Letters
Updated December 21, 2004
Trace from Canada writes:
Hi there,
I found your website while playing on the White Noise (movie) site.
You are a great writer and I loved your album of Whaley photos. I live in Canada and you reminded me that I'd been to the Whaley's when I was 13. Fond memories.
Your website has encouraged me to write my own ghostly encounters and experiences with the shadowy otherworld.
For now I must go and pull out my home movies to see if I've recorded any ghostly voices. :)
Thank you for your hard work and entertaining words,
Trace
Trace, thank you very much for the kind words and compliments, and I'm glad you enjoyed the Whaley House photos. I, too, have fond memories of the place and of Old Town San Diego in general--mostly for the kinds of friendships and adventures I had back then, almost 20 years gone now. I still get down there every now and then for the good food, cigars, the artisan shops, and overall atmosphere.
The Whaley House itself has changed quite a bit since the turnover in management back in 2000--can't say that there's much to see there right now. The last time I visited I was left with the impression--and it's just an impression, mind you--that if there really were any 'ghosts' there 20 years ago, they've probably up and left to maintain their self-respect and dignity. The place now comes off as a replica in an a amusement park, rather than as a house that's actually seen 150 years come and go (a genuine rarity in California).
I'm pleased that you've found some inspiration to take up the writing challenge. By all means do so! I can't speak for everyone, but I've found it rewarding on its own merits, and writing about one's interests is a very good way to examine our assumptions about the world(s) around us--both shadowy and otherwise. My friends get a good laugh out of this stuff every now and then too, which helps me keep going.
A tip: write for your friends--don't worry about anyone else; the others will come along later. If the others don't, no biggie--you probably wouldn't be interested in what they have to say, either ;-) If you choose to write for your friends, you may find the tone, the style and the content of your work will come along quite well. And, of course, you will probably expand your circle of friends.
I'm also happy to be able to offer you encouragement. When I got started with my website, I received much the same from a gentleman whose online work I admire and it was tremendously helpful (visit 'Avocado Memories' at http://wesclark.com/am/ ). So I hope my words can do the same for you.
Let me know how it goes; I'd like to read your stories.
Good luck and Happy Holidays.
PS. Canada rules! Many of my favorite artists are from Canada.