Meet my friend Mike Ricksecker: Author and Ghostorian!

Mike Ricksecker: Ghostorian, Author and more

Meet my friend Mike Ricksecker:  Author and Ghostorian!  He's written several books on ghosts  - and several mysteries. His ghost books on Maryland and Oklahoma are great and his Chase DeBarlo mysteries are a must for all mystery lovers.  I was able to talk with Mike and get some insight about what makes him tick, how he got into the paranormal and mysteries and what's coming up. Enjoy the interview! - Rob

1. In your own words, who is Mike Ricksecker? 

Mike Ricksecker is a myriad of different things. He's a creative soul, curious about the world surrounding him -- seen and unseen -- and the paths we took to get here. Professionally, I'm a writer and Ghostorian (and an IT Manager for my day job), producing my own shows on YouTube to complement my writing. I'm also a father.

2. When in your life did you realize you were interested in the paranormal? 

I'd had a couple paranormal experiences as a kid, and I always loved a good ghost story, including ones I wrote, but the genuine interest came in high school after reading The Amityville Horror. Instead of being scared, I wanted to visit the home and see if I could discover anything about the alleged spirits.

3. What inspired you to start writing about the paranormal?

Rob and Mike

Part of my mystery writing growing up also included a few haunted house tales, and I came up with an elaborate background for a spirit I "invented" at my grandparents' house when I was about 11 years old, so it's always been there. Professionally, it came when my publisher approached me about writing GHOSTS OF MARYLAND.

4. How did you get inspired to write your Chase Debarlo mystery series?

My first writing passion, dating back to second grade, was in mystery, and I wanted emulate the Encyclopedia Brown books. That matured, of course, as I got older, but I always kept writing mystery. Chase Michael DeBarlo was invented for a writing assignment in high school. I wrote a number of short stories about him following the assignment, and some of that material found its way into my first mystery novel, DEADLY HEIRS.

5. Tell us about your Oklahoma and Maryland Ghost books ?  How did you come to write them?

My editor at Schiffer found me on MySpace, of all places. The publisher was looking to expand its line of paranormal books and Maryland was one they were looking to add. She liked my mystery writing style and the paranormal short stories I had as freebies on my web site and asked if I would be interested. It was that rare moment of being in the right place at the right time. When I moved to Oklahoma for a few years I proposed the project to them and they accepted. What I like about both GHOSTS OF MARYLAND and GHOSTS AND LEGENDS OF OKLAHOMA is that they're not just books that tell tales of things that go bump in the night. I put in a lot of research to bring out the historic stories of the locations and the people that lived there in years past.

6, Where is your favorite haunted place?  Why?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Stone Lion Inn in Guthrie, Oklahoma. It's an extremely active old home that even looks like a classic haunted house. I've had a number of fantastic paranormal experiences there and one of my best photographic captures was taken in the foyer. I have some other favorites as well like the Mudd House and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, but the pure ambiance of the Stone Lion Inn really accentuates the paranormal activity that occurs there.

7. What was your most frightening paranormal experience? 

The most frightening for me would have been my first as a child when I awoke to a shadow person in my room. It actually interacted with me and crossed my arms across my body before it darted off down the hallway. As an adult, I haven't been "spooked" or frightened during any investigations or otherwise on my own. I'm just curious.

8. Tell us about your e-books! 

The Ghostorian Case Files series is solely on e-books (for now), and they are short little books that read as if they were pulled right from my paranormal investigative file cabinet. Each section is broken down into "Exhibits" as if they were pieces of evidence that have been compiled. I just released the second of these, MYSTERIES OF THE CHURCH OF DARKNESS, which is based on my investigations at Black Bear Church in Oklahoma. These mysteries include that of the "crawler" that lurks there, the shadows seen around the perimeter, the grave of the Unknown Cowboy at the cemetery across the road, and the plight of a young girl that had been murdered. The first of the series, THE INSCRIPTION OF EVIL TIMES, centers around a mysterious stone tablet that was unearthed in America during the mid-1800s. Both of my mystery novels DEADLY HEIRS and SYSTEM OF THE DEAD can also be found on Kindle, but they're also available in paperback.

