SEEKING THE UNKNOWN

I was recently asked to speak at the local Upper Dublin High School to talk to students about writing, publishing and sharing of my current books.. Two session were held in their beautiful library with a group of great students. Their theme week was "Seeking the Unknown."

Ghosts of Mayflower: A Pennhurst Haunting fit very well into their topic and the teens liked discussing the paranormal aspects of ghost hunting. We also discussed Pennhurst State School and Mental Hospital's tainted past. Many of the kids had never heard of Pennhurst so it was awesome to answer many of their questions.

Working at the Pennhurst Haunt these past three years, I, myself am always learning more about the previous Pennhurst State School, which opened and closed its doors 1908 -1986. I have met a lot of prior staff and have heard tales both good and bad from people with hands on experience. Though some of what I have learned is clearly speculative, people love to share their knowledge or opinions. Whatever the reason, Pennhurst has a way of sparking interest in the local area and from the many visitors that travel long distances to take a peek at the complex.

Pennhurst was once called The Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic. It was initially meant to run as a community in itself, separating the mentally and physically handicapped from the rest of society. It once housed children of all ages, children that grew to adulthood. But many were neglected and failed to progress. Over the years in operation, 10,000 children came through Pennhurst's door. The institute was underfunded, understaffed and poorly organized.

Today parts of Pennhurst have been turned into a Halloween Attraction. The Mayflower Hall Building offers a Ghost Hunt - where you can tour the building and look for real ghosts. Come visit me on the second floor. Already this season, I have met fans of Ghosts of Mayflower and would like to thank them for their support.

***I would like to note there was a lot of great staff in Pennhurst's later years that were not only underpaid, but often worked for free because they did care about the residents and tried to make a difference.

If you would like further information about Ghosts of Mayflower, please feel free to check out a writing sample through Amazon.com 

My webpage is http://www.outskirtspress.com/GhostsofMayflower

My other books include the following:

Fiction

Wrecker

Before I Wake

The Pond  1st Place award winning mystery (Reader's Favorite)

The Serpent's Kiss (Young adult paranormal series) ---  Coming 2014

Non Fiction: 

Ghosts of Mayflower: A Pennhurst Haunting  (Reader's Favorite Finalists)

TRUE HAUNTING: BOOK REVIEW

TRUE HAUNTING:  Book Review:  *****

Ghosts. So many people don’t believe in the paranormal yet there has to come a time where a skeptic might just question their existence. It’s usually because someone has yet to encounter something mystic or unexplained or perhaps they just don’t care to acknowledge its existence. Yet for those of us who believe in God, we are worshiping the most powerful supernatural being imaginable. To be a bible believer one encompasses a belief in demons and angels and divine intervention.  And yet people only want to consider the good in religion, not the existence of hell or its dominions.  

So what is a ghost? According to Ed Becker a ghost is a person who has refused to accept his or hers death for whatever reason and they have attached themselves to a possession or perhaps a living being. To think of one stuck in that realm is sad indeed. 

In 1970 Ed Becker and his wife became the proud owners of an apartment building with 2 units. Ed put his time and effort into restoring the old establishment. The couple would rent out the first floor and live on the second with their newborn daughter. The only problem – there are already tenants living on both floors.  Perhaps one could live with a ghost if the ghost minded itself and left the living to live out their lives in peace. But the ghosts living with Ed and his family wanted no such peace. Ed’s ghosts were determined to make themselves known, brewing mischief whenever they could, creating a morbid atmosphere for the first and second floor occupants residing in the building. This true life accounting of what Ed and his family faced and how they handle the situation is fascinating. This story happened in the 1970’s a time where there wasn’t a lot of help out there for someone in Ed’s predicament and the few experts, including a priest, did little to help the situation.

TRUE HAUNTING by author Edwin F Becker is a powerful, gripping story that kept me glued to the pages. If you never believed in ghosts, you might just after reading this account. True paranormal fans will love reading this creepy tale of a building’s possession and just how far its ghostly occupants will go to try to claim what they believe to be still theirs. A great read by a talent author.

