Shadow/Hat Man Encounter and Vision
86This drawing is exactly what the bedroom entity appeared like
The Shadow/Hat Man visit and vision experience
One day, way back when, I was a fifteen year old tramping through the forest in the foothills of South Carolina, when suddenly, there appeared before me an unusual object.
Back in those days it wasn’t rare for a boy to be handed a .22 rifle or a shotgun and turned loose to target practice or hunt small game.
Nor was it customary or were there any kind of legal obligations to take safety training lessons.
All factors being taken into consideration, it would be interesting to compare shooting accidents in the field today, as opposed to say, 1973, but that’s beside the point and I digress.
My family had recently moved to the rolling foot-hills and the home being in a very wooded area, I did what came naturally by capping a few rounds at the ubiquitous squirrels about.
Actually, hunting these animals in tall trees with a .22 can be extremely difficult as they can hide themselves behind the trunk and limbs very effectively. The odds are always well in their favor.
A forty- something man and his family lived next door and after a few weeks he made it a point to ask me if I knew how to play poker. One thing led to another and before you know it we were sitting down at his kitchen table with a deck of cards.
I forget what he offered to bet with but he insisted I wager my mini-bike ( young teenagers preferred mode of getting around back then), and of course, he won.
This adult, I was later to learn from my mother, hated my guts with a passion for presumably popping off a couple of wild squirrels that he enjoyed feeding. If he'd only asked me to desist, I would have gladly stopped; but that wasn't this man's way.
He had two seven year old twin boys who often came over to our yard and generally acted rude and inconsiderate; in a way unusual even for poorly mannered children.
There finally came a day, however, when after shouting some particularly offensive things, they began running back to their house.
I tossed an egg that I was fooling around with at them as they ran back home and it hit one of them in the heel; didn't hurt the twin one bit and no more was thought about it.
A few hours later came a telephone call; it was their father asking if I would come over and help him move something. Being a naive and trusting youngster, I said sure and proceeded on over.
The instant I walked through the sliding glass doors at the back of his house my body froze- 'cause there was the sight of his maddened face with a double- barreled shotgun pointing at my torso from maybe nine or ten feet away.
He then bellowed, “Did you throw an egg at my boys?!” I humbly replied, “Yes sir,” “boys,” he then shouted, “come on.” Those two brats with a look of gleeful anticipation on their faces emerged from the kitchen and marched right up near me with a bucket full of eggs.
At his command they proceeded to pelt me in the face and upper body with strike after strike after strike, laughing the whole time, until the bucket was empty. I then turned and left; dripping egg goo, humiliated, and with a first taste of hatred for a fellow human being.
It couldn't have been more than a few days later while walking with my rifle a good ways back in the woods, than a cardboard box abruptly appeared, the kind color televisions used to come in. It was just sitting there were it shouldn’t have been.*
I hoisted the rifle to my shoulder and had the finger on the trigger ready to plug a hole dead center on it, when suddenly, a flash from earlier childhood came like a bolt of lightning into my mind's eye.
I hesitated, lowered the gun, and walked on over to the box. I peered down into it,- and there inside, were those two twins with innocent shit eating grins on their faces looking up at me. I told them they were too far back in the woods and to go on home, which they did.
It's kinda funny, but the seriousness of what almost happened didn't hit me till later. Those twins will probably never know just how close they came to being killed or badly injured that long ago day in the Carolina foothills.
The above vision that prevented a tragedy begins with the following: My father was a traveling salesman who generally missed nights with the family during the week. So as a nine or ten year old boy I would occasionally sleep in the king-sized bed with mom.
One late night I was abruptly awakened; and standing immobile at the foot of the bed, was a fairly tall, dark figure, with no discernible features that could be seen in it’s body or face, except for protuberances like pencils or a hat brim sticking out from the middle of it’s head on both sides.
Off to and behind it’s right, were one of those old- timey crank windows that a bright moonlight must have been shining through because there weren’t any streetlights in the back-yard of this second floor window, in the split-level home.
Within a couple of seconds of looking at the figure, suddenly but subtlety, the thought, “stay calm, don’t move,” came into my consciousness. I now believe, and have for some time, that the commands that night did not originate in my own mind. After maybe 10 or 15 seconds it was over and sleep began again.