9. What's next on the horizon for you?

Within the next couple months Schiffer will be releasing my next title from them, CAMPFIRE TALES: MIDWEST. These are a collection of fictional tales based on real history and legends across the Midwest. They were quite fun to write since I was provided a lot of creative freedom. I'm also working on a book for History Press which focuses on the haunts around Oklahoma City. That one should be out next year. Additionally, the next Chase Michael DeBarlo mystery novel(s) are in the works, there will be another Ghostorian Case Files piece, and I keep adding new features to my YouTube channel on almost a weekly basis.

HOW TO FIND MIKE:
WEBSITE: www.rrdevelopments.com/mike

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MikeRicksecker

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mricksecker

Big Thanks to Baron's K9 Country Store!!

A HUGE thanks to Stacy Martin-Duffy and John Duffy, owners of  Baron's K9 Country Store for allowing me to talk with so many pet owners at their store Friday night. What an amazing time. The room was packed, and there were great questions, personal stories of spirit encounters and hugs. 

Rob (middle) with owners John and Stacy and dog friends!  Cr:Baron's k9

  So many people brought their dogs, too, it they were all well-behaved! It's like the dogs were saying "listen to how we're going to communicate with you when we get to the other side, Mom and Dad!"

Rob giving his talk

    Baron's K9 is moving into a new and larger store (and are open) next door, and have everything you could ask for for your pets! That's where I gave my talk, and Stacy, John and many others put out food, arranged chairs and made it a wonderful eventing. 
   They also have guest speakers on a regular basis, which is how I got to give a talk about my book "Pets and the Afterlife."    Click here to see all of the great events and speakers they have! 

A full house for my talk!  Credit: Baron's K9 Store

   What an Amazing event!  Thank you SO, SO much for all who came out, and especially to Stacy and John for allowing me to spread hope, knowledge and peace of mind for grieving pet parents! 
 
ANIMAL SPIRITS AROUND -    There were some spirit dogs and a cat in the audience, too- what looked like a chow dog, a Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) and a grey cat with just one white paw on his right, rear side. I didn't get to ask many people whom they may belong to, though.

A Yorkie's spirit was vocal on a couch there

LOCATION:  525 Pritt Lane, Bel Air, MD  21014,  410-838-MEOW (6369)

**If you can't get there, they also have an On-Line Store!: http://www.baronsk9store.net/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home

ABOUT BARON'S K9 COUNTRY STORE: Baron's K9 Country store is located in Bel Air, Maryland (about 15 miles northeast of Baltimore, off Interstate 95.

spirit of a Chow Dog or something like him was there

Named for their beloved Golden Retriever, Baron, they offer a wide variety of all natural pet foods, treats and gifts for both dogs and cats. With their 20 years of experience, they decided to open a country store style retail store and renovated a Cape Cod house in the Bel Air area located near the intersection of Conowingo Road and Route 1. Stacy established Red Baron Pet Sitting Service back in 1995 and came to the conclusion that in order to utilize their combined passion for animals and their care, they needed to open a health related pet supply store. We wanted to cater to the pet owners that truly believe their pets are family members. We offer creatively distinctive items for all pet lover families. Harford County needed a place for pet lover connoisseurs.

A grey cat with one white paw was around

As residents, these two have watched Harford County grow and prosper for many years. They know they can add to the appeal of the County's small town feel with their nostalgic country store where the hardwood floors echo the footsteps of each patron. Honoring Baron's memory was their main priority, Baron is here in spirit and we know he is pleased with his store.

When a person feels that shopping for their pet is as enjoyable as shopping for their children, then Baron's K-9 Country Store is a must. We love the atmosphere of our store because it was once a warm home and we've taken this special place and created a convenient stop to find everything for dogs and cats and their owners. Our vast array of specialty foods and treats , as well as our fun toys and gifts, makes shopping and browsing an essential and exciting venture.