Reviewed: by Author Tamera Lawrence, author of GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING

http://www.outskirtspress.com/GHOSTSOFMAYFLOWER

SOLVING THE UNIVERSE: Guest Post

Solving The Universe: The job of an Astrophysicist

Guest Post: by Shannon Lawrence

Solving The Universe: The job of an Astrophysicist by Shannon Lawrence

    The universe is vast and mysterious. From subatomic particles, to enormous spinning galaxies. Mystery en-veils everything. Is their life on other planets? Could we eventually live on other planets? Overall, what makes the universe tick? Questions like these may deter some, but for others this is a problem that needs to be solved; and Physics is the solution. Astrophysics (a branch of Physics) deals with the phenomena that happens in the macro-scale such as black holes, Multi-verse theory, and the infamous anti-matter that is more common than real matter. For the dreamer and star gazer, Astrophysics is a dream job.

    Astrophysicists spend most of their time writing theories or experimenting depending on which sub field you enter. If your a theoretical Astrophysicist then you deal with phenomena on a theoretical view point. You have to support your idea's with facts and then an experimental Astrophysics will try to prove it using technology or by writing a computer program to simulate what would happen if the theory was applied. NASA and other organizations will hire for this job, but you get payed more for working for the smaller organizations. The pay you get will depend on the following variables; time schooling, what you went to school for, experience, and time you've been with them. The average money you can get is between 100k per year to 150k per year.

   To prepare to be a theoretical astrophysicist you need to have either a lot of determination or a lot of skill in science and math. The field is a very limited one since there are only a handful of places that will hire an astrophysicist, so getting in is tough. To prepare you should be in the highest classes of science and math and have many extra-curricular activities so that you may get into a good college (once again because selection is so limited you need to be the top of the top and focus your life around this goal) You also need a natural love for science, math, and the universe and be naturally curious. From middle school to high school the best thing to do is get a 4.0 grade average (pretty much everyone who goes to Stanford has a 4.0 or above and most are musically endowed) Along with this, you should try to get teacher recommendations later in High school so that you can get into a good college.

   The overall goal of an Astrophysicist is to solve the mysteries of the universe, but that doesn't impact society much. The things physicists have contributed is their knowledge. For instance, computers, air planes, cars, and pretty much any technology you see is made from an Engineer, who can make these incredible things because of our understanding of physics. Although many aren't aware of the physics of our world, it does make up everything you see and everything you do.

   Overall physicists are very under rated. They help with our understanding of everything around us. Creating the foundation of technology which drives our growing world. This career path is a hard and peculiar one, but the laws we humans discover will benefit us for as long as our race continues and forever after it ends. This is an amazing field and is filled with surprises. For the young star gazer, this truly is the dream job.

Shannon is only 13 with big plans for her future....:) 

HARVEST BLEND by Tamera Lawrence

                                             

HARVEST BLEND:  Short Story written by Tamera Lawrence 

            Ernie Holloway slapped water over his face. The water bucket turned murky. He picked up a towel, rubbed his face and hung it over a tree branch. Eyes followed him. A familiar itch danced in his belly. In the distance, smoke billowed from his neighbor’s house.  He squinted, suspiciously. There she was again, watching him from her kitchen window. Miss Nosy Body gawked at him, putting on airs. It was the third time this week. Well he’d give her a show to see. Without much ado, he promptly dropped his pants, revealing long underwear. With a jerk of his head, he smiled sweetly. Stunned, she bolted out of sight. He rolled his head back and laughed. The sound echoed across the distance.

            Whistling, Ernie returned to his house, sat on his porch and lit his pipe. He puffed for a while, enjoying the tranquility. Scent of fall harvest slipped through the twilight, mingled with pungent smoke. His prize pumpkin sat in the back of his wagon. Tomorrow he’d enter it in the county festival. It was the biggest pumpkin he had ever grown. Surely, he’d receive a prize ribbon. Emily would have been proud.

His wife’s face loomed in his mind. Emily had loved the annual festival, entering many contests. Although his wife had been dead for ten years, he thought of her this time of year. Childless, he lived alone, except for livestock. He preferred it that way.

A scream broke the silence.

Ernie bolted out of the chair and leaped from the porch. Who was yelling? He stared at his neighbor’s yard. There stood Greta Gibbon, miss high and mighty herself. The widow twirled around in circles, flapping her apron with her hands. She appeared to be engaged in a strange ritual dance.

