psychic or medium to work in the way THEY need to work.  Understandably, there are many charlatans out there, and you really DO need to be wary of the "generals" in a reading (and if you feel the psychic isn't connecting with you, and giving vague info, DO let them know and possibly even stop the session.)  It's always best to go into a session relaxed and open to info and messages, not to hear what you want to hear or connect to that exact person in spirit.   Let the psychic or medium do their job in the way they need to do it, leave expectations at the door and your session will more than likely flow much better.  As I told one lady this month, you don't go into the doctors' office and tell the doctor how to examine you, or a lawyer how to work on your case.  The psychic needs to conduct a reading the way they need to.
   
   
2. Try to go to a psychic or medium who has been referred to you by someone who has had a good experience.  If you don't know of anyone who's been to a psychic, try to find a site on the internet with fair reviews on the psychic.  While testimonials are nice on a psychics website, you really don't know for sure they are legitimate, so it's a good idea not to choose a psychic because of his or her own website testimonials.  
   
   
3. Don't call or write a psychic or medium for a freebie or "test" mini reading.  Most valid mediums I know need to prepare with prayer, meditation and ritual before opening up to spirit, spirit guides or the angelic realm.  It's not fair to expect a medium to connect on the spot... we have lives too!  :)
   
   
4. Try not to rate a psychic or medium with "hits" or "misses."  There will ALWAYS be information not understood during a session that a psychic will "leave you" with.  These are not necessarily "misses," and are usually understood at a later time.  There will always be validations that occur AFTER the session is over when the unknowns in a reading are discovered!
   
   
5. During a session, if a psychic or medium tells you things about yourself, it's a good thing!  I've had people tell me, "yes, I know this about myself... so?"  Well, I DON'T!  This means the psychic is connecting with your energy and if that's the case, should be able to link with your people in spirit as well, if that's what you're looking for.  We know YOU know things about yourself, but a psychic doesn't know anything about you, so this is a good indication that a link has been established between you and the psychic.
   
   
6. For medium sessions where a psychic links to your people in spirit, it's important to allow the process to unfold in the way spirit would like it to.  Allow them to bring through ANY pieces of info, even if it seems "trivial" or "insignificant" to you.  Example:  Me:  (laughing...) "wow, he tells me he always late, correct?"  Client: (shrugging shoulders...) "yes, he was always late, so????"   Again, YOU may know this about your spirit person, but the medium doesn't, and this is very important.  The spirit person will give the medium anything - seemingly insignificant things, or very significant things - to prove to you it's them!   They are all little puzzle pieces of information about themselves that you'll put together to understand and identify a spirit person.
   
   
7. On that same note, don't feel a medium hasn't connected with your spirit person just because that ONE thing you asked them to bring through in your reading didn't come through.  I can tell someone 50 things about their spirit person with "yes" to all of them, but because that one item didn't come through, the client will disqualify the fact that it was the spirit person they thought it was.  This is so unfair to spirit and the process as they work VERY hard to get as much to you about themselves as possible, and then any messages THEY feel they'd like to give you.  If you don't hear that one particular thing, it's ok.  DO remember to collect all they DID give to you, know they did the best they could and thank them.
   
   
   
8. Spirit people will also tell you what YOU did today, last week, yesterday, etc.  Why?  To show they DO visit often and are aware of your life!  Again, these can be just silly little things such as you ordering pizza or dropping a bowl on the ground.  The medium doesn't know you did this, but your spirit people do!
   
   
9. Understand that a medium is given information quickly, symbolically and that their guides use what the medium has stored in their brain for references/evidence to give to you.  Don't try to make it fit or hang on the exact thing you're waiting for.  Example:  "I'm seeing the time when I closed the door on my cats tail. Your dad is bringing my experience up because you must have had the same kind of experience.  Does this make sense?"   Normally, it either very closely makes sense for the spirit person or you, and they'll bring this up to give you another puzzle piece.  If you had a similar experience and understand what they are TRYING to relay, it's best to acknowledge it.