Bright morning sunlight, streaming through the windows, mom and I awoke at the same time, my upper body jerking forward from the pillow. I turned to her and said, “Momma, someone was in here last night.” She began to reply, “no there wasn’t” but caught herself as we both looked over at the bedroom dresser.
There, stacked one on top of the other, was every encyclopedia book from the den. The windows were also open with the drapes billowing in a gentle morning breeze. She then replied, “There was somebody here”; and after that, nary another word was ever spoken about it between us.
Through the years this late night occurrence, off and on, stayed in my thoughts like a song you can’t stop singing in your mind. Up until my thirties, with no real context to put it in, it had simply been,“The Cat Burglar."
Since that age, however, I’ve ruminated on just about everything the entity could have been. One thing I'm 99% sure of is the visitation had meaning as was not a person from that place and time. Little did I know then, but this was to be the first in at least four, and possibly six, paranormal or super-normal encounters in life.
footnote* hindsight is 20/20 and even at the cost of some embarrassment, I intend to be as completely truthful as possible. The above happened a long time ago, and after delving deeply into the memory banks over the last few days, it's been recalled there was a small overgrown track leading off a dirt road 25 or 30 ft. to where the box was.
I also now remember an old rusted refrigerator with weeds sprouting out from it's innards. Obviously, from time to time, people would toss unwanted things there.
© copyright 2012/ All rights reserved/ alastar-packer.hubpages.com
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (6)
- Funny
- Awesome (23)
- Beautiful (9)
- Interesting (12)
Gripping tale of events AP and an amazing account too, it’s amazing to me to realise that we all have memories, some we do remember and some that we just don’t. But I have always noticed a familiar pattern for those that have had a real profound experience such as yours, for which the details never fade and to it, the realism of the experience always resonates even many years later.
Reference to the neighbour next door, what an ass!
Great Hub and what a superb collection of experiences you have AP, all the best my friend, always a pleasure when I pop around and find myself gripped by your amazing accounts, TC.
Martie that is an exceptional experience you had with the Victorian apparition. The fact that physical contact was made makes it even more so. Thank you for sharing, this is exactly the type of comment hoped for on here. I believe these paranormal events are more than just "brain generated" in many cases, and we most certainly exist in a multidimensional universe. And yes, surely, every person must make their own free will decisions on how, when, or if they want to pursue the metaphysical or paranormal. Appreciate your openness with the story and your feelings here very much Martie, please comment again if you want to, with anything else, anytime.:)
I had the same kind of experience when I was 24. I clearly saw a woman, dressed in a long white dress with a Victorian collar adorned with a Cameo brooch. She was standing next to my bed with her hands on her hips, as if she wanted to know why am I sleeping on her bed. I saw her hair - the light of the street light behind her made it look like a halo. Her face was only a shadow. She has waken me with a poke in my back. When I turned my head and saw her, I impulsively hit her with one sweep of my arm... I actually cut her in half and she disappeared. Maybe she was only a projection of my brain... but still, who poked me? That poke was certainly not a dream.
We will never understand the paranormal, Alastar. Maybe we live in dimensions - after death in a second dimension. Or maybe our magnificent brain is the only 'world' we live in.
I've voted this hub up and extremely interesting. (Oh, I studied the paranormal about 25 years ago, and finally decided to stop wrecking my mind with facts or fiction that have no value for me. What if this or that paranormal activity is true or not true? I am flesh and bone on this planet and need to know what I need to know to survive as long as possible.)
Sannel thank you so much for reading this and commenting. I'm very glad you brought up the encyclopedias and here's what I believe: The placing of them on the dresser served two purposes; one was so there would be no doubt but that the experience was real, and secondly it foretold how I've came to a great deal of any knowledge I have. My parents always encouraged reading on a wide variety of topics. Even in high school and later community college school texts bored me and if feasible I'd find some other reading material to cover what was needed in the course. Thank you again Sannel, its really remarkable sometimes how one person's interests can be the interest of many as concerns writing.:)
There are so many things that's unexplained. That's what makes life so thrilling and amazing, don't you think?
I believe things happens for a reason, and yours are one of them. I just can't figure out why someone would have brought all those heavy encyclopedia books out from the den. It must have meant something!
Alastar -- Your story was totally fascinating, and you have a wonderful virtuosity of writing, that keeps me hanging on to every word until culmination.