Without further ado, Ernie ran to her aid.  Yellow jackets swarmed around Greta in a gathering storm, furious over her intrusion into their nest. He grabbed Greta’s hand, yanked her along into her house and slammed shut the door. Greta slapped at the bees that clung to her dress, howling and mumbling illogically. Ernie helped in her task, turned her around and swatted at the bees along her backside.

“Mr. Holloway,” she gasped, jerking around. “Please mind your hands.”

Stunned, he stepped away as she finished checking her clothes. His skin throbbed from the stings he bore on her behalf. Finally, she finished, lifted her chin and gave him a haughty glare.

“I think I am fine now, Mr. Holloway,” she declared. “Good evening to you, sir.” And with that, she dismissed him with a snap of fingers.

“Well that’s a fine how do you do,” he mumbled, scratching his stubble chin. “Not even a thank you.”

“I did not invite your intrusion, Mr. Holloway,” she said directly. “But beings that you have forced your assistance, I now bid you good evening.”

“If I had not assisted you, Ms. Gibbons, you would still be running around in circles out in your back yard.“ He smirked, the image appealing. “Bees would be filling your belly by now.”

“You are most crude.” She sniffed, wrinkling her nose. “As you can see, I am quite fine.”

“Yes, I can see you are.” He cracked a wry smile. Her face was swollen from the many stings. She had to be in pain, yet her pride remained ever intact.  “You are back to your delightful ways.”

“Humph.” She eyed him like an insect. “I detect sarcasm in your voice. Do not mock me. I am not a county bumpkin like the folk around these parts.”

“That’s right. You are from the city. Tell me, why are you living here amongst us country bumpkins?”

“Not that it is any of your concern,” she said. “But I followed my son here to be closer to my family. My granddaughter was born a week ago.”

“Yes.  I heard her crying through my bedroom window. That child could stir the dead.”

“Cad,” she said. “She is just an infant. You are a peculiar man.”

“Perhaps. But my habits are my business. You should keep your eyes and noise in your own back yard. But I suppose that would be a boring proposition.”

“You talk to your vegetables.”

“You talk to your cat.”

“My cat is an animal.”

“ My vegetables are plants.”

“I find it absurd.” She crossed her arms, scowling. “It’s not natural.”

“My plants bloom even in drought.”

“You think too much of yourself.” 

“You are welcome to move anytime.”

“I shall have to talk to my son about the very notion.”

“I’m sure he’d like to send you packing back to the city.”  Her face paled considerably.

            “Get out.” She opened the door.

            “Gladly.”

            After his morning chores, Ernie readied himself for the festival. Despite his hopes of winning a ribbon, his eyes often strayed to Greta’s house. As he readied the cart, eyes watched him. She was at it again. He saluted her. The curtain moved as she jerked away.

            Just as he was about to leave, Greta approached. Her face looked terrible and raw.

            “Good morning to you, Ms Gibbons.”

            “You look a sight,” she said mockingly. “How can you allow yourself to be seen at the festival?”

            “I am not a handsome man,” he commented. “A splotch or two on my face will make no difference.” A glimmer of a smile hinted her mouth.

            Greta walked around the wagon, staring derisively at the pumpkin. “So you think that ghastly thing will win a prize.”

            “I win ever year,” he boasted.

            “I suppose you think it’s because you talk to it while it grows.”

            “My little secret.” He winked.

            “Humph.” She patted the pumpkin. “What will you do with it after?”

            “Sell it at market.”

            “Don’t you ever cook it up and make pies.”

            “Can’t cook.”

            “Well it’s just fortunate that for you I make the best pumpkin pie in the county. But I have one question?”

            “Yes?”

            “What will you tell it when I bring out my knife?” 

BEFORE I WAKE: Release Date August 23 2013

Coming soon:

BEFORE I WAKE is a chilling tale of murder, deception and revenge. Death is only a heartbeat away.

Excerpt: 

Impulsively, Christine shoved the window curtain aside, staring out at Todd, who was busy looking over paperwork. She stared at the toilet, than at her face in the mirror. Ugh. She looked terrible. Her face still held traces of makeup or dirt. She was pale with dark circles beneath her eyes. She stuck out her tongue, grimy. Grabbing a length of toilet paper, she wet it and rubbed at her skin. The tissue stained. How could she come out today before taking a shower? She grimaced. Now that she thought about it, she didn’t use any reasoning at all this morning. She had just acted without thought. But at least she’d found her dream house. So all wasn’t lost.