   

   
   

   
   
10. It's ok to say "no, that doesn't make sense for him/her."  You won't hurt the mediums feelings!  The medium can and should ask for clarification if something doesn't make sense to you.  Normally, it means that two energies may be blending, and that another spirit person is trying to come through.  Remember too, that some info isn't validated until later.
    
    All in all?  Being an open skeptic is best.  Don't reach for everything and make it fit, and don't be so insistent that only certain people or info should come through.  Understand that it is a process, and for me, it's much like playing charades when I can barely see, feel or hear them.  The connection may be very strong or somewhat light depending on many variables, and we do the best we can to snag that evidential info from them and pass it along to you.  So, just try to let the medium do their work and the spirit people or guides do their work as well.  This will allow the session to unfold in the way it was meant to!

Video Short: Rob Gutro, Medium/Author Talks Energy and the Paranormal

In this first video of a new series author/medium/paranormal investigator Rob Gutro discusses how energy is the foundation of the afterlife and gives a brief overview of the difference between a ghost and a spirit. His 7 paranormal books on human and pet ghosts and spirits can be found on amazon.com.
(All books are under $10 paperback/$3.99 ebook. To Order: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gutro&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_2)


VIDEO: https://youtu.be/YS_hheTuUZw

Today! June 11 at 2 p.m. EDT, Voice of Spirit Radio Host Leo Bonomo welcomes Rob

Thurs. June 11 at 2 p.m. EDT, Voice of Spirit Radio Host Leo Bonomo welcomes Rob to talk about Pets and the Afterlife and "Kindred Spirits" on this KCOR Radio program for 1 hour.  
LISTEN:  http://kcorradio.com/listen-live.htm 

What is The Legend of the Haunted Dutchman?

Thanks to  "Haunted Salem" - I'm republishing their story about the legend of the Flying Dutchman. I've always been fascinated by this legend, having grown up in the northeast, and wanted to share it with you, too.  Please visit and like the Haunted Salem Facebook page, too! There are lots of interesting things from a town known for the infamous Witch Trials (which were all just false hysteria).  Enjoy this legend! - Rob

What is the Flying Dutchman Legend?
A ship that has been cursed to sail the ocean for eternity, The Flying Dutchman is considered by sailors to be one of the worst possible omens. In some stories anyone who sets eyes on it will die a horrible death. In others the crew of The Flying Dutchman will try to give letters to any ship that hails it. These letters are always addressed to people who have long been dead and touching any of the letters will bring you great misfortune. The captain of the Flying Dutchman is believed to be Captain Benard Fokke who was known for his impressive sailing speed, so much so it was believed that he was in league with the devil.

There have been many theories about the origin of The Flying Dutchman. In most cases the crew and captain of the ship were guilty of a horrible crime which lead to them being punished by condemning them to sail the sea forever. In other tales it is a dutch ship that was lost off The Cape of Good Hope in 1641. Sightings of the ship date back to the 17th century but 19th and 20th century sightings claim that the ship was surrounded by a ghostly light. One documented sighting was by Prince George of Wales when he was teenager and on a three year voyage:

"At 4 a.m. the Flying Dutchman crossed our bows. A strange red light as of a phantom ship all aglow, in the midst of which light the masts, spars and sails of a brig 200 yards distant stood out in strong relief as she came up on the port bow, where also the officer of the watch from the bridge clearly saw her, as did the quarterdeck midshipman, who was sent forward at once to the forecastle; but on arriving there was no vestige nor any sign whatever of any material ship was to be seen either near or right away to the horizon, the night being clear and the sea calm. Thirteen persons altogether saw her … At 10.45 a.m. the ordinary seaman who had this morning reported the Flying Dutchman fell from the fore topmast cross trees on to the top gallant forecastle and was smashed to atoms."