Hey thats great Jackie. Hmm, you can keep one unpublished for quite awhile, not sure exactly how long though. Try to think of the good times tomorrow and will look for your new hub when it comes up. Oh yea, since you asked about it. When you get a chance check-out Mysterious UFO Encounter and let me know what you think.:)
OK, will do soon as I can. I have my PM pics up and trying to find time to finish writing it. Don't know how long a hub can stay unpublished do you? Tomorrow is Mom's birthday. The second one she has been gone. Well, will work on my hub after I see what everyone is up to.
Jackie check out Boone's Cave or Assyrian Demon. Those two will give you a pretty good idea.:)
Nah, my life has been pretty ordinary, no flying saucers or UFOs to speak of, lol. How about you?
Yes Jackie, I remember reading about the table in one of your stories. Well, it certainly didn't lift up off the ground by itself did it. Your right in not worrying about it though. I was just curious if you'd ever had anything unusual happen.:)
MM well you mean spiritually? I saw a table lift off the floor after talking about I was not afraid of the man who had died in our house before we moved there. It was a very heavy table too and there were no earthquakes or reason. Still wonder if it was the man or satan. Who knows, I really don't get into those things too much, or let them worry me. My mom did, she was very superstitious, probably why I wasn't. Why?
Good to hear Jackie, have you ever seen or experienced anything unusual-out of the norm?
You better believe it was and soon I am getting a new camera and so sorry to not have flowers! Well there are Camillas if I catch them in time. Doing Christmas cleaning now and changing curtains, just always something but if I hurry then I can relax awhile and do something fun.
Why don't you trade off PJ. Do one of the history ones you like or something and then do one with ads in mind. Good to hear you got your pics done. That sure was alot to go through.:)
Yes I thought Adsense might be best?? I would write more with ads in mind, things people might be looking for to have a better chance at profit I suppose. There are at least two more NC ones I want to do though that I have wonderful pictures for, whenever I can make time. I finished my pictures today, well, caught up anyway, so maybe I can do one soon.
Hope this years holidays are better for you Jackie. Keep thinking the good and all will be well. What would you do differently writing for money? You've been doing some good recipe ones. Are you going to get Adsense or what?:)
This year will be better for the holidays, yes, I feel sure. I have so many fun plans with all I am doing that I really hope that just some of it can work out. I may even get serious and write here for money, although I doubt it will be as much fun you seem to be doing good with the history and I certainly love that, local anyway. Sorry to be so long getting back, forgot where I came, lol.
Do appreciate you writing about this Jackie. Your a sweetheart and always so open and honest about things in your life. Probably both twins had a crush on you as they often think and feel alike- thats a funny memory with the odd look n all. Holidays do bring the memories- got a sure feelin you had a nice one this year too Jackie.:)
My dad was not a salesman but his job kept him away from home when we were home evenings and most weekends. He slept late days we were home and since we had to be quiet we went to the woods or away from the house so anyway, just thought we sort of share that. I loved sleeping with Mom too, just something about a mothers bed, seems so comfortable. My daughter once said that about mine. When I saw I had already commented just thought I'd mention this. I knew twin boys once and they had a crush on me. They were said to be identical but I have always known identicals apart. One always has an odd look. Sharper somehow. Well anyway the one I didn't like would try to act like he was the one I liked. This story reminded me of them, made me smile. Holidays bring lots of memories. Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.
Thank you lyric and it definitely was a merciful intervention, however it came about. As far as what you and your wife have experienced with the shadows and black masses here's one possibility: Some researchers believe there's a parallel reality sharing the space around us and for whatever reason denizens of that dimension will sometimes enter into our own through high technology they posses. The reasons for them doing this are speculated as being curiosity, benevolent, and sometimes not so benevolent purposes. Truth is stranger than fiction and people who have been through phenomena like what we have know there's more to reality than meets the eye in this everyday hum-drum 3-D world. lyric, thank you for sharing and commenting on this one, perhaps in future we can discuss the topic some more.
