Nicolle Morock's notes

Join Me on Curios!

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:48:06 GMT

If you like eBooks, you'll love this!

If you enjoy reading eBooks and truly enjoy supporting independent authors, you really should check out Curios.com!

When you buy an eBook on Amazon, the author gets a fraction of the retail price. If you read the book on Kindle Unlimited, they get even less. By all means, if Kindle is the only way you want to read a book, stick with it. At least you're reading.

But if you'd rather the price of an eBook go to the author, then look for it on Curios! My novels are there, and they're 99 cents less than on Amazon. That's because Curios will pass the credit card transaction fee on to the buyer, letting me keep 100% of the list price. I mark it down so that when they charge the fee, the total is the same or less than Amazon and even marked down, I make more money than I do on Amazon. (No, authors do not aspire to the "starving artist" moniker. We like to eat!)

Curios has a free app for reading books in, too, and it's made to support authors, not billionaire Jeff Bezos!

Check out my profile at https://curios.com/nicollemorock and while you're there browse the other authors, too. You never know - you might find your new favorite!

2025 Review and 2026 Goals

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 19:14:06 GMT

Every year, I post goals for accountability. Here's my 2026 goal post :)

The years fly by faster and faster, and that means I need to work smarter to keep up.

Every year on January 1st, I take stock of how I did versus the previous year’s goals and set goals for the new year. I don’t make resolutions because they’re usually cliché and easily forgotten. I set goals that are clear, measurable, and should be achievable , or if not, they lead to lessons learned.

Last year’s goals:

Make more money, pay off the truck repair debt, and end the year with less student loan debt.
I not only paid off the truck repair debt, I bought a new car and sold the truck. Of course, that meant taking on a car payment, which I dislike, but it also means I'm now driving something reliable that isn't require hundreds to thousands of dollars in maintenance every month. I needed that change for peace of mind.
I also ended the year with less student loan debt, but not by much. Back in October, I realized my loan holder was playing some nasty tricks with my repayment plan, and despite my paying more than the minimum every month, I was barely making progress on the total I owed. So, I doubled the amount I'm paying each month, and if I get a windfall this year, it's going on that darned debt.
There's a reason people hate those companies. I'm also considering refinancing my house now that the mortgage rates have declined enough to make it worth it. The money I save each month in mortgage payments will go on the student loans. I graduated from NCSU with my meteorology degree in 2007, and I'm still paying for a degree I'm not even using anymore. (Talk about life lessons!)
Visit one new place.
This is on my list every year for life, and in 2025, I visited two: Beaufort/Parris Island, SC, for my nephew's Marine Corps bootcamp graduation and Lexington, KY, for Cryptid Con. Both were nice. I saw much more of Beaufort, but had more fun in Lexington.
Revise, have professionally prepared, and publish Daughter of the Mystic Moon.
DONE!! I launched her with a successful Kickstarter and made her widely available in September. The developmental and copy editing, professional book cover and graphics, and all the software necessary for doing it well cost me about three times what I've made so far, but a book doesn't expire, so I'm hopeful I'll eventually make that all back.
Treat my writing as a business, not a hobby (building on that last goal).
Also done. Unfortunately, the business is in the red, but that's okay. I have another year to work on that.
Put more effort into marketing The PEEP Podcast.
Maybe "more" wasn't measurable enough, but I did it.
Walk an average of 50,000 steps per week.
This is the first goal I've failed at in years. I shouldn't be surprised that it's the fitness goal. Like I explained last year, my job and my avocations require me to be sitting at a desk, so getting those daily steps in requires more effort. This one is carrying over into 2026 because "if at first you don't success, try, try again." My health is important, and I'm not getting any younger.

