Thanks for all the welcome messages in the intro forum, so here goes, my experiences:

I have always been very sceptical about this kind of thing and always tried to explain everything, things I could not explain I just "took with a pinch of salt" and assumed that there was some "fibbing going on".

Well, we moved into an apartment in May of this year (when I came over from the UK). I was very nervous in this place alone, I put it down to being affected by the move and having an apartment (we both lived with parents before the move) but weird things started to happen. We both tried hard to apply logic to most of the goings-on until now, we've finally resigned ourselves to the fact that we have guests - or that we are guests - in the apartment.

It started with little things like smelling perfume, or smelling cigar smoke, and things going missing, we thought, with moving things get lost but it was stuff that we knew we'd put somewhere and it wouldn't be there then we'd find it in the strangest places! For example, clean laundry, if it is folded and left out in a pile anywhere things from the pile end up in the spare bedroom sometimes behind the dresser! Kitchen roll/paper towel would be moved from the kitchen to the living room or bedroom. Things in the bathroom would move from one side of the bath to the other - we never put things on the one side because it is so narrow and things would fall off, I'd be home alone and clean the bathroom replacing everything, only to come back minutes later and find them balancing on the wrong side.

Then it progressed to electrics, lights coming on, the television coming on, the radio coming on (now the radio doesn't have a remote control), one time we were watching the telly, it was really late like in the wee hours and suddenly the radio came on and we saw the volume going up - the number counter was going up and up with the knob turning, we were both so shocked that we didn't jump straight up to switch it off! The air conditioner for about a week was playing games too, if I'd leave the room the unit would switch on behind me, I'd switch it off and it would come on again!

We hear voices in the living room talking and laughing sometimes but always very very late or in the am's and no one is there.

Then my dreams started (well technically dream, it's recurring), I dream about this man with large eyes (not alien/weirdly large) and a brown suit, looks a bit like a uniform, it's old and he has a side parting in his black hair, he's very tall, I feel like he is from the 50's, he just stands beside the bed on my side looking over me, he leans in and that's it, he doesn't touch me or look threatening or say anything. I've felt cold down my one side when lying in bed occassionaly but never felt anything else, I've seen a shadow sometimes next to my side of the bed. I have never seen this man before, he doesn't look at all familiar.

I tell you, I am scared witless. We went to our church and the priest basically laughed at us, I told my parents who asked in the Church back in England and the priest there believes us and told us to ask for a blessing. I am very hesitant to ask a priest who doesn't believe me to come into my home and do a blessing, that to me seems very fake and half hearted so we got some holy water and did our own blessing. For a few weeks things stopped and now have started again, I don't know what to do with myself, I feel very uneasy but I don't feel that anything is trying to hurt me if that makes any sense.

I've read on this site about trusting what you feel in the apartment and I feel very uneasy, sometimes like I have to get out of there and when I get that feeling I usually go for a walk and when I come back I feel better. I hope things don't get worse, I don't know what to do but I'm scared!

Hello Jessica,
It can be very tough dealing with the unknown, it's hard to figure out what to do, how to respond or what action to take. I 've had some simular expirences but a little more milder, like something falling off a dresser or a light flickering. I usually ask if something is wrong or if I am in danger somehow and proceed to inspect the house. When I find everything in order I thank 'them' for looking out for me and go back to what I was doing. I am NOT advising you to do the same, but I find this works for me. The thing I wouldn't look forward to is hearing a "you're welcome" response! That might be too much! Good luck and I'm sure others will post their thoughts and advice.
-------------------------------------------------

Bobbygee

Hey Jessica:

Wow, sounds like you do have some paranormal activity going on there. The things being moved and so forth, definitely sound paranormal in nature, along with the radio incident and perhaps the shadow by your bed. Since you live in an apartment, could it be possible that the voices are from neighbors, coming through the heat system or vents? As far as blessing the home, that's a good idea. I think I'd try and get a religious person who is more open to the paranormal to do it. Also, if you have digital voice recorder, you can sit quietly and ask a few questions. You probably won't hear the response until you play it back. You may find a reputable paranormal investigation team in your area that you could contact. Just make sure they are legitimate. Someone here may can point you in the right direction on that. One thing, which may give you some comfort, is from Sylvia Browne. Her book on "Visit From The Afterlife," is excellent for explaining ghosts and spirits. She states that there are no "bad" spirits. (I always refer to this, to comfort people, because it really does make sense.) She says that spirits are those who have died and moved on, and come back to "visit", that's visitation. Ghosts are those who have died, but for some reason they stick around. Ghosts mostly haunt "places" not people, thus, it's called a "haunting." While there are demonic forces out there, since whatever is in your apartment hasn't harmed you, that's probably not what you're dealing with. You can tell the ghost that he/she is dead and it's ok to move on. Sometimes, just doing that, works. I think if I were in your situation, I'd try and find out the history of the area, and perhaps take some pics with a digital cam in the apartment. Get the place blessed again. And, if I really wanted proof or help in this, I'd find a good paranormal investigation team. I think it's really kinda cool, of course, I'm not the one living there.

Hugs,
Pate

[ October 25, 2004, 03:32 AM: Message edited by: SavannahSilkie ]

I used to think that perhaps the noises came from the other apartments but in all honesty, we live in a 6 family apartment building that is completely detached from other houses on both sides. The families in the building all have very young children, except the two pentioners that live on the ground floor. They are all usually sound asleep by about 10pm and I don't often hear anything from other apartments unless my front door is open.

We tried to ask a couple of the neighbours if they had ever experienced anything strange in their apartments and we really didn't get any direct answers, instead we were told a bit about some of the things that happened in that building over the years. A man died in the building years ago, he was quite old though and it was aparently over a week before anyone found him. I believe a young woman was murdered in here too, one neighbour said she was shot and another said stabbed. I don't know if I believe it, it's such a nice neighbourhood, then again, bad things can happen anywhere right!

The family that lived in our apartment before us apparently moved out very suddenly, they lived here for 17 years then suddenly up and left with no explanation.

It's funny, I've taken such an interest in reading about all the activity in other places now and would probably go on an investigation if I could but I can't stand the thought of having something in MY apartment, I don't want to find out in a way, I just want it gone. My husband says that makes absolutely no sense.

Hi Jessica:

Well, it does make sense, because you are a little frightened. It's different when it's a haunting somewhere else, I'm sure. I think I would see if I could find out if what the neighbors say is true, about the murder that took place there. I would think that there would be a record of it. You may have to find out what it is to get rid of it, I don't know. It's really interesting. I know I'd take some pics around the apartment off and on and see if I came up with anything.

Hi Savannah
thanks for the replies. Is there a good time of day to take photographs (day or night)? If I tried to record EVP (if I got that right) is there a particular type of voice recorder to use or would the normal everyday type catch it do you think?

I will certainly try to find out more about the history of the building and the people that died in here, I don't know where to begin though, wouldn't most records like that be private or something?

Hi Jessica:

You're very welcome. I use a digital recorder, which was recommended to me by one of the TAPS people. This is what I was told: "Use a digital audio recorder and a good omni-directional external mic. Make sure the digital recorder you get has a USB hookup on it so you can upload directly into your computer (USB is much clearer sounding than using the headphone jack and adaptors.) Look for a model number that starts with RR-US and then a number, the US stands for USB. You'll also want to have a copy of Cool Edit 2.0 on your computer so you can amplify and clean up the recordings. When you set up your recorder and mic, place your mic on a stand, don't carry it around while you record, (you can get false positives if you do.)"
I use a Panasonic digital recorder. They're are not real expensive. They come with a basic Voice Editor program, but it's not sophiscated enough to slow down and clean up recordings. (I've found that I get static and background noise with almost all recordings that you can't clean up with Voice Editor.) BUT...you can hear the EVPS's with the Voice Editor software. (I got my recorder at Circuit City and the omni-directional mic at Radio Shack.) When you ask questions, leave a long pause to give the ghost a chance to answer. Then upload the recording onto your puter and see what you have.