For more information on this lovely must-see shop, please call 410-838-MEOW (6369). Baron's K-9 Country Store is conveniently located at 525 Pritt Lane in Bel Air, near the 7-11 and Dairy Queen and across from the Kids 2000 Daycare Center.

A Dirty vs. Clean House = Negative vs. Positive Energy (and spirit-wise, too)

Dirty houses and disarray feed negativity

  Recently I took part in a ghost investigation and entered a private home. Thehome's inhabitant was complaining of dark shadows and bad feelings. It turned out that there was a lot of negative energy inside the house because of people practicing black arts.
  HOW DOES A DIRTY HOME ENHANCE NEGATIVITY AND SUPPORT GHOSTLY ENERGY? - 
   Whenever anything is in disarray, dirty or disorganized, negative entities can feed off of it, and become empowered. Negative energies, like ghosts or even dark entities (non-human) can draw energy from the feelings of stress created by disorganization and filth. 

Clean houses dispel negative energy

   We entered a house with black mold in the basement (which can make people physically ill, trigger respiratory problems and in some cases lead to death), and garbage piled up throughout the home. The home even smelled so bad that I had an asthma attack!

  The residents who lived there also had animals, and dogs and cats have much more sensitivity of smell - and it was extremely painful to them (I could tell). In fact, it appeared the poor dogs hadn't been bathed in over a year. The filth and neglect was disgusting and harmful to all - mentally, physically and spiritually. 
  It turned out that there were 2 dark entities in the home and they were feeding off the filth and disarray. So I recommended a thorough cleaning, repainting the walls (which were drawn on with crayon and pen), playing soft music to invite positive energy, opening shades (which were closed) and lighting white candles  - both to bring in light, and throwing out almost everything they could. 
BOTTOM LINE - 
  Negative energy, ghosts and dark entities will fester and strengthen in dirty, unorganized environments!!!  
HOW TO TURN NEGATIVE TO A POSITIVE - 
  So, pick up and throw out papers, trash, things you haven't used in a year - organize it. Bathe yourself and your animals daily and weekly. Take out the trash. Bring light into your home - Make it a positive energy-filled place where no dark things would want to linger, and you'll be inviting good spirits of people who passed to watch over you, and even beings of light and love. 













 

Meet me on 7/18 at 5:30 pm at Baron's K9 Country Store, Md.

Come out to Belair, Maryland (Northeast of Baltimore) on Friday, July 18th to meet me at 5:30 p.m. EDT  as I give a talk and do book signings with my book "Pets and the Afterlife" at Baron's K9 Country Store, 525 Pritt Ln, Bel Air, MD 21014/ Tel. 410-838-6369. 
  Baron's k9 is located off I-95, northeast of Baltimore

July Events   July 15, 5:30 - 7:30 or so  Mike Soler Owner/Trainer Blueline K9  Mike and his dogs love weather of all kinds and will be working in our new fenced in area. If you have questions or comments about training equipment, training in general or anything else specific, stop by and chat. 1-800-266-2365  Mike@BluelineK9.com  www.BluelineK9.com July 18, 5:30-7:30  Wine-n-Kibble  Wine, munchies, pet food vendors, raffle, and socializing.  Rob Gutro: Author/Ghost Tracker/Medium/Scientist will be speaking on grief and loss. Bring your questions FUR sure!

Spirits and Death in Car Accidents

Credit: Ghoststudy.com

During my recent appearance at the Frederick Book Festival a woman asked me about whether people who die in car accidents remember the pain of death. I actually get asked that question often. It's my understanding from spirit that there's a "blackout period" of the time of death during a car accident, an instant before the accident the spirit may leave the body. Her dad actually left his body before the impact.
    Sometimes that departure from the physical body leaves the spirit confused as to what happened, but when they see the accident they usually understand and will cross over. Other times, however, they refuse to believe that they are dead so they linger, as did the spirit of an Hispanic man in Maryland that I encountered post accident. I sensed him standing at what I learned was the scene of an earlier accident and told him to cross over (that story is in my book "Ghosts and Spirits: Insights from a Medium.").