I had to come back and read this again Alastar. And thank you for the earlier comment. See, my wife has seen many things, actually, the both of us have. Anywho, I even get skeptic about talking about it cause it is not the norm per say. I have seen enough to be a believer for sure. I haven't recalled anything moved around, but I lose keys and whatever from time to time. But for you to get that thought before shooting, it seems to have been something special, some sort of intervention possibly. I ask, is that what you think or do you believe otherwise? I have seen shadows and black masses. One night, it owned me. Tossed me around. I couldn't move, I couldn't speak. A night later, my wife has the same encounter. This was 6 years ago in Arizona. Til this day, she always feel as someone is watching and has seen things in our current house. I just want you to know I believe your story. It is hard to come out and say it. It has made me believe in life after death cause something is there. What? I don't know, but it is something.
Lordy, there's no telling how those twins turned out AE. If they're anything like their older half-sister was then its not so good. Sometimes thinking back on those days it can seem almost like yesterday, with strong memory impressions. As far as the entity in the room goes it could as well been a ghost as anything else but the figure appeared to be solid and definitely had intelligence to it. The encyclopedias were a sign; what kind of sign I still can't say for sure though. Thank you so much for your interest and comments AE, do appreciate them.
That man was insane! He sounded like an un-educated adult that was a bully when he was child. He taught his son's to be as mean spirited as himself. As for what was standing over your bed and the stack of encyclopedias, that gave me chills. Sounds like a ghost to me. :)
He was crazy alright. Cared more about squirrels than he did people. Ha-ha! like to see his geriatric self go up against your feisty self Cardisa. Shucks, you could probably whup him in his prime girl. Justice indeed!
That man was crazy and an idiot, ambushing a child like that. He needs a lesson...he should be my neighbor and I'd show him. I even wrote a hub on how to get even with neighbors like that.
Can one imagine a finger on a rifle's trigger within a split second of probably killing two 7 year old twins unknowingly? Whatever the vision was or wasn't I'm eternally grateful for it. Until I wrote this down and published it there was only one other person besides myself that knew of it. If that psycho had known what almost happened to his boys one of us would have gone down. He ambushed me in his home when I went up to help him but it would have been a different story had he come down my way with evil intent. Thank you Cardisa, happy were followers know.
That ghost..er sorry...apparition sure saved those boys' life, that jerk of a father should be grateful.
That story wrote itself. I just had to finally write it down for anyone interested in reading it. And your response about seeing one is exactly how each one of us with a shadow man experience knows they're not alone. Thank you for commenting Silver Poet, would really like to her about yours. Understand of course if you'd rather not. The voice wasn't an external one. Very subtle,..an almost gentle voice heard in the mind. Thanks again.
Good story. I have seen the hat man, but I've never heard of him speaking to anyone.
Cheers to you Ausseye. Glad you were moved by the reed and floated down the river. Like that phrase "the river of humanity flows into an ocean of rising change." Packer name blackened down under! What ever for? Well, we do have some lusty rascals going back in the clan, could that be it? In any case, thanks for the interest and unique comment Ausseye.
A passionate account of life……and all it’s follies. Moving and gains you a star in the writing stakes. I was moved by the reed and floated down the river of life reminded of Chi …..old Chinese philosophy …the river of humanity flows into an ocean of rising change. I my working life we dumped toxic heavy metals into the ocean, now I await their return. I am privileged to read your account of a life well lived. Unfortuantely you do have a name a little blackened in Australia Packer...look it up.....!!! It felt good to share your story...Rosellas were my game. Cheers Ausseye.
There may be a few hidden ones in the oeuvre yet Mr. Epi. Sure hope so cause it's always extra nice when you find one. Coast to Coast, what a great show that deserves it's tens of millions of listeners. Aha! Epi-man digging on "Sweet Leaf" and "Iron Man!" Surprised Quentin and Sam are complaining instead of just joining you. As to the faves; too many to pick just two so here are some of them: Historical epics: Intolerance(1916)-Alexander Nevsky(1939)-The Sign of the Cross(1932)-A Bridge too Far(1977)-Cross of Iron(1977)- Last of the Mohicans, Braveheart, Gettysburg, Gods and Generals and Gladiator for the more recent ones. Supernatural movies: The Devil and Daniel Webster(1941)-The Haunting(1963)-The Exorcist and the Shining of course-The Others(2000 something) just to name several there. Thank you Commander. Oh, by golly, ole Sam directed Cross of Iron he did. Great Director!
..that's Sam Peckinpah - one of my favorite film directors - and yes The Wild Bunch!