My 2026 goals:

Like I said in that last bullet point, walk an average of 50,000 steps per week.
I'm also adding that I am cutting way down on ultra-processed foods. I have a tendency to snack on cereal bars, chips, and things that are full of preservatives and additives, especially when they're easily accessible at work. I've learned that those things contribute to inflammation, gut health issues, and, of course, added calories. (The calorie part I already knew.) As someone who's missing my appendix and gall bladder, I have enough GI issues. Heck, the junk in our packaged foods might be why those organs had to come out. I also have arthritis, a nerve-pain issue in my leg, and migraines - all of which can be exacerbated by eating ultra-processed foods. So, this year, I'm doing something about it.
Secondary to that and still health related, I'm finally going to let the neurologist do the nerve test for my random leg pain. I've tried supplements, acupuncture, Chinese medicinal tea, Reiki, the Emotion Code, and meditation, and it's not better. Lately, it's been worse, so I'm convinced it's fully physical and requires a medical doctor's help. I've only postponed it because my general practitioner warned that the nerve test can be painful and unpleasant. At this point, I'll take it if it means not waking in the middle of the night with burning pain in my thigh.
Visit one new place.
I have no concrete plan for where that will be, yet, but it usually works out as the year progresses.
Make $10,000 in profit on my books.
This one is a little optimistic, but I think it's doable. I'm not being greedy by any means because I ended 2025 over $5,000 in the red, so I'm really trying to make up for last year and profit a little this year.
How can I do this? Add audiobook sales, more in-person sales, and potentially do some advertising. For the audio, I'll be using my own AI voice clone and I'll be fully transparent about that. A human-narrated audio book would only add to my debt, so until I find a solid audience, I have to go with what I can afford. Using my own voice clone solves potential ethical complaints from people who hate AI. In fact, when others are using it in Eleven Labs for their creative projects, I'm making money because I licensed my voice. (And any voice clone I were to use in Eleven Labs would be a source of income for the owner of that voice, but I am choosing to use my own.)
I'm also writing (and hoping to complete) the sequel to Daughter of the Mystic Moon. I'm cautiously optimistic about it because it usually takes me two years to complete and publish a book. Although, I'm working on ways to speed up my process, like dictation, with the hopes of cutting that time to closer to a year.
I may also offer a subscription with letters from my characters or something fun and creative, but I haven't quite settled on what that will look like or if I'll have time once I complete the next goal...
Launch a second podcast.
This one has been in the works, but on the far back burner, for a few years now. When ".space" became available as a URL (think .com and .net), I immediately bought positivehead.space. I've been wanting to do a weekly podcast about keeping a positive attitude for a long time, but last month, I finally got the message that it's go-time, so I'm launching it soon. Hopefully, this month, but I'm not going to rush because I want to do it right. It will feature weekly, bite-sized episodes about ways to keep an optimistic attitude, even during struggles and darker times. Yes, there are other podcasts with the same focus out there, but I feel called to add my version to the mix, and I'm answering the call. If nothing else, I'll give it a year and then evaluate how it's going.
Offer being added to my Reiki grid for a week for free to anyone who needs it.
For those who don't know, I charge my Reiki grid nearly every morning after breakfast with intentions for people who need extra healing energy and positive intentions. "World peace" is on the grid forever (or until it happens!), and I have a few others that are just as evergreen, but as people around me suffer physically, mentally, or emotionally, or as they have specific needs for positive energy (job interview, starting a new project, completing a goal, etc.), I add them. Think of it as an extended prayer that lasts all day. I charge the grid with Reiki every morning, and it continues to send that energy to the intention until I do it again the next day. Then it starts over.
I'm going to publicly offer a week at a time on the grid for anyone who needs it , and if there's too much demand, I'll figure out how to handle that, but for now, it's open to everyone always.

That’s it! If you’ve read this far, thank you for caring and being curious. I’m guessing you’re also one of my encouragers, and I have to say a great big thank you ! I need your help making these goals reality. Feel free to ask me to be an accountability partner for you, too!

2024 Review and 2025 Goals

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 23:08:47 GMT

My annual accountability post :)

Every year on January 1 ^st , I take stock of how I did versus the previous year’s goals and set goals for the new year. I don’t make resolutions because they’re usually cliché and easily forgotten. I set goals that are clear, measurable, and should be achievable , or if not, they lead to lessons learned.

