A Geek Meets Fall and History Of The Jack-O-Lantern

I was looking for this post earlier and couldn't find it. I finally found it on my old NighLon blog, so I decided to repost it here. I hope you enjoy! Are you already dreaming of Halloween, although it's only March?

I ♥ FALL

I really do… I mean I really, really do

Look here… this proves it!

This is me and the hubby carving pumpkins.

This was a first for me!

I grew up painting pumpkins, because my mom is a hippie! [I ♥ you mom]

My design will come later… Its a surprise,

but first, a little history of the Jack-O-Lantern!

Even though the Jack O’Lantern was brought to America with the Irish, The  legend actually did not begin with a pumpkin. Here’s the legend: Stingy Jack was quite the miserable, old drunk who enjoyed playing trick on everyone; even the Devil, himself! Once, Jack decided to trick the Devil. He convinced him to climbing an apple tree. Once the Devil climbed up, Stingy Jack placed crosses around the truck of the tree, so that he could not get down. Stingy Jack made the Devil swear to not take his soul when he died. After this exchange was made, Stingy Jack moved the crosses so the devil could descend.

Many years went by, and Stingy Jack finally died. He went to the Pearly Gates, but was disappointed to learn that he could not get in. Saint Peter told him that because he lead such a miserable and worthless life, he was not allowed into Heaven. He traveled to hell but was once again disappointed. Devil kept his promise, and would not let him in.  He would be forced to wander forever in the darkness between Heaven and Hell. Jack became scared.  He asked the Devil how he was supposed to leave when there was not light. The Devil gave Stingy Jack a ember from the fiery pits of hell to light his way. Because turnips were one of Stingy Jack’s favorite food, he hollowed out a turnip and placed the ember within. From that day on, Stingy Jack roamed the Earth lighting his way with his “Jack O’Lantern.”

The Irish would hollow out Turnips, Rutabagas, Gourds, Potatoes, and Beets. The placed a light inside to ward off evil spirits on All Hallow’s Eve. This also kept Stingy Jack Away. These were the original Jack O’Lanterns. When large waves of Irish came to America in the 1800s, the immigrants soon discovered Pumpkins. The immigrants began using Pumpkins because they are bigger and easier to carve out!

Grab your pumpkin carving stencils here

This is your surprise!

A free set of 19 stencils

directions:

1.  For easy clean up, place protective covering on the area you will be working.
2. Cut a lid large enough to reach your hand in so that you can clean out all the pumpkin brains. Angle the knife toward the center so that you have created a ledge for the lid to rest on.
3. Using a scoop clean out all the seeds and stringy pumpkin brain. On the side where you will be carving, scrape the pumpkin until it is about an inch thick.
4. Print the pattern, and tape it to the pumpkin.
5. Using a pin or a poking tool, poke holes along the design lines. Once you make sure the whole design has been transferred, remove the pattern. (hold on to it for reference.)
6. Using a saw, gently, cut out the pattern (the black areas). Work from the center of the design out, and from the smallest to largest holes.
7. If the stencil you decide to use has grey areas: use a chisel, or other carving tool, to “shave” the peel of the pumpkin. Shave off 1/2 inch of the pumpkin’s skin. This will allow the light to shine through.
8. Clean up your design and place a candle inside

9. ENJOY and HAVE FUN

Let me know how it turns out!

Finding Bigfoot in South Carolina

On Tuesday, January 13th, some of the Carolina Cryptid Crew and CSPRI Inc members will be heading to Aiken, South Carolina for a huge opportunity. We have been invited to come to the Finding Bigfoot Town Hall meeting to share our experiences. This is truly an honor. Some of the Carolina Cryptid Crew members have been speaking with the Finding Bigfoot research team for quite some time and are excited to pass on their experiences face to face.

We wish them luck and safe travels as they go to represent the team.

I am so excited to be included in this adventure. Be sure you are following me on Instagram and Twitterfor fun as it happens.

Here are some news links for more information.

Our Gazette
Anderson Independent
Scene On 7

Welcome To My Paranormal World

For a few years now, my personal blog, The Palmetto Queen has been home to all  blog posts, although it didn't start out that way. It is supposed to be for organizing, parenting, and homeschool. However, my paranormal and tech posts have taken over.

Now, my tech posts will be here. I will gradually move those over here and new ones will be posted on both for a while. Please bear with me while I get this in order.

GoPro Housing: I'm Dreaming of A Techy Christmas

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.

