Ordinary people with extraordinary lives Archives

A Moonlit Stroll Through Bonaventure Cemetery with Shannon Scott, Savannah’s Tour Guide Extraordinaire

October 31, 2023 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

What’s better than a stroll through the beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery? A stroll through Bonaventure Cemetery after closing time, when you have it all to yourself… And although I once managed to get locked in Bonaventure at dusk after closing one evening (it’s very easy to lose track of time in this gorgeous burial ground), this time was an unforgettable experience. And in a good way. Having said all that, what’s even better than a walk through one of the most…

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An Afternoon with A Bond Girl Trina Parks

February 22, 2023 Valerie Archual Comments 10 comments

A “Bond girl” is defined as a female character who portrays a significant role in the life of author Ian Fleming’s fictional character, British Secret Intelligence Agent 007, also known as “Bond, James Bond.” Our introduction to these lovely ladies first began between the pages of Fleming’s James Bond spy novels and short stories before evolving into the radiant visions that beautified our silver screen. No matter their role, whether it be a companion, a love interest, or even…

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Cryptozoologist Daniel Benoit and His Quest for the Sasquatchian Legend

September 2, 2022 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

Daniel Benoit loves the outdoors and everything it encompasses. Tagging alongside his father, an avid hunter and outdoorsman, Daniel spent countless hours as a boy exploring the woods and developed an appreciation and respect for nature and wildlife early on. That appreciation sparked by his father broadened as Daniel got older. The woods soon became a place he frequented, where he hunted and became increasingly acquainted with the wilderness and its inhabitants. And while Daniel’s love of nature stemmed from…

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The Jaws Tour, Martha’s Vineyard

July 29, 2022 Valerie Archual Comments 2 comments

Located just seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is the triangular-shaped Atlantic Ocean island known as Martha’s Vineyard. Measuring twenty-six miles long and nine miles wide, the island was established long ago as a prominent summer colony, and it’s no wonder! Spreading out among its six small towns, the Vineyard hosts a variety of sightseeing beauties. From its alluring beaches and quaint harbor towns to the country farmlands and neighborhood Carpenter Gothic cottages, the relaxed lifestyle of…

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Shangri-La Prospect Hill, North Carolina

August 5, 2021 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

Along a small stretch of Old North Carolina Highway 86, between Prospect Hill and Hightowers, sits a miniature metropolis masterpiece. Shangri-La is the pixie-sized stone town that evolved from the creative mind and artistry of Henry L. Warren, a retired tobacco farmer. Warren began creating the small village back in 1968 using blasted rock from his property, designing and constructing each piece himself. It was said by those who knew him that as long as Henry had a cigarette and…

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A Look into the Life of D.C. O’Rourke, the host of Hauntingly Yours: A Podcast for the Paranormal

October 31, 2020 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

An actor. A poet. A writer. A tour guide. A storyteller. A paranormal investigator. Denny O’Rourke considers himself an “old soul” and a “Renaissance man of sorts” as he likes to have his hands in a little bit of everything, now adding to the list, a podcast. But there’s a little more to Denny, or “D.C.” as he’s known on his paranormal podcast, than meets the eye. Basically, he sees dead people. According to Denny, it…

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How “Bob” Saved Our Little Family Vacation

August 21, 2020 Valerie Archual Comments 2 comments

“You’re going to the beach with us. Period.” This came from my father in a firm and direct tone. “Please, Dad! No! I’ll do anything! I promise! Anything!” When he disregarded me, I knew my pleading would get me nowhere. I took a deep breath and tried the calm, cool, and collected approach. “Dad. I really think that you and Mom are just overreacting.” He said nothing. I took this as a good sign. “I already explained that all this,…

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Dinosaur Kingdom II & Haunting Tales of Lexington: The Entertaining World of Mark Cline

June 8, 2019 Valerie Archual Comments 6 comments

Natural Bridge: A town located in Rockbridge County Virginia, whose name is derived from its National Historic Landmark, a two hundred and fifteen-foot-tall natural limestone arch carved out by Cedar Creek a side stream that flows off the James River. Although the population of this small town is only right around fifteen hundred, it sees its share of visitors particularly during the summer traveling months. Tourists from all over flock to see the Natural Bridge that has often been included…

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The Ryan Chambers Challenge

January 18, 2019 Valerie Archual Comments 16 comments

As I glanced around the room, I had honestly debated on tidying up a bit. The entire main level of my house was in disarray from the previous day’s activities. Pondering this, and not for very long, I considered that leaving the remnants of yesterday, that were currently strewn all over the floor, certainly wouldn’t be a crime. It was December 26th after all, and I had a good inkling that my house wasn’t the only one that looked…

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Running for Recovery

November 16, 2018 Valerie Archual Comments 0 Comment

Rising before the sun, in my opinion, isn’t for the faint of heart. Adding in a multi-mile run, seasonal temperatures and weather elements to that same scenario, and on a regular basis mind you, takes the perseverance of a devoted runner. And one that encourages others to do the same, all while supporting them in the midst of their personal struggles and challenges, well that is more along the lines of a compassionate and dedicated mentor. Tammy Wiley started running…

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