....I think I found a hub Mister Packer that I haven't read before - unbelievable - and I've been on a mission lately - I send everyone your way - because you truly are a hub treasure - I love your writing - your comments to others - and you are such a scholar and a gentleman .
I listen to Coast to Coast AM on talk radio - go to their home page if unfamiliar - their host is George Norrie and their topics of discussion reminded me of this most intriguing hub and story - as a writer you are a gift to us ; as a historian you are essential - and yes the epi-man is listening to Black Sabbath so loud right now that even my next door neighbor Quentin Tarratino and his old man Sam Peckipagh are complaining - oh well that's what you get by living next door to a rebel at the lake - lol lol lake erie time 12:22am
by the way what is your favorite historic epic on film - and what is your favorite supernatural film?
Appreciate that lyricwriter. Lets see,..not really much difference between believing and knowing something is there? Seeing is believing. Knowing is...just knowing something in a self perceptive way that some people connect up with in communion with other people's knowing. Apologize for the ramble lyricwriter. Been a long day. Thank you much and glad we're now followers.~:)
Great hub Alastar. Personally, I believe in the paranormal. Not saying this is related, but I have had past experiences also. I believe we have to see this or experience it in order to become a believer. Well written by the way and very interesting.
Again, thank you very much Sun-Girl. I like your name, its cheery and optimistic.~:)
Nicely written article which i so much enjoyed reading from.
Your probably right about her Seeker7. Some pitiable people are like that. What my mom told me later on was this: he liked to feed the squirrels and when I hunted a few of them he took an intense dis-like to me. I was hardly more than a child myself and if he had just asked me not to, that would have been the end of it. But no, that wasn't the psycho's way. As far as the Shadow Man phenom your correct. If they are allowing more of their true selves to be seen then it possibly speaks to them being inter-dimensional beings in my opinion. But the true origins of them remain a mystery I suppose. What a surprise when I found out many others have experienced the same entities. Thanks Seeker7 for your interest and awesome comment. Btw, your new Hub on supernatural animals is really a first class article. Very interesting and well done.
Hi Alastar,
This is such an amazing account from your life!! And what a creep of a neighbour to have! I think in childhood there is always at least one adult who freaks you and becomes the monster in our childhood dreams. There was one womman who was like this and for some reason she hated the ground I walked on. I can't honestly recall having ever done anything to her. But looking back on her from an adults point of view, rather than being a 'monster' she was probably just a pathetic old misery guts who didn't really like anyone that much.
But as for the memory to stop you shooting - that is awesome and shows the power of the mind and the hidden depths it has.
The 'shadow' experience is fascinating! When these 'entities' were first being witnessed they were, as you describe, shapes with very little features. We now have 'shadows' in all shapses and sizes, some with red eyes. Previously most witnesses would claim no real interaction from the 'shadows' other than just being observed by them. Today, the phenomena seems to be progressing in that more features are becoming recognisable and slightly more interaction. Your wonderful account is another to add to the shadow enigma.
Great hub + voted up!!
Surely the power of mercy and righteousness was there that day Polly. Who knows what those twins grew up to be like. His teen-age daughter already had a cruel streak in her. If the vision hadn't stayed my finger, lives or severe injuries including emotional/conscious hell would have come about. And some believe there's no more than the material world. We know better don't we Polly.
I think the bible speaks against parents like this when it says they would be better to have a millstone tied around their neck and cast into the sea than to be the cause of these little ones to sin or not know God. That is in several places in the bible so I won't quote scripture but I know people like this and I believe it is really true and such a shame for everyone. What that would have done to your life too, if you had shot into that box. Surely God was with you.
You must be in a spooky mood today quality and thank you. That was more than luck and yes, it would have been crushing personally and that psycho would have definitely come a gunning for me then. Maybe the whole moral of the story is sometimes something can reach in and prevent disaster from happening. Guess will never know for sure but it makes one search for answers. And then again perhaps it's better to just be thankful and leave it at that. Don't really know...:)
I really love your stories Alastar. You have the most interesting experiences. You also are very lucky. If you would have shot into that box the kids were in you would never have forgiven yourself! The shadowman was surely some kind of sign- and I don't think I like your neighbor very much. He sounds very mean and harsh!
Thank you Enlydia, after checking over your site I think I'll love yours too.
I love your storytelling "voice"...