Last year’s goals:

Visit one new place: Done - Williamsburg!
Make more money to pay down debt.
This one is trickier to measure. I got a nice raise last year, but that happened a month after I sold the little house and bought a bigger one, so it worked out great! In the process of upgrading my house, I paid off all but my student loan debt and had money left to build the shed, extend the patio, and build the big planter (all done DIY thanks to my amazing, super handy guy!). It was smooth sailing until the truck needed work and then needed work again and then needed more work. Now I have credit card debt again, and it must be paid off before I plan any near-future fun. I hate owing money.
Complete Daughter of the Mystic Moon: Done on 12/27/24
Say “yes” to exciting opportunities to get my name out there without compromising my mental health: done, but not on a grand scale, and I plan to continue this one indefinitely. (Note: I did save my mental health by not going too big. LOL)
Practice Swedish Death Cleaning, make a will, and create a death binder:
I death cleaned while packing my house to move (which was not a 2024 goal, but turned into a short-term goal just a few days into last year).
I have not made a will, but I’ve been thinking about it a lot. When you don’t have kids or a spouse, deciding whom to leave what to is a bit more complicated.
I started a death binder (just last night, to be honest), and I will complete that this weekend.

There were many things accomplished last year that were not on my 2024 goals list but became short-term goals during the year. That always happens and always will.

2025 goals:

Make more money, pay off the truck repair debt, and end the year with less student loan debt.
Like I said above, I am not a fan of owing money. A mortgage is one thing, but credit card debt feels like wearing concrete shoes in a deep pool, and the student loan debt is just a prolonged pain that can only be treated by paying it off. My loans are mostly private, so the government is not coming to my rescue, and I didn’t ask for it to. I took on the debt, and I plan to pay it off.
Visit one new place.
This is on my list every year. It doesn’t matter if the place is in NC, the US, or some other country, I love to travel and I love new experiences.
Revise, have professionally prepared, and publish Daughter of the Mystic Moon.
The first draft is done, but it needs a lot of work. I’ve learned so much about the craft of writing since I started that novel in 2011 that the first third (the 2011 part) sounds like it was written by a different person (and in a way, it was). I didn’t quite have my writer’s voice back then. I do now.
Once the revisions are done, I’m going to pay for a professional editor and book cover – something my first four books didn’t get. They had proofreading done by awesome people and decent covers, but I want this book to really stand a chance in a crowded marketplace.
I’m considering launching via Kickstarter to help pay for those professional services, which is why I asked earlier this week on Facebook if my friends knew of or had used Kickstarter before. Educating my people on how it works will be required if I want their support, but a lot of independent authors are launching books in the black that way, so I’m willing to try it.
Treat my writing as a business, not a hobby (building on that last goal).
Buy ISBNs for my existing books and republish them more widely. Amazon is a great way for new authors to get started, but it’s crowded and doesn’t pay a whole lot if you’re not writing fantasy or high-stakes thrillers. I’m also not a new author anymore. Going wide by publishing through Ingram Spark, Kobo, and other platforms – in addition to Amazon – will give me more opportunities to be seen and to make more money.
I’m attending Author Nation (the largest author conference in the world!) in Las Vegas in November to learn as much as I can, meet other indie authors, and come back with a plan for going even bigger in 2026.
If I have time, after all this, I’ll write a new Rayna Smith novel and/or maybe start one of the other book ideas I have waiting in the wings.
Put more effort into marketing The PEEP Podcast.
I thought I quit it last year, but ended up taking a long, much-needed, well-timed break. The problem was that I missed it when I wasn’t doing it. I meet new people and learn new things when I’m podcasting. I give others the chance to share their stories in a judgement-free zone, and in the process, I hope I’m helping to make paranormal topics less taboo. Because really, when you ask someone if they’ve ever experienced something they can’t explain, almost every person has at least one story they want to share but are afraid of being judged.
Last year, I bought a tent and a banner with the podcast logo on it and a high-quality digital voice recorder for podcasting. I had the idea that I would find free or inexpensive markets and events to attend as a vendor and record on-site interviews. Only, I never quite found the events or the time to make it happen. So, the tent, banner, and recorder are waiting and ready to be activated this year.
Walk an average of 50,000 steps per week.
I didn’t have a fitness goal last year, and it shows. Perimenopause also hit me in the stomach, and it shows. LOL
I know the popular wisdom is to get at least 10,000 steps per day, and basic math means that would be 70,000 steps per week. I also know my current limitations, including the kind of sedentary lifestyle that goes with being a writer. I’m not a couch potato – ask Phil when the last time I watched a TV or streaming series was. I’m a person with a full-time desk job (as a writer) and avocations that also require being tied to a desk – writing and podcasting!
I don’t get out as much in the winter because of the lack of daylight after work. Once the sunlight lasts farther into the evening, I’ll resume those after-work walks that I love so much. On the weekends, I enjoy hitting nature trails because being in the woods soothes my soul and inspires me on a hole different level.
So, averaging 50,000 steps per week over the course of the year is doable and thanks to my Fitbit, measurable. And I will make it happen. Then, maybe next year, I’ll think about 70,000.