As far as when to take pics, I'd take some during the day and some at night. I've always heard that spirit activity was more prevalent between 12 midnight and 6 a.m., so you'll probably want to take more during that time.

As far as records of crimes committed and property owners, those are usually a matter of public record. You can go to the courthouse or library and research there. You might find something in older newpaper articles at the library.

Wow, I wrote a book here, excuse me if I seemed to bloviate. Just trying to answer your questions as best I can and share with you what other kind people have shared with me.

Hugs,
Pate

P.S. (Thank you to the friend who took the time to share the voice recording info with me.)

Hi Jessica,

Gosh your place sounds like mine. We have had and still do have much of the same type of activity here. It is a good idea, as Pate has mentioned, to see what you can find out in public records as there may be some information in the history that will provide some clues. Also in taking pictures and recordings (good tips on the how-to Pate).

Further to the comments Pate made in reference to spirit vs ghost: This may very well be spirit related rather than ghost related. Loved ones on the other side often use this type of activity to get our attention and to let us know they are with us, especially during times of stress and when we are feeling low etc. You mentioned you were affected by the move in that it's your first apartment and a very long way from home.

You may want to try to let whoever is there know that you are aware they are there and politely ask them to stop doing this as it bothers you. You never know it just may help. Others have posted on the board that doing that has helped them before.

It's always good to look at and consider all the possibilities both explainable (bad wiring, plumbing etc.) and the paranmoral angle.

One question on your dream what type of uniform was the man wearing?

Take care, Cat =)

Hi Cat
I've been looking a lot at photographs on the internet and have found many pictures of men in suits from the late 40's to early 50's and that is what he wears, the collar is much higher up the chest than is worn now, that's why I thought immediately it had to be old.

He has his hair parted too. It's not a uniform he wears but a suit that makes me think of WWII (I know this seems very bizarre but it's a feeling more than anything).

I tried earlier to post a link to pictures of these suits but I kept getting an error message so instead I will tell you where to look if you're interested. It's in the Irving Fine Collection: Ca.1914-1962 of Photographs, I found this in a Yahoo search.

Thanks Savannah
I will try to get hold of the recording stuff although I must say I'm still a bit hesitant. What if I see/hear something I don't like?

I'm just glad that no one thinks I'm a nut job anymore, you wouldn't believe how many people I talked to when I was at the end of my tether and got "the look" as if I was from another planet. It seems a lot but all of the goings on have only happened over time not in a short period.

[ October 28, 2004, 01:12 PM: Message edited by: SavannahSilkie ]

Hi Jessica:

Well, as far as hearing something you don't like, at least you may have more of an idea of who or what it is. Another thing, EVP's can sound eerie, even when it's just a couple words. From what I understand, it takes a lot of energy for spirits to communicate in that way, and that's why you don't get long detailed sentences. They may sound scarey, and not really mean to scare you by what they say. For example: When I got the EVP from my friend and she whispered, "hanging up,"... well, that scared the bejesus out of me. At first I thought she said, "hang up!" I thought, why would she try and scare me like this? Then after the recording was slowed down, I could hear that she was saying, "Hang-ing Up," and the meaning just came to me. She was telling me that she was done here and was crossing over. I haven't had anymore voice mails from her, (although I ask her to call me still.) Anyway, that's an example, of how at first, I thought she was trying to scare me, but she wasn't. I'd try and get EVP's and see what happens. If you do, I'd love to hear them. Whether you try recording or not, if there is spirit activity there, it's there... getting an EVP isn't going to change it, other than maybe giving you a clue as to what you're dealing with. I say go for it, but you know more of what you can handle and if you think it would bother you too much, then don't do it. Everyone is different about things like that.

*I looked at the pics you were talking about. The link, if Cat or some other people want to look at them is at Irvings[/URL]

Here's a link that shows suit styles from 1940's to 1970's: Vintage Menswear[/URL]

[ October 28, 2004, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: SavannahSilkie ]

Hi Jessica,
I can only imagine how scared and worried you must be. Your home is where you should feel safe and comfortable, although I have heard of people who just learn to share their space with "others" and include them into their family. I truely hope you find answers and peace and that who ever is trying to get your attention also finds peace.