 When she finished tiding up, she flushed the soiled paper down the toilet and washed her hands. Grabbing her purse, she reached in and pulled out a small container holding Tylenol.

“Last ones,” she murmured, throwing them into her mouth. Using her hands, she cupped some running water and brought the liquid to her lips. Feeling better, she took her time staring around the bathroom.

            Raw bile formed in her throat. Gagging, she almost vomited in the toilet. It was either the pills, pregnancy or she was definitely getting sick. She believed it to be the first option. If only she had some dry crackers or bread. That always seemed to help.

Passing the towel rack, she stared at the lighthouses on the hand-towels. A vision of running on the beach jolted her - the sounds of the ocean, the feel of the sand. She pressed her hand against her mouth. She better leave before she made a mess out of their bathroom.

Wouldn’t Milly like that?

            Leaving the room, she walked down the hallway towards the steps. A noise stopped her. She bit her lip, breath stilling. Quiet settled. Her heart sped away. There. There it was again. It came from the second bedroom.

She backed up a few steps. The door was partially ajar. With her hand, she pushed it fully open, staring into the empty room. No one was there.

Breathing. Soft. But it wasn’t her breath. Soft pants broke the silence. Once again she listened. This time it distinctively came from beneath the bed. The child must be under it, hiding. Chills washed over her. Something watched her.

Fear rolled down her spine, then pity.

“Hello, honey,” she said softly. This was a frightened child. Not some hidden monster, though she couldn’t help her mind’s musings.  “You don’t have to be afraid of me. I won’t hurt you.”

The breathing grew erratic, rough and raw.

“Are you under the bed?”

No answer.

“You can talk to me. I won’t hurt you.”

Footsteps approached from the staircase. She stepped back towards the doorway.

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE: HAUNTED OR NOT? GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER REVIEW

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE: HAUNTED OR NOT? GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER REVIEW: 5.0 out of 5 stars HAUNTED OR NOT?   April 12, 2013 By   gayle pace Format: Paperback GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER A Pennhurs...

HAUNTED OR NOT? GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER REVIEW

5.0 out of 5 stars

HAUNTED OR NOT? April 12, 2013

By gayle pace

Format:Paperback

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER
A Pennhurst Haunting
by Tamera Lawrence

OVERVIEW:
A nurse who gives invisible shots, a girl who likes to dart into corners and a man who still sits in the common room are just three of the spirits haunting the Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, Pennsylvania. The author knows this since she took a job as an orderly working in the Mayflower Building. The Hospital had been closed down due to resident abuse. Today Pennhurst has been turned into a Halloween attraction.. The author took the job in the Mayflower building since it was one of the most spiritually active of all the buildings. People are fascinated with Pennhurst and want to know more about its past and its present. The author being intrigued decided to do her own research. She has written a book bringing the past and present together to entertain, but also enlighten.

REVIEW:
I think we all love good ole ghost stories I couldn't wait to start reading this book. The author, Tamera Lawrence did a marvelous job of documenting the people who work at the Hospital, their work schedules, their personal experiences This old hospital is the Pennhurst Halloween attraction with tons of guests and , of course ghosts along with a some things that go bump and bang in the night. in the night. This book is a wonderful short read. If you have the time you can read the entire book in one sitting. You won't be able to stop turning the pages. You just have to know what is going to happen next.

I received a complimentary copy of GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER, A Pennhurst Haunting, from the author, Tamera Lawrence for this unbiased review.

I would give this book a 5 STARS.

A definite HIGH FIVE.

http://www.outskirtspress.com/GHOSTSOFMAYFLOWER 

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE: Bump in the Night

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE: Bump in the Night: Things that go BUMP in the night (or day) Do you remember the first time you spent the night alone? Perhaps it was in a big home ...

Bump in the Night

Things that go BUMP in the night (or day)

Do you remember the first time you spent the night alone? Perhaps it was in a big home or maybe an apartment. Were you scared? I think everyone has an unsettling feeling when they know they are alone. Suddenly, it’s as if you can hear every creak and groan of the home settling and the wind sounds a bit more mysterious.


I have a friend that recently did some house-sitting for her boss while she was out of town. She called me and we chatted on the phone for awhile and then she decided to call it a night. She began turning out the various lamps and lights on her way out of the room and made her way up the stairs to the guest bedroom.