Cheers to 2025!

Ending a Rough Monday with Gratitude

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:37:20 GMT

This was the worst Monday morning I've had in years.

Do you know how I say there is always something to be thankful for? Here's how I practice that:

On my way to my 8:15 AM doctor's appointment this morning, I was in the process of getting up to speed on Highway 64 West in Nash County, when my speed hit about 75, the truck seemed to hiccup, and suddenly the gas pedal was not giving it gas. I had merged safely ahead of an 18-wheeler, but with my truck losing speed, I had to think quickly. I hit my hazard lights and pulled onto the grassy shoulder. The truck had basically died, but all my lights, including a now-lit check engine light, were on. My heart was racing, the truck shook as that big truck and many others passed me, and all I could think to do was call Phil.

Thankful moment #1: I was safe, and he picked up the phone and came to help.

In the meantime, I managed to turn the truck back on and move about 100 feet up the road to sit on pavement under an overpass. Then, I did something I had been putting off for months and joined AAA Carolinas (at full price because suddenly it was important). I called to ask for a tow. No, they weren't towing me for "free" on the day I joined; you have to be a member for 72 hours to get that. They were going to do it at a reduced rate, though.

Thankful moment #2: I was finally motivated to make that move, and now I have the membership next time I need it.

Phil arrived as I got off that phone call, and he disconnected and reconnected the battery. When I restarted the truck, the check engine light did not come back on. So, he followed me to the Chevrolet dealer in Wendell and I canceled the tow truck. The dealership did not have any appointments available for 2 weeks. Since I made it the 9 miles to the dealership without issue, I thanked Phil and headed to Raleigh because my laptop was at the office. I decided to take the truck to Chapel Hill Tire, just over a block up the road from ROI and dropped it off there. I was told it would be about $100 for them to assess it.

When Phil disconnected and reconnected the battery, it reset the computer, so they didn't have any codes to read. After having it all day, they texted and said they couldn't reproduce the issue and had no idea what had happened. When I walked in to pick it up, the guy handed me my key and said to have a nice day. I asked, "Don't I owe you anything?" "No ma'am," he said. "Just bring it back here next time it happens."

Thankful moment #3: Chapel Hill Tire treated me better than a dealership would have.

Remember how I was on my way to a doctor's appointment? It was my annual, which has always been in December. I had to reschedule it, and now it will be in late January. I'm okay with that because all my annual health-related appointments were stacked up in November and December, so they'll be a bit more spread out now.

Thankful moment #4: They understood the situation and didn't charge me for canceling at the last moment.

I still need to speak to my doctor about my lingering sinus issues, but for that, there's always the dreaded patient portal.

And with any luck, Phil's resetting of the computer may have fixed whatever the heck started this messy Monday to begin with. <fingers crossed>

If you're still reading, thanks. I'm grateful for you, too.

September and October LIVE Events!

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:57:53 GMT

Nine Chances to See Me During Spooky Season!

It's my favorite and busiest time of the year: Spooky Season! In the month leading up to Halloween, we paranormal podcasters, authors, and investigators (I'm all three) are in high demand, and each year, I get just a little busier. But I am NOT complaining. On the contrary, I live for this!