Phlebette

Savannah that is the site, right you are and hmmm I must say, I don't recall seeing his skivvies (sp?) but I will try to look next time LOL

New chapter, so we get into bed last night and the apartments are quiet we hear sliding like something dragging on the floor in the living room then thud into the wall, very fast as if something was thrown across the floor. We hear the sliding and steps next, then again, I told hubby to check it out, maybe the neighbours cat go in or something, just at that point our bedroom door gets hit with something, on go the lights and hubby goes to check it out, nothing there (suprise suprise). He just closed the door and again there was the smack on the door, I told him to open the door and speak to "them" he opened the door and said, "please stop, we're trying to sleep and you're frightening us". He closed the door and came to bed and that was it for the night. Now that really scared me because whatever hit the bedroom door the second time did it straight after my husband had closed it. I'm leaving the apartment for a weeks break because I'm a bit too frightened to stay, hubby will be home but not me, I go on Tuesday to the UK to my parents. I don't think that I want to have that happen again in a while.

[ October 29, 2004, 01:28 PM: Message edited by: jessica.randen ]

Hi Jessica:

Sorry you are having to leave your apartment. A visit with your parents will be nice though. Since whatever it was stopped after your husband spoke to it, makes me think you can communicate. Have your hubby try asking it leave, go into the light...I've heard that works sometimes. It would be really cool to have him maybe snap some pics while you're gone, and see if he gets anything. If he could try asking some questions, like "who are you?" or "what is your name?" "what do you want from us?" and record it, you may get some answers there. I'm sorry you are frightened, I understand it must be really strange for you to experience these things. Is your hubby frightened of it? If not, while you're gone may be a good time for him to do some investigating. Keep us posted and sending white light your way.

P.S. The skivies were on another site, I didn't post those

Hugs and Go Well,
Pate

[ October 29, 2004, 03:14 PM: Message edited by: SavannahSilkie ]

I can understand why that frightened you ((hugs)). It's good to hear that your hubby did ask that it stops and that it did stop. To me that says that whoever/whatever was causing this listened which would say the intent was not to frighten but rather to just get your attention. I would imagine if it was a negative energy that it would not have stopped and may very well increased or continued knowing it was getting to you. Keep in mind that activity like this does not always mean there is an earthbound (ghost) it often can be from a spirit (loved letting us know they are there). Do you feel that could be a possibility here?

I re-read some of your comments. You mentioned the family before lived there for 17 yrs then suddenly left. I know I have not told my neighbours when or why I was moving when I decided to leave so maybe they felt it was noones buisness. I'm thinking if there was an earthbound it would have been around all along and not just suddenly appeared unless someone died in the apt while they were living there? If it is an earthbound that travels between apartments then one of your neighbours would have made mention of it when you asked them (at least I hope one would have been honest). Don't get me wrong I'm not eliminating a possible earthbound just suggesting you consider all the clues being presented.

It's good that you are taking a little vacation. It will give you opportunity to gather your thoughts. It will be interesting to see if anything further occurs while you are away. I would also ask the neighbours again and talk with the landlord. Maybe he/she can give you the facts on the history of the building and your apt in particular?

I wish I had an answer for you sweetie but as Bobbygee mentioned it's not easy dealing with the unknown as it can take some time to figure it all out. One other thought is if you can find a reputable medium (or psychic) have them come there to do a reading. Ask around as word of mouth is the best way to find someone reputable as it's the validation of others not the person selling you.