Just as she was turning the corner at the top of the stairs, she got the distinct feeling that someone was right behind her. Have you ever had that feeling? I know I have. But, I’m not sure what causes it. Is it fear? Is it the ghost of your Aunt Mattie from the past paying a visit? In any event, I know this feeling well.

When I was writing “The Pond,” I wondered what would happen if we could easily communicate with the dearly departed. Especially if it involved unresolved feelings or emotions. The idea was intriguing to me. Would the dearly departed be forgiving? Or, do they hold a grudge?

I guess it depends on what really happened. I wonder if the main character, Mike remembers the entire accident of his best friend? It might be why things go bump in the night…or day.

Purchase "The Pond" Paperbook Edition for $16.95 HERE or the Kindle Version at $2.99 HERE!

Do not have a Kindle? You can download Kindle for free to your PC.

ALSO *********

Read my true account of working at a the haunted 

Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, Pa.

      http://www.outskirtspress.com/GHOSTSOFMAYFLOWER 

THE IMAGINATION OF A WRITER

The Imagination of a Writer By Tamera Lawrence

If you have ever wondered, writer’s brains seem to be wired just a bit differently than others. For example, I’ve had people ask me ‘How in the world do you write a book?’ It can be a bit intimidating, but once you allow your imagination to run free, it can be as simple as racing to get your thoughts on paper!

How do you think like a writer? I have a quick, easy test to determine the answer. Have you ever been driving (or riding) past a neighborhood and noticed some interesting homes? Some people may admire the design, structure or large backyard etc, while a writer may wonder who is inside this home? What is their life like? Are their children in the home? Are they happy? Sad? You get the idea. All of these elements are questions that can develop into a novel. Try it sometime! You may be writing your first novel without even realizing it!
 

I used this same approach when writing “The Pond.”

"The Pond" is available in Kindle Format for $2.99 and you can Purchase Here! 

"The Pond" is also available in Paperback for $16.95 and can be Purchased Here!

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE: THINK YOUR SAFE AT THE MOVIES?

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE: THINK YOUR SAFE AT THE MOVIES?: THINK YOU'RE SAFE AT THE MOVIES?  Like everyone else, I was stunned by the horrific event on July 20, 2012 when a gunman opened fi...

THINK YOUR SAFE AT THE MOVIES?

THINK YOU'RE SAFE AT THE MOVIES? 

Like everyone else, I was stunned by the horrific event on July 20, 2012 when a gunman opened fire in Colorado at a movie theater, killing 12 and wounding 58. Days later, I had watched THE DARK KNIGHT RISES at my local movie theater. But my eyes strayed towards the exits, the people in attendance. I couldn't help but sit there and think, what would I do if a gunman stood up and started shooting? What would I do if someone suddenly broke in through the exit door, gun in hand. What if I had a child with me? My mind whirled with possibilities.  

But as time goes by, some of us tend to forget and let our guard down - especially me. 

March 15th, 2013 THE CALL movie drew my attention. I wanted to see the new thriller and went with one of my sons to my local theater for a late night showing. The theater was half full. But for some reason, I kept thinking about the Colorado slayings. I suppose it was a premonition. Perhaps the name of the movie should have said it all.

THE CALL was a good movie. It was about a 911 operator, who gets involved in a kidnapping. It kept my attention. At the climax, everyone was on edge, rooting for the women in the flick. People were yelling behind me as audiences tend to do. But then a man's voice broke out. 

     "Shut the f**** up" 

     This remark was ignored by most. But then someone replied. More words were exchanged - most just lost in the murmurs of the audience.

     I ignored this as the movie ended. After all, I have heard this kind of yelling before in the movies. People can get hot at one another for wrecking a good movie. The lights came on. My son and I were sitting in the middle of the theater. My son stepped out onto the stairway and went down ahead of me. I was about to  follow him when a man and his girlfriend rudely brushed in front of me and descended. I stepped in behind them. 

   What happened next happened in seconds. One minute I was behind this young couple and the next, I was suddenly shoved hard and fell back on the step as the young man came flying back into me. A fight had broke out. Another larger male was pummeling the younger man in the face in front of me. Apparently, the larger man was mad about the words exchanged during the movie's climax. Blood went everywhere. 

     The men broke apart. People scurried to leave. But then the younger man yelled something at the larger man, who came back for round two. But this time, the younger man stood up and drew out a gun, pointing it at him. 