My new obsession is my GoPro Hero 3 (more on that later), but there are some drawbacks to it. The biggest of which is the shiny waterproof case. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but for paranormal investigators, bigfoot hunters, hunters, and anyone who films in the dark it is quite a big deal. See, there are other cameras rolling and the shine can cause issues when taking pictures, and may even cause it to look like there is something else in the photo. Being a paranormal investigator, I try to minimize shine when I can, although I have mistakenly wore shoes with reflectors on them. (believe me, I only did this once). Shiny objects can cause the same type of problem. As an example, let's check out this Instagram photo that shows what reflectors do.

Shoes not to wear on investigations. #paralina #huntthenight #paranormallife

A photo posted by cari (@cari_on) on Mar 3, 2014 at 12:37pm PDT

Do you see that little bit of shine? Imagine in a completely dark room and a powerful flash or IR lights going? That is why the stock housings have a drawback for paranormal investigators.

There is a really cool solution though. While you can get neoprene covers and stickers for the housings, they are just not the quality that is desired for a camera like GoPro Hero cameras.

How gorgeous is that? Guess what? I used a flash. Can you tell how amazing this housing is? The paint and quality of the job is amazing. Even better than the product is the story of how it came to be.

Here is the story:

I am a Veteran of OEF 11/12 and have a business where I custom paint the housings for the very popular GoPro series of Camera’s, specifically the Hero 3/3+/4. I started making these in Afghanistan as I wore a Hero on my ACH Combat Helmet during most of the operations that we went on. When I was overseas, several other soldiers that also had GoPro Hero camera’s saw the quality work that I had done on my GoPro housing and asked me to camouflage theirs as well.

Cheers and be safe!

-Rob

Rob currently makes about 15 different camos and sells them exclusively through Stuntcams.  I always love hearing what veterans are up to and being able to support them. While I know that these are very beneficial to many of us, I imagine they have saved lives when used in military settings. Good job Rob!

Gifts for Paranormal Investigators: I'm Dreaming of A Techy Christmas #giveaway

My very tech oriented family has teamed up to bring you a gift guide of our top gift items. These are tech centered and unique. 

RageCams Custom Camera

If you are looking for a very special gift for the paranormal investigator in your life, you should visit my newest sponsor. Ragecams adapts cameras to fit your needs. This particular one can record in complete dark. Maybe I'll catch some footage to answer questions they have services for everyone. You will see a lot from this company. I'm currently editing some video to share from this awesome camera. 

More coming soon

Visit Ragecams

GoPro Housing

These hand painted housings perfect for anyone with a gopro. They are waterproof, but without the shine. They come in matte black, camo, and desert camo.
They started out because the soldiers needed housings that didn't shine. Well, consumers have a need for these as well. I don't have to worry about my housing causing a glare in photos, which may cause an obstruction that could be mistaken for the paranormal.

More coming soon.

Buy here

+LifeGuard Mini 1

This has quickly become my favorite gadget. I don't leave home without it. It's simple to charge and I no longer have to worry about my phone dying. I can also use it to charge batteries (I have a usb battery charger), the tablets, cameras, and anything else that uses a USB charger, including Tbomb's leapband. Naturally, it is a must have on investigations. 

More coming soon. 

Purchase here. 

 

Sportstek Headlamp

This headlamp is by far the best you will see. It is 4 in 1. It can be used as a lamp, headlamp, bicycle lamp, or even on a belt. It is perfect for investigations to keep hands free. I'm not sure what I did before it! 

See my review here. 

August Headphones

These are my favorite headphones. I use them for everything. Listening for EVPs, editing audio, recording, editing video, listening to podcasts, and even drowning out other noise so that I can concentrate. The Mr wants to use them, but I won't let him- he has headphones. These have become one of my top pieces of equipment. They can connect via 3.5 cord or bluetooth. They charge via usb. 

More coming soon

Purchase here

Giveaway

August International has offered two pair of these bluetooth headphones to lucky readers of The Palmetto Queen. Just comment below and let me know what your favorite August product is. A winner will be chosen December 17th at random (don't forget to leave your email)

World's Best Headlamp: #MyLifeAfterDark #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.

I have had a bit going on in the family for the past few weeks. I've been struggling to keep up, and basically getting things done at the deadline. I apologize for this- which is the reason there have been many posts in one day, but none on other days- just keeping my head above water.