This year, I'm starting my in-person appearances with one non-spooky event. This Saturday, 9/21/24, at 2:00 PM , I will be giving a presentation at the Wendell Community Library as part of their ongoing Read Local program that highlights local authors. My presentation is called " Lessons Learned from an Indie Author ," and I'm inviting anyone who's new to independent publishing to come learn from my mistakes!

How often do you get an invitation like that? Come hear about what I've learned since I first self-published in 2009 and how I'm doing my next book much differently. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ReadLocalLessonsLearned for more information.

Now for the Spooky Stuff!

On Saturday, October 5th, at 7:00 PM , we have a special edition of Spirits & Spooks at Mystic Farm Distillery in Durham. Here are those details:

On October 5th, Mystic Farm & Distillery welcomes The Ghost Guild and friends of the Spirits & Spooks Facebook meetup group. The Ghost Guild is a local paranormal research organization consisting of dedicated volunteers with a shared passion for history, science, and the unexplained.

Come check out their program "Shaking" Up Spirits”, a lively presentation on ghosts and the paranormal. This mashup of their favorite presentations will blend local legends and lore, personal experiences, and unexplained investigation data. They will quench your thirst for funny stories where the paranormal intersects with the law, chased by the mystery of haunted objects and stories on the spiritualism movement. They will take a shot at explaining why your house might be haunted while sharing some ghostly photography. Enjoy a spirited evening filled with cocktails and tales that will entertain, educate, and perhaps leave you a little chilled, shaken and stirred.

Following the presentation, delve deeper into the unknown with a Q&A session and an intriguing opportunity to share your own mysterious encounters.

Tickets are $10 and includes one cocktail.

Tickets can be purchased at https://mysticdurham.ticketspice.com/spooks-spirits .

Spirits & Spooks is the group I founded just over five years ago that meets monthly to share paranormal experiences in a judgement-free setting. Most months, we meet over dinner at a restaurant and enjoy each other's company, but this event is different and our only meeting for October because the Ghost Guild and I stay quite busy, as you'll see. If you're local to the Triangle, join our private Facebook group for more information and great fellowship!

Every year, I try to come up with a new and exciting program for the Wake County Public Libraries Haunted Carolina program, and I almost bit off more Halloween goodness than I could chew this time around. This year, my presentation is called " House of Horrors: Choose Your Own Adventure ." Yes, you read that write. I'm writing a mini choose-your-own-adventure book and presenting it live!

I'm considering really making it into a little book, or an e-book, after all my events are over, but first thing's first...

I'll be presenting at six libraries, five of which are different from last year because The Ghost Guild and I decided to switch libraries to ensure the audiences don't get bored with us. Haha! Really, we have completely different presentations, so if you want three times the WCPL spookiness (or four times if you count the virtual event listed below), you have multiple opportunities to catch us all around the Triangle. Here are the details for my presentations:

House of Horrors: Choose Your Own Adventure , by P.E.E.P. Podcast Host and Author Nicolle Morock:

Join Niki Morock of The P.E.E.P. Podcast for an interactive experience. Step into a fictional haunted house and guide the investigation by majority vote. Will you find ghostly evidence or face lurking dangers?

Prepare for suspense and excitement as your choices shape this spine-chilling adventure! Registration requested at some of these libraries.

October 7th, 2024 - Middle Creek Library

Details: https://tinyurl.com/HOH10072024

October 9th, 2024 - Southgate Library

Details: https://tinyurl.com/6tx9pxrd

October 10th, 2024 - West Regional Library

Details: https://tinyurl.com/HOH10102024

October 12th, 2024 - Wendell Library

Details: https://tinyurl.com/HOH10122024

October 17th, 2024 - Morrisville Library

Details: https://tinyurl.com/HOH10172024

October 23rd, 2024 - Holly Springs Library

Details: https://tinyurl.com/HOH10232024

And last, but not least, on Thursday, October 24th, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time, The Ghost Guild and I are joining up for a virtual presentation!