They most certainly advance and shape our experiences and life lessons. On reflection i ran into the kitchen quickly that day and got an egg to toss at those two rudely shouting twins. So you could say it was premeditated. But heck, I was little more than a child too, and one that almost got murdered over it. If there had been any lip, resistance or attempt at evasion theres no doubt in my mind he'd have pulled the double triggers. Parrster thanks for the read and fine comment but I hope he's gone, the man was a mean psychopath if I've ever seen one.
Great piece of writing. Experiences like the one you share, shape us more than we realise. I bet you never threw an egg at anyone again :)
For all his hatefulness, I wonder what regrets haunt your neighbour now? Reflecting back on your humiliation at his hand, does he wish he could undo it?
Enjoyed the read. Voted up.
Alastar,
And just think of it, the sixteen year old has most likley had kids...who will go on to have kids..and they're all out there in society. Yet we wonder, why is this culture so mean...why so much crime? It boggles the mind.
Skibabe it is then. BB sounds like a pellet and Babe...well, folks might talk...lol. Yes, no doubt his upbringing was a rotten one and he was probably a psychopath or at the very least a plain out mean control freak. He terrorized his wife and wanted to kill my teen-age self badly that day; only my humility, compliance and youthful innocence stayed his maddened hand. That and possibly the thought of prison. The twins weren't mistreated in a physical way because he looked on them as possessions. There was also a 16 year old daughter from his first marriage that had a nasty cruel streak too. So unfortunately Skibabe, the circle more than likely remains unbroken.
I'm not picky, Alastar. You choose. You have to wonder about that father. How truly unhappy he must have been. We have to hope that the cycle stopped with him.
Yes, twice lives were within a hairs breath of destruction. Only person I've ever truly, unequivocally hated. Your going to do very well here on HP or wherever you write...let me know sometime if you prefer to be called BB, skiBabe, Babe or whatever. And I quit wondering a ways back and started searching. Amazing the things one finds on the quest. Thanks for your very insightful comment.
I enjoyed this hub...so much was riding on that one moment in time...so much at stake..
As for the dad, wow, one mean, hateful individual. This one still has me thinking and wondering.
Thank you.
Spirit don't second guess yourself. I'm the one who put this out and as long as a comment is civilized and doesn't embarrass the commenter themselves- only two deletions for the latter so far- it'll be approved. That story was on an emotional level one of the toughest written. No need of any apologies and always write what you feel at the moment; one can always come back and post again if they feel a need to. Thank you Spirit, your quite the gentleman.
Alastar, I don't know what I was thinking this morning when I wrote that comment because as I read it again now it is just way to personal and not appropriate here. I just got carried away and I suppose your story must have had something to do with that. Please go ahead and delete my comment and I hope you accept my heartfelt apologies.
Thank you for the interest Spirit. Some things are best left unsaid but I can assure you the 'figure' was anything but natural...at least as far as we generally understand things for now. However, you have your opinion on the matter and that's good. I don't believe he was cruel to the twins and the mother was a meek mouse who did fear him. My parents were intelligent and loving people and not the type to start a Hatfield- McCoy feud. Some things were handled differently back then than they probably would be today. I simply avoided the psycho until we moved which wasn't long after. My father was a most beloved man by all that new him. He was also a very strong man on the inside. Unfortunately your correct about the male role model as he had a job that kept him on the road during the week and had contracted polio as a boy so therefore couldn't engage with me on an out-door level much. Nativity is one thing, foolishness or trustfulness two others. But yes, incidents of the nature we're on can cause one to become cautious and develop defenses. No one bats a thousand when their analyzing another but you've done well my Irish friend. I wonder what the future holds for the journey into the mind of one called 'The Spirit Whisperer.'
This is a very interesting hub and written in an alluring style. The appearance of the figure in the room does not hold as much interest for me, as I see these occurrences as natural. What I find interesting is your relationship with the neighbour. I'd love to know more about the twins mother because her absence is says a lot. If he was as cruel to you as described then you can imagine how cruel he was to the twins. You were right not to take it out on them as the culprit was the adult father. I am surprised that your parents did not confront him however especially when you came home covered in broken eggs. Your story indicates a lack of a male role model in your own life which allows the likes of your neighbour to take control like this. This reminds me a little of the other hub I read of when you were hit in the head with a beer bottle by another control freak. Did you find there to be a pattern in your life of your trust being abused? this often happens when the original sensitising incident has never been dealt with.