Before the chaos ensued, I had been working quite diligently on my book (that will be released one day) The Paranormal Sass: My Life, After Dark. I'm hoping to have it ready by the end of the year, but just in case I don't, I've decided to bring something special to all you amazing readers of The Palmetto Queen. Because I know many of you do follow my paranormal journey, I am starting a new series: #MyLifeAfterDark (To tweet or share, please use #MyLifeAfterDark and #ParaSass). This series will feature my favorite gear, highlights of my adventures (soon, you will see the amazing gift my son received from one of the guys of Finding Bigfoot), and even tips for keeping sane with so much insanity. Basically, my life as a paranormal rock star. This series will hopefully coincide with my new site (Which is where one would go to book me or chat with me). This series, and new site, will highlight my experiences with CSPRI Inc, The Carolina Cryptid Crew, Paralina, and Ghost Hunters United (psst- I'm now half owner). It should be interesting. Those of you who like to follow my paranormal journey should get your fill.

The first installment of this series will highlight my new favorite piece of gear. The SportsTek Headlamp is now attached to me for all of my after dark adventures.

By the way, yes that is Tbomb's hand. He always wants my new gear!

This headlamp is a 4-in-1 solution for lighting problems.

• Headlamp
• Spotlight
• Bike light
• Belt lamp

Everything you need for these functions is included in the box. The light comes attached to the headlamp strap, but is held on with a clip. Because of this, it easily attaches to a belt, the battery pack (for use as a spotlight) and to the bike mount. 

In my experience, the bike mount adapters (for anything) can also be used on mic stands, tripods, and mono-pods. This is even more functionality for me, especially when I am filming for Paralina. When positioned correctly, it can light what you are filming without the beam showing up. 

Of all the features of this light, which they are all amazing, I do have one favorite. The belt clip is beyond amazing. While I'm not a big belt person, I do find myself wearing one during bigfoot expeditions to help keep my hands as free as possible. Huge win for this light. In addition to that, I can clip it on my backpack strap so that it is higher up and also added rotation to the light. The light swivels, but on my strap, it can swivel further. 

The external battery pack is one thing that keeps this light working so well in so many different functions. It takes 4 AAs. I like this because I do not have to have appropriate charging items with me at all times. I always keep a good many brand new batteries on me, but I use rechargeable batteries when possible. I make sure I have the extras and my USB battery charger and I'm good to go! 

My second favorite feature is the ability to use it as a spotlight or desk light. The way this works is really cool- just attach the clips of the battery pack (which serves as the base) and the light together and you have a free standing light. I like this for setting up equipment, filling out paperwork before an investigation or expedition, and having a little light around command central when we need it. See what I mean?! There is no where you can't use this light. If you needed to, you could use it as a flashlight this way too, but why would you want to when it does all of these cool things.
If these features aren't enough, we haven't even covered the actual light yet. Check out these amazing features:

• Water resistant
• CERTIFIED CREE XP-R3220 Lumens
• Zoomable
• Premium grade
• Fits helmet/ hard hat
• LED light
• 688 Foot distance
• Click for on/off
• Adjustable elastic strap
• Swivels up/ down
• Strobe functionality. 
• Sturdy construction- engineered from high-strength aerospace aluminum alloy & glass-filled ABS polymer. 
• Read about the guarantee and more on Amazon 
• That  is a lot of features!

Guess what?! That's not even all. When you order through Amazon, you get a free bonus. You will receive an email containing a free e-book "Surviving The Wild Outdoors." This book features survival skills that can be used during any life-threatening or survival situation. Let's face it, most of us could benefit from skills like this. 

I honestly cannot think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from this light!!! 

The SportsTek company is a family owned business in New Jersey that is dedicated to providing the best gear to all the outdoors people of the world. I cannot wait to see what they offer next! 

I will definitely be using this light on my next expedition, follow me on Instagram to see how it goes! 

Would you like one of your very own? Comment below and tell me how you would use this amazing head lamp! The winner will be chosen  October 8th. Good luck! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

What I've Been Up To- No, I didn't get kidnapped by Bigfoot

As most of you know, I'm part of a paranormal team that has recently launched a cryptid branch. Well, The Carolina Society for Paranormal Research and Investigation and The Carolina Cryptid Crew have been keeping me on my feet. Paralina is doing a good job of picking up any slack they leave. I love this team!

We have had our hands full with planning events, doing the events, and making sure they run smoothly.

The Carolina Cryptid Crew is still in full swing and going like a whirlwind. We have a meet and greet this coming Saturday in Seneca- y'all should definitely come out.

If you've been wondering why I do all this. Why I am so passionate about it and why I am determined to see the team succeed- Then read this book. This is our story. This is a true story, sometimes hard to believe, but true. This is the power that drives me. Written by Melissa D. George and Brandon Hudgens. Prologue by Dennis Carroll. Introduction by me. 

As always, there is always something going on with us and I would like some input from you all. Would you like to hear more about my paranormal adventures and this rock star life?