Can Objects Be Cursed or Haunted?

Join The Ghost Guild and The P.E.E.P. Podcast for a thrilling dive into the mysterious world of cursed and haunted objects! We'll unravel the spooky stories, fascinating theories, and even some scientific perspectives behind these eerie phenomena.

We'll kick things off by defining what makes an object cursed or haunted, then travel through history to uncover their cultural significance. You'll hear about some infamous cases that have sent shivers down spines and the legends that surround these enigmatic items. Plus, we'll explore how haunted objects have made their mark in folklore and pop culture.

Ever wonder why people believe in cursed and haunted objects? We'll delve into the psychology behind these beliefs, touching on cognitive biases, the power of suggestion, and even mass hysteria. Discover the psychological and neurological reasons why some people swear they've experienced hauntings.

But we're not stopping there! We'll also look at the scientific side of things, considering environmental factors and emphasizing the need for critical thinking and skepticism. You'll hear about investigations by paranormal researchers and how many myths have been debunked.

This presentation will be a captivating blend of spooky fun and scientific inquiry, encouraging you to keep an open mind while staying grounded in reality. Don't miss out on this exciting exploration of the supernatural!

FREE Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/HC10242024

At this point, that's it for me: eight local events and one online event that anyone can attend.

The Ghost Guild's is actually doing two different presentations for the libraries' Haunted Carolina program:

(1) The “Spirit” of the Law , by The Ghost Guild:

Oct 7th - Fuqua-Varina Community Library
Register: No Registration Needed

Oct 19th - Oberlin Village Library
Register: https://tinyurl.com/HC10192024

Oct 22nd - Northeast Regional Library
Register: https://tinyurl.com/HC10222024

(2) Aloreing Destinations , by The Ghost Guild:

Oct 14th - East Regional Library
Register: https://tinyurl.com/HC10142024

Oct 15th - North Regional Library
Register: https://tinyurl.com/HC10152024

Oct 23rd - Southeast Regional Library
Register: https://tinyurl.com/HC10232024

I think it's safe to say that we'll all need a nap in November.

Happy almost Halloween! Stay safe and be well!

2023 Review and 2024 Goals

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 14:52:46 GMT

Every year, I publicly review last year’s goals and how I did with them, and I announce my goals for the new year. I don’t make resolutions because they tend to be cliché and easily forgotten. I make goals that I can measure and show progress toward. Being a Capricorn and type A, I need goals to keep me motivated and always moving forward. These are the big ones that I want accountability for over the course of the year.

2023 Goals – How I did

Visit one new place.
I visited Canton for STM Monster Fest and enjoyed my weekend so much that I’m going back this year – not so much because of Canton (although the NFL Hall of Fame was cool!), but because Monster Fest was a blast, and I made several new friends there and finally met some of my favorite podcasters and film makers in person. I can’t wait to see them again!

Make more money to pay down debt.
My annual raise at work helped, and I paid off the HVAC system that I had to buy in 2020 nine months early!

Attend at least one paracon (and maybe a writers’ conference, too)
I attended STM Monster Fest , and I’m going back this year!
I didn’t get to a writers’ conference because I ran out of time off and money (because paying off debt was a bigger priority).
Continue to improve The P.E.E.P. Podcast and grow its audience.
This one is ongoing because it’s never really done. My niche podcast is growing slowly, and that’s okay. I had to take a couple of breaks in 2023 (for health and travel), and if my audience was huge, I might not have felt like I could do that. Timing is everything.
Complete and publish the myth/fantasy novel that I started writing over a decade ago.
I’ve made progress, but it’s not anywhere near complete. With only half the story told, it’s already longer than any other novel I’ve written. I joined Ream in November, and I’m using it to hold myself to a writing schedule because if someone is willing to pay to read it as I write, then I’d better keep writing!
Grow my healing practice.
Technically, it grew, but not the way I envisioned it. Over the course of 2023, I realized my energy was better put into the podcast and writing because they are more scalable. Great is the Spirit still exists, and I’m happy to take on clients, but I’m not actively advertising it.
Expand Triangle Energy Healers
I have several awesome healers listed on the page, and that’s as far as I’ve gotten.