    I scrambled to my feet. The gun drew my horrified gaze. The gun man stood perfectly still, hand steady. The larger man ran.  Everyone rushed  out of the theater, save a few stragglers. I had nowhere to go but back up the staircase. A couple of women were still in their seats. 

     "He's got a gun," I said to them. We all hurried along the back row. My son met me on the opposite staircase. 

    When we got to the bottom of the staircase, the gunman was gone. A trail of blood led out of the theater, smeared along the door. At the entrance of the building, a few movie employees were just getting panicked as they scurried about. The movie theater was almost deserted. 

     As we pulled out of the parking lot, cop cars arrived on the scene. I was thankful to be alive and put a call into the police to tell of what I knew. 

     Today, I am reflecting on what happened as my knee throbs from my fall. I love going to the movies, but have to wonder if I will ever feel safe at one again. Will this event keep me from going? Probably not. Events like these lead to stricter security measures. Will my kids be searched upon entering a theater? Will I be able to carry a purse? Our freedoms are being stripped from all of us. It raises the questions about gun ownership? I am a firm believe in the "rights to bear arms."  But its menaces like this man that gives it a bad name. 

My advice: always be aware of your surroundings and who is around you. Know what to do in an emergency. And most of all don't panic. Use your head. 

NOTE: I was told the gunman had waited at the theater for the police to arrive. The other man was nowhere to be found. Will there be charges filed? I'm not sure at the moment. 

by Author Tamera Lawrence 

www.call-movie.com

    

IRISH TRIVIA TEST: Answers

Below is a fun little trivia test to see if you're really Irish? Or think you are. Remember everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick's Day!  

IRISH TRIVIA

U S A  (Circle the correct answer)

1.     “WHERE WAS THE FIRST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE?”

PHILADELPHIA,   PITTSBURG   NEW YORK

2.     “WHAT IS THE TRADITIONAL ST. PATTY’S DAY MEAL?”

SPAGETTI & MEATBALL,  LIVER & ONIONS,  CORN BEEF & CABBAGE

3.      “HOW MANY ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADES DOES THE U.S. HOLD?  

50                    100                  150                  175                  200                  250

IRELAND TRIVIA (Select the correct answer)

1.       A taoiseach is:

       ____ A Celtic grave

      ___x__The prime minister

      _____The Irish equivalent of Loch Ness Monster

2.      Where’s the craic? Means

         ______ Your’re looking for a fight

         _____x_ Your’re looking for a good time

        ______ _Your’re looking for a pot of gold

3.      If you were served rashers, they’d most likely be accompanied by:

_______ spuds

_______ The finest Irish honey

___x____ eggs

4.      A trip to the Gaeltacht involves:

_______ going to jail

_______heading to the big city

____x___going to the speaking areas of West Ireland

5.      If you are meeting some Irish friends at half-six, you should show up at:

    ____x__ 5:30

    _______ 6:30

    _______ midnight

6.      If you called someone in Ireland “Thick” you would be referring to their

_______expanding waistline

_______close friendship

___x____intellect

    

7.      If you called something “dear” you would consider it:

____x___expensive

_______precious

_______awesome

    

8.      To change a nappy means:

_____ to put bait on hook

_____ to break up with your boyfriend

____x_ change a diaper

9.      Having a run-in with the gardai means:

____x__ dealing with the police

______ caught up in red-tape

______ hit a brick wall

10    The first St Patrick’s day parade was held in:

____x__ 1762  

______ 1850

______ 1901

How many did you get correct? ___________________

And to find out if Ghosts are real, check out my book GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER

http://www.outskirtspress.com/GHOSTSOFMAYFLOWER 

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE: TOUCHED Book Review

AUTHOR TAMERA LAWRENCE: TOUCHED Book Review: Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence   ***** Remy O’Malley has a special gift. The seventeen year old can heal people’s injuries with he...

