I logged on to the free databases made available through the Maury County Public Library and began my quest for information. As always, the databases did not disappoint. Before long, I was reading scholarly articles by various PhD’s about adrenaline junkies and paranormal researchers.
After reading the third article, I could tell the “experts” didn’t know as much as they thought they did. Most of the articles on the subject were over analyzed and extremely mundane. The phrase “beating a dead horse” came to mind a few times.
So, instead of putting my kind readers through an article about scientific studies compiled by people whose only enjoyment in life is watching mold grow, I think I’ll try to tackle the subject on my own.
First, and foremost, I believe people seek out scary and otherwise sticky situations in an attempt to appear tough.
For years, my friends and I would always make a pilgrimage to Nashville in October to visit such fine establishments as “The Slaughter House,” “The Haunted Prison,” or “The Haunted Woods.” It wasn’t because we enjoyed going to a place where ex-cons jumped out with chainsaws with, or without, the chains and every room played on a different fear. It was because we wanted to appear “tough” for the ladies that would accompany us and would surely be glued to our sides before the night was over.
Another reason I think people seek out scary situations is to face their fears, not to mention the rush of adrenaline that immediately follows.
Since childhood, I’ve been afraid of what might be lurking in the shadows and to this day, I will not leave the closet door open for fear of what might crawl out and get me during the night. (Although I’ve been assured whatever it is will let me go once it gets a good look at me!)No matter what people have said to try and curb my wild imagination and superstitious nature, my mind is made up. After all, as Little Orphan Annie said, “The goblins will get you if you don’t watch out!”
Oh, the so-called sensible folks of the world say, “it’s the living you have to worry about, not the dead.” I’ve never been convinced of this. I have a .38 Special for the living. There’s nothing that will help me if a ghost gets after me.
Yet, even with my fear of the unseen, I’ve placed myself into some precarious paranormal positions over the years. Many late nights were spent in Chapel Hill visiting the mysterious ghost light, parking beside a cemetery at midnight to see if anything walked by, or going into an abandoned farm house to see what might dwell within. Luckily I remained one step ahead of the boogieman… and the police.
Each of these were my attempt at facing my fears and each produced their own level of adrenaline. I also learned a few things from the experiences. For one, I’ll never make a living as a professional “ghostbuster.” Two, as my realtor will attest, I do not want to live in a haunted house. Finally, three, ghosts are a lot like zoo animals. They’re interesting to look at and hear about as long as they can’t get out and do me any harm!
And, believe me, I practice what I preach.
My crew and I will be giving ghost tours of Downtown Columbia again this year, every Friday and Saturday in October with special tours on Halloween night. Believe me- we won’t be going into any of the haunted sites. We stay on the sidewalk as we talk about the ghosts.
The tour is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Proceeds of the tour benefit the Elizabeth Caperton fund of the Maury County Public Library.
Reservations are required. To make reservations or to get more information, call (931) 375-6508.