The biggest lesson I learned in 2023: When I try to do too many things at once, no one thing makes the big impact I want it to. While that’s probably common sense, it seems to be one of those things I keep having to learn for myself repeatedly.

2024 Goals

Visit one new place.
I’m not sure where it will be, but this is an annual goal, and I always make it happen. Travel expands the mind and spurs the imagination.

Make more money to pay down debt.
This is my other annual goal, and while I know home ownership is full of surprises, I’m trying to be more prepared for them with each passing year. Most of my current debt is from home/yard improvements and student loans, so it’s the kind of debt that most of my generation deals with and all of us are tired of. But I took it on, and I’ll pay it off.

Complete “Daughter of the Mystic Moon.”
The beginning of the fantasy novel I found in journals from over a decade ago is my current work-in-progress, and I’m finally actually writing new chapters after spending last year transcribing it from journals to Word. I like the story, and I can see it becoming another series.
Once I finish it and hire an editor, my next project will be the third Rayna Smith novel, especially since people are asking for it! I also have an idea from several years ago for a sci-fi/parallel universe novel and one from this year for a superhero story. I have many ideas and not enough time to write!

Attend at least one writer’s conference (virtually or in person) to help hone my craft and business sense and to make connections with other authors.
I didn’t get to do this last year, but I’m aware of one local workshop/conference and a couple that are hybrid or virtual that I’ll try to attend this year, assuming they are affordable.

Say “yes” to exciting opportunities to get my name out there without compromising my mental health or finances.
The best marketing for podcasts, books, and energy healing is word of mouth. (If you like mine, please tell people about them.) The second best is being in public. My library talks are a way to reach locals who might not otherwise hear of me, and this year, I’m seeing additional possibilities like those outside of Wake County to add to my calendar. I won’t say yes to everything because that’s a surefire way for me to burn out, but I will say yes to the ones that my intuition tells me will be good for me.

Practice Swedish Death Cleaning , make a will, and create a Death Bind er .
It seems morbid, but we’re all going to die. Why not make things easier for our loved ones when we do? My job as a content writer means I learn about many aspects of life and death that I may not have otherwise considered. This year, I’ll put some of them into practice to show my family I love them, even if the results aren’t needed for many years down the line.

Those are my goals, and I’m excited to see how 2024 plays out for them. What are yours? Feel free to share them with me on Facebook or Twitter.

Reflections on Peace on Earth

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:05:30 GMT

It’s the time of year when Christians send Christmas cards to each other, often with the phrase “peace on earth and goodwill to men” across the front of them. That’s me. I’m a Catholic, and my cards are typically Christian-themed, except when I know I’m sending one to someone who practices another religion or tradition. But even for my non-Christian friends, I wish them peace.

How often do we actually stop and consider what “peace on Earth” would really mean?

As a Reiki master, I meditate over my Reiki grid after breakfast every morning (and as a Christian, those morning meditations include prayers to God). People that I feel need a little extra healing energy and intentions that need a little extra oomph go on my grid. Sometimes those are Emotion Code and Reiki clients, some are friends or family members going through health crises, and occasionally, I put myself on there. For example, after over a month of post-nasal drip related, nearly non-stop coughing, I finally added my health to the grid earlier this week, and I’m coughing much less today.

Everyday since I started the Reiki grid practice, “world peace” has been on that grid. I mean every single day for almost two years. So, every day, I reflect on what that phrase means.

When I was younger, I thought it simply meant no more wars, but as an adult, I realize the lack of war doesn’t guarantee peace in the world because there will still be crime, drug abuse, mental illness, grief, physical disease, and all sorts of suffering. We’re humans. Those things typically come with humanity, and they disrupt our personal peace.

But as humans, our collective goal should be that each individual finds peace, despite or beyond all those aspects of being human.

We can pray for world peace, but without action on every person’s part, it’s not going to happen. As Michael Jackson sang, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways, and no message could be any clearer…”

(I hope that’s stuck in your head now.)