Enjoy your visit with your parents and get some rest. Let us know how your trip was and if anything further happened while you were gone.
Hugs,
Cat =)

Gosh Pate you and I have a little timing going on here. Typing at the same time again - just me and my long winded ways took longer. Good tips on asking some questions, you just never know. A little extra note on taking pics - try and do it at the time or just after there has been some activity as it may increase your chances of getting something. =)

Hi Jessica,
The activity in your apartment IS scarey, it isn't normal to hear a loud noise and find nothing there that created it. Could it be this man in your dream is trying to tell you something that happened to him a long time ago? Since vocal communication requires a lot of enery, maybe playing 'charades' is the best he can do? It can be easy to fall into 'hollywood' mode and think the worst right from the start. So maybe he is trying to communicate with you before he moves on and he isn't just a negative energy in your apartment?
Does anyone think that a ghost/spirit is selective about who they try to communicate with?
Since they have already crossed over, could it be that they can tell who could be of better help to them?
Maybe the dragging on the floor and the thud means something?
Well, the mini vacation is a welcome to your sanity Jessica. Have you thought about moving out?
I think I would've done a Phlebette (like in the lighthouse) and hauled out of there!!!
Well, good luck and we send white light your way.

--------------------------------------------------


Bobbygee

Hello Jessica and everyone.I am new here but I thought I might as well just jump in, and start posting.I am sorry Jessica to hear who or whatever is earthbound right now in your home is causeing you and family such stress.I have had some personal experiences with this issue in the past.I have had to sometimes tell ghosts or energys if they cause to many problems and are getting to loud to leave or turn it down.I have gone as far as doing cleansing of places sometimes.Nobody needs real loud spirits all the time at home.It makes it harder I think, if one of them might be a relative who has passed away,
I am not sure if the earthbound sprits or energys disappeared 100% after that.But I know things did get quieter afterwards.
I tell them to go toward the Light and toward God.Because I feel
they should not be earthbound, but for what ever reasons
they want to be, or are stuck here. Maybe its because I am a allmost 47 years old woman.But I won't be driven away by any spirit. I feel if they must hang around, ok. I have accepted things in the past. I am quite tolerant of spirits and energys. But If I had to, I would some how get help to clear my home. I am not a expert on this.So I feel many others can give alot more information and advice on this. So I would sugggest getting as much advice and information as you can on this issue.By some respected Psychic's, etc, if you can.I think its great we can post about these issues here and really have people who respect us and understand. Maybe getting away will help you relax Jessica.
Good luck with dealing with this issue.Everyone take good care and I hope you all have a great halloween.
Linds


=)

You are all such a comfort. I feel better knowing I can talk to open minded people. There's nothing like worrying about "something" in your apartment and worrying too that if you talk about it you may be considered crazy.

The past couple of nights have been very quiet in here and I haven't felt at all worried, a little anxious but no heavy weight on my shoulders if that makes any sense at all. I figured I'd try and photograph the apartment anyway before I go (leaving hubby to deal with the consequences LOL) but as it's been so quiet and I've felt nothing do you think I should wait and see?

When things happen or are going to happen, there is a heavy feeling in the apartment, I feel very nervous and worried so do you think if I get that feeling is when I should take some pics?

Thank you all so so much for this, you are all a great group of people.

(((((((Big hugs to you all)))))))

Hi Jessica,

It's interesting that nothing further has happened since your hubby asked whoever/whatever was causing the banging to stop. To me that says someone merely wants to get your attention and does not have any intent to scare or harm (as per my earlier comments). The feeling of heaviness is not uncommon to feel when there is spirit around (as well as dizzy feelings, anxious, cool spots, unease, also warming, comfort, feeling someone is there etc). Taking pictures when you have any of these feelings is always a good idea.

I agree it is nice to have other open-minded ppl to share things with. It's hard enough sometimes to experience unusual things but then to have others doubt you or think your crazy just makes it worse. When I first joined SK the openess and supportive enviornment that I found here gave me the comfort I needed to share my thoughts and experiences as well. Glad you have also found that. Keep us posted.
Hugs, Cat =)

Hey, your appartment sounds spooky, I'v read on some sites that its not adivsable to get preists out to try and get rid of it, becuase they'll probrably call your bluff and thing 'oh so they think a preist can get rid of me? i'll show them' the best thing to do (this is what the site said) is to let it dwell in a room or somewhere you dont use, here, i'll send you the site.. if i can find it. What to do?[/URL] there you do, have a quick read through that. i know i cant sayt aht its helped me. because i dont know/want to know if my house is haunted lol.