TOUCHED Book Review

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence   *****

Remy O’Malley has a special gift. The seventeen year old can heal people’s injuries with her magical touch.  But even though she has this uncanny ability, her own life is broken and flawed from years of abuse at the hands of her stepfather, who beats Remy’s mother on a regular basis.  After one particular beating aimed at Remy, the teen’s father comes to her reluctant rescue, forcing her to live with him and his new family. With the seed of hope in her heart, Remy becomes an unwillingly house guest, already surmising rejection by her new found family, who seems too good to be true. But her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Asher Blackwell on the beach, and she finds he has a special gift of his own. Even as Remy’s stepsister warns her away from Asher, Remy can’t help but be attracted to the bad boy and the sparks begin to fly. But can they really overcome the age old obstacles standing in their way between healer and protector?
TOUCHED by author Corrine Jackson is a riveting read that grabbed my attention from page one and held it for the remainder of the novel. Remy is a diverse character filled with charisma and you can’t but help be drawn to her many facets and her healing touch. Equally compelling is Asher Blackwell and the way the writer brings this special pair together. Touched is a great read by a talented author.

http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=21339



Books by Tamera Lawrence:  Available Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble 

WRECKER

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER  http://www.outskirtspress.com/GHOSTSOFMAYFLOWER 

THE POND HTTP 

BEFORE I WAKE 

Contest for Writers

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/13th-free-dear-lucky-agent-contest-young-adult-and-sci-fi

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER: BOOK GIVEAWAY

GOOD READS BOOK CONTEST:

 

WIN A SIGNED PAPER BACK COPY OF GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING

Enter:   http://www.outskirtspress.com/GHOSTSOFMAYFLOWER


                                    DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?

BEFORE I WAKE by Tamera Lawrence

Someone wants her dead, but she just won’t die.

Touring a farm for sale, Christine Walter discovers a hidden secret, one involving a small child.  Christine confides to the charming Realtor her concerns, intending to seek the authorities. But all is not what it seems. For Christine has just awaken into a nightmare, where her life and that of the terrified child hangs in the balance. It’s up to Christine to find a way to save them both and discover just how far love can stretch.

BEFORE I WAKE is a chilling tale of murder, deception and revenge. Death is only a heartbeat away.

Now under contract and coming soon!

Other books by Tamera Lawrence, available Amazon & Barnes & Noble.com

WRECKER

GHOST OF MAYFOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING

THE POND

BEFORE I WAKE: COMING 2013

EVANS-MUMBOWER MILL - A TREASURED PAST

EVANS- MUMBOWER MILL 

http://www.wvwa.org/evans_mill.htm

Old buildings have always fascinated me. So much history can be found within a building's walls. I think about the people that once lived there, the lives they led. I wonder what they did for fun, what their family's were like. How they died. 

So...when I discovered that an old mill that once belonged to my great-great grandfather was still intact and was in fact, owned by a historical society,  I couldn't wait to see it.

Abraham Evans built the original Evan's Saw Mill in 1745. The mill was located along the Wissahickon Creek in Flourtown, Pennsylvania. Many mills were built along the creek at that time but today they are gone, forgotten. The Evan's Mill was originally powered by a water wheel, then later a steam or gasoline engine. Several owners held it thereafter. The mills supplied power to local industries which made paper, lumber and ground grain. The original Evan's mill was demolished and a new mill built in its place somewhere in the late 18 Century.

Henry Mumbower bought the Evan's Mill in 1858 and it was ran by his  family until around 1930. Henry had a wife named Catherine and eight children. His granddaughter, Grace Mumbower Hicks was my grandmother. She name my father after Henry Mumbower and her other son, David after David Mumbower.

Today the Evans-Mumbower Mill is owned by the Towamencin Historical Society, who have restored the mill to its former glory. Tours and events occur throughout the year. I visited the mill last year and had gotten to see the workings of the mill and how it was powered. It was fascinating.  I tried to imagine my grandfather working in the building. I could almost feel his presence.

I'm looking forward  to the 2013 Halloween season, when the mill will be turned into a Halloween attraction. Stay tuned for further information when the time arises.  I plan on visiting it this year when Ole Henry will rise from his grave and I can finally meet Grandpa Henry face to face.

THE MUMBOWER MILL when my family owned it.

The Mill Today

Henry & Katherine Mumbower & daughter

                                   

Mumbower Clan

My Grandmother, Grace Mumbower

Free tours of the Mill are given at 1:00pm to 4:00pm on the third Sunday of the month in the spring, summer and fall. 

Address:
Evans- Mumbower Mill
Evergreen Drive and Swedesford Road
Flourtown, PA 19038

http://www.wvwa.org/evans_mill.htm