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LEARN MORE ABOUT SIGNS: in my book "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead" by Rob Gutro
In medium Rob Gutro's second book, See photo proof of a ghost haunting a residence. Go on a treasure-hunt-style journey in Virginia as Rob and others explain random and obscure words, signs and symbols from a spirit, that prove the spirit was with his family. Learn lessons from Spirits and their suggestions on how we can live better on Earth.
Explore the science behind how they communicate. Learn how to receive their messages, where they appear, and important messages in how to live your life. Go into cemeteries, battlefields, and historic places in various parts of the U.S and beyond. Learn about spirits of suicide and murder victims, and how infants and animals pass messages to the living.  FOR THE BOOK ON AMAZON.COM IN PAPERBACK or EBOOK: http://tinyurl.com/keax3v4

Listen to the Podcast: My interview on Paranormal Filler Radio!

 Did you miss my 50 minute interview on July 13 with Paranormal Filler Radio with host Wes Forsythe about
my new book "Pets and the Afterlife"? 
    You can hear it here: http://www.spreaker.com/user/ihuntghosts/rob-gutro-on-paranormal-filler


 PARANORMAL FILLER RADIO AIRS SUNDAYS AT 8 p.m. EDT AND CAN ALSO BE HEARD AT:
LiveParanormal http://liveparanormal.com
iHuntGhosts.com Radio http://spreaker.com/user/ihuntghosts
BlogTalk Radio http://blogtalkradio.com/liveparanormal
UStream http://ustream.tv/liveparanormal
and other broadcast sources and archives found at http://iHuntGhosts.com


ALSO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE: 

From Medium Barb Mallon: WHAT'S WITH THOSE REPETITIVE NUMBERS?

Barb Mallon

My friend and mentor Medium Barb Mallon wrote a great column in her most recent newsletter about repetitive numbers, and I wanted to share it with you this week. If you're looking for a reading, please contact Barb. She's amazing! -Rob

WHAT'S WITH THOSE REPETITIVE NUMBERS?

I've had SO many clients ask me about those same series of numbers they see frequently and what they mean.  I incorporate numerology in most aspects of my life, from my home or office address, license plates, times on the clock, etc.  It's easy when you think of 0 or 1 as the beginning of a new journey and 9 being at the end of a journey.   I do believe that it's not only a message from the angelic realm, but also from guides and loved ones on the other side.  :)    Enjoy!
Barb Mallon
www.BarbMallon.com  /office@barbmallon.com  / (o) 703.474.2227

I tend to interpret the numbers in this way:
  Basically a doubled number is a more spiritual suggestion, and triple and quadruple is a "what are you waiting for?" or pay close attention - even more spiritual.  I tend to pay attention to the combo numbers as well, such as 11:44.  This would me for me to get started on that new project, but keep it organized!
 1 - a new beginning 11... a spiritual new beginning and 111 and 1111, pay attention!  Get off your butt and get started on what it is you want!  :)
 2 - need for balance, partnership, teamwork, harmony.

 3 - expansion, evolving, building, incorporating new ideas, growing, fertile.
 4 - square things up, organize, keep it together, stick to the rules, save money.
 5 - chaos, a little craziness, tone it down, simplify, breathe.
 6 - too much material, addictions, possessions, a need for more faith and spirituality.  Balance your lower self and higher self.
 7 - remember to have faith, spirituality, this too shall pass, you're starting to "get it."
 8 - infinity, what you're putting out is going to come back in the way you put it out, so careful with your thoughts!  Unconditional love, close to harvesting time.
 9 - ending of a journey, wrap everything up and keep moving forward.  A new beginning soon!
 10 = 1 - new journey, new beginning.

Barb and Rob together at a conference

**NEW** PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- click here 

FOR  ROB GUTRO'S  OTHER BOOKS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON ((Ghosts and Spirits: Insights from a Medium for $7.99 paper/$2.99 E-book and Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead  for $8.99 paperback and $2.99 E-book:  http://tinyurl.com/q3bhgde