I am so glad I made this promise to myself to read all of your hubs as it is truly a really interesting journey into the mind of Alastar!
OMG! You got me thinking about it Lucky..and I just realized that I was laying on my left side...that would have put the Shadow/Hatman at a RIGHT ANGLE to the eye vision!
That is very interesting about your encounters and the angles Lucky. I may have written this before somewhere but there's no rhyme, reason or rationality for the uncountable numbers of planets, possible parallel realitys or other dimensions to be empty unitelligent containing existences. I generally paste too but the last few have gone directly on and i've just made multiple copies. Maybe it has something to do with all the new things being tried out..couldn't imagine why it wouldn't be allowed for us to copy n paste our hubs. Now, back to your 'homework' young lady. btw, since you follow them, theres a new 'movie' on when you feel like it.:D
Alaster...after re-reading your story and, then, your comment; the positioning of my visitations appears to be correct...in both instances since, I did not detail this but, at the 'foot of the bed' the shadow man stood to the left of it or, to the 'right' of my position in bed.. the second experience; the same positioning...very interesting. (If I'm 'getting this right!)
Your comment also stirs up thoughts of multi dimensional existence at concurrent times...E=Mc2!! And, if you've ever watched "Fringe,"...which I dearly enjoy...the same idea is expressed in that series..I thoroughly enjoy such topics..why would we think that the world is as our limited senses perceive it? We are, by nature, limited by our definitions and our perceptions...It is our imagination which frees us from these strictures.
In the entire universe (of which I cannot fathom)..how could we be so blind and naive as to believe that we are the only "life" form; the only 'intelligent' beings? This line of (lack of) reasoning seems juvenile and fearful.
Thank you for the nice welcome back. I did not go online the entire trip and have missed my HP friends. I've begun a story line, of sorts, about the travel and arrival..I usually write on Word and copy to HP's but, my latest writing is not being accepted as a paste. has HP's changed what it "allows?" Part I is ready but I can't paste it...and I rarely just write on the HP site as the space is so small...anyway...I must get on w/my 'homework' and read more here on HP's..Kathy
Just as you, I haven't read about this phenomenon until now...I just read Mythbuster's description of the first type of 'shadow man.' This is how I would describe the entity in my dual experiences...and, yes, it was an older, possibly '40's or '20's style hat ... nothing new or contemporary...and there was no facial detail..I just recall NOT seeing his eyes but, upon further consideration, I can't recall anything else about his face or expression (if there was an expression!). The 2nd appearance; those years later, I do not remember how it ended...how he departed or disappeared...I have no memory of that.
Thank you for writing about this...I'm having "fun" and an exciting time thinking about this today
Alastar, this is intriguing and has stirred up a memory I'd long ago forgotten. I was much younger; a child. I had a temperature of about 101 and had been quite ill for several days. I was alone in my bedroom when I suddenly became completely awake and sat straight up in my bed. At the foot of my bed was a man of larger than average size, wearing an overcoat type of garment and a hat. The hat was tilted in a way that covered his eyes; tipped down in such a way as to hide whatever he may have been gazing at. Just a little...not in a huge tilt but just very subtlely tipped. His head remained aligned w/his back and shoulders; he wasn't 'looking down.' I stared at him and he stood completely still. I remember thinking or 'seeing' the word/color gray. I don't recall what happened next. All I remembered then, as now, is that, the next thing that happened is my mother entered my bedroom to check on me. As she did, her movement awakened me and I, again, sat up...In a quiet and (what I consider, now, to be somewhat subdued and strange given my earlier experience), I told my mother what happened. The man who stood at the foot of my bed. She immediately suggested that it could be my maternal grandfather whom I had never met in real life. Later, some 5 years in the future, while laying in bed on a hot summer evening, I tried to sleep but cold not. I 'heard' heavy, labored breathing next to me on my right side. I 'saw' or imagined the man w/the hat...supine beside me complete w/outter garment of trench coat like appearance, hat and laying completely still on his back w/his hands folded on his chest. He appeared to be looking straight up towards the ceiling. I got up, woke my mother and told her about this experience. She never doubted me and suggested we do a seance. We did this...asking the apparition to identify himself. We used a Quija board, too...in another effort to communicate or contact the spirit or energy I'd felt....to no definite conclusion or explanation...yes, this truly DID happen...and your hub reminded me of this; something I have not thought about in at least 35 years.
Ah! that's the rub CM. As I wrote about, over the five or six years previous the shadow man incident would pop into the mind occasionally like a song you keep singing despite yourself. At the moment of aiming the .22 the image began and caused me to hesitate. To this day I don't know for sure if it was just a fluke of the sub-conscious or something else but the gut feeling is the latter. Its astute - but not surprising - that a writer with your talents would wonder about that connection. All that can be said in the end is I'm forever thankful to a Creator/Creation, that it did. When I consider now, even after 38 yrs. what could have happened, it brings a small shiver. Thanks for reading and the interest CM. By the way, that was a great hub and subject, the Cathars, you just wrote about. Do you think there's enough material for you to write a follow up on the "secrets" they are speculated to have known about that got the Catholic hierarchy so worried?
Hi Alastar, fascinating hub, but I'm still a bit confused as to how the shadow man experience connects with the not shooting the box incident with the twins?
Its good some of us can do that JL, I know I'd be in a fix without it sometimes. If those boys had tried that...the way I was feeling right then..lol, no, the only one who got ambushed in that affair was me; but whats that old saying..if it doesn't kill you it only makes you stronger. Thanks JLClose.
lol. I have to laugh at myself sometimes. I was so confused. I was thinking that maybe they were hiding in the box waiting for you so they could ambush you or something... :0)
This brought a smile to my face, for two reasons JL: one I remember as a small boy getting a blanket and pulling it over furniture to make a little fort; at that age , like cats, we enjoy confined places.The twins had walked way back in the woods, found that box, flipped it over and then pushed it upright again. How long they'd been doing their little boy thing in it I don't know and secondly JL I would never call you anything but something positive and I hope this has placed you back on the path again.Appreciate your interest. Hubpages sure is a lot to go though once you get established on it but this morning am going to read a hub or two of yours.Thanks again JLClose.
Call me blonde, but I am lost...why were those kids in the box???
Had to read this one a couple times myself Mrs J.B., it's still painful but amazing at the same time. I never really blamed those twins, for even then I knew they were basically innocent.That adult...for I won't call him a man, is probably the one person in this life have truly hated. Also believe one day will have solid answers behind the Darkman and like phenomena..but then again, maybe we all need a little mystery in our lives...it makes us think!
I just had to read this again. How you did not beat the snot out of them amazes me!!!!
Thank you for reading it crystolite; yes I did learn two major things: one; there are some very hateful people in the world and also there are some very good things we may not always realize.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you learnt something out of it
You are correct, small details, especially after a long time may not be remembered right away.
Thanks mythbuster, you're indeed correct about the memories. At first one tends to remember the big events first...the more detailed things following. I welcome all fair and open sides to a topic...but have to admit being surprised at the high throne attacks on some new-comers in the paranormal forum. Your reply's on there were brilliant by the way.
Hey Alastar Packer - I've enjoyed this hub very much! Good choice to get your memories sorted out and written down before reading more on shadow people/paranormal stuff. The mind is a notoriously shady and inconsistent place for storing things and we all suffer some bias much of the time.
Thank you both so very much Hyphenbird And Thresa,truth certainly can be stranger than fiction sometimes and both you kind Ladies are welcome for wine and dinner anytime!
Thanks you Mrs. J.B., all true...down to the very last egg. In some ways this was a personally difficult hub to relive again..but if for nothing else, felt it was time to put it on the record.
I was so caught up in this hub... Those twins, the eggs, the box, the rifle... HMMMM
It is really wild how that memory came when you were ready to shoot. Many questions about this one. Sounds like dinner and a glass of wine for them to get answered?!
I love this story. It has so many elements and surprises for a short story. Good writing skills.
Alastar Packer Hub Author 3 weeks ago
Absolutely spot-on with the remembered memories Mark, hope your doing well my friend. Profound incidents like this one become a steady companion through-out life; perhaps there were meant to be lessons learned by it. The gun pointing psycho "father" probably got what was coming to him down the line; you know Mark, cause and effect, what goes around comes around and all that. Thank you mate, over your way directly.