While the man was very flawed, the message of that song hits the mark. We must find peace in our own hearts first before we try to help others find it. Only by experiencing the true joy, contentment, and happiness that comes with a peaceful heart can we find the inner strength to help other people work on theirs.

And really, if we all just put in the work to become more peaceful ourselves, then the whole world might experience peace.

Think about it! If for just five minutes, every individual in this world experienced personal peace at the same time, what a true miracle that would be!

It’s not impossible, but it won’t happen if we don’t try to make it happen.

So, while you’re doing whatever it is you do during this time of year, I challenge you to be more mindful about what brings you peace and how you can incorporate more of it into your everyday life. Whether that’s your first sip of coffee during the quite of the morning, meditation, yoga, sitting on a garden bench, working the soil, crafting, painting, watching children play, listening to a favorite song, visiting a holy sanctuary, or whatever – savor it and make sure it’s part of your daily life.

The Trial

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:36:39 GMT

A Very Short Story Based on a Vivid Dream

Our lives were interrupted one evening, when my boyfriend and I were approached during dinner at a quiet café and told we must come with two men immediately. They were dressed in gray suits, and there was nothing notable about either of their faces. The surprise of it all took me aback and kept me from focusing on their appearance.

“Why should we?” I asked indignantly. I could tell by their energy that we were in trouble, or at least, I was. They didn’t seem to care whether my guy came along or not. Thankfully, when they grabbed my arm to ensure I complied, he also stood and came with us, walking beside me the whole way.

We walked in silence for several blocks toward the center of town, and my mind raced with a thousand reasons they might have come for me, but none made sense. I’d made my living helping people. I listened, I advised, and I healed them. I’d only ever done what came naturally to me. My gifts were just that – gifts from God. So, why would they come for me?

The men led us through the dark corridor and up several stairs to a raised platform. It was a circle with a diameter of about 50 feet. The lighting was dim for what felt like a stage, but I could feel eyes on us as if they were a thousand blinding spotlights. We stopped in the center of the circle and were told, “Wait here,” and they walked to the other side of the platform.

I slowly lifted my eyes to try to get my bearings. Straight ahead of me was a three-story building. In the darkness, it looked more tan than white, but the columns conveyed its importance. It was the Hall of Justice, and we should have been inside, but the crowd was too large to fit.

To my right, there was a wall of people. The bleachers must have been 20 rows high because it felt like amphitheater seating, but I knew that normally, this was just a city park. I didn’t dare turn my eye to face them, but from my peripheral vision, I could sense the intensity of their stares. Their chatter was a dull roar, but I couldn’t make out any specific words.

A red glow slowly filled the area and cast dark shadows from the isolated trees at the edge of the park. We stood barely moving and waiting. I looked over at my boyfriend. He gave me a reassuring smile, but his eyes showed concern. I looked down at my feet because I didn’t want to know what he was thinking. The weight of the moment was heavy, and fear started creeping into my heart.

Over a PA system, a man’s voice said, “Prove you’re Christian. Your faith will save you.”

My eyes darted back to my guy. He whispered, “It’s okay. Just do what you think you should.”

But I didn’t know what to do. I wasn’t expecting a challenge like that; it was so vague. I took a long breath, closed my eyes to steel my nerves, and I started to sing. At first my voice was unusually low and gravelly, and I wasn’t sure anyone could hear me. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…” I paused because it sounded horrible. I never sang in front of anyone but family, and now the world was staring at me. Even with my eyes closed, I could feel their judgement.

My guy said, “Keep going.” So, I started the next line, and to my surprise, a beautiful female voice from the audience joined me loud and clear. I adjusted my pitch to try to match hers. Although mine was still weak, hers carried me from line to line.

“… That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now I'm found,

Was blind but now I see.”

Two more voices joined in and gave me the courage to keep singing, eyes still closed so I could concentrate only on the words.

“'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved.

How precious did that grace appear,

The hour I first believed.”

By the third verse, it sounded like most of the people in the bleachers were singing with me, and I could feel my voice getting stronger with their support.

“Through many dangers, toils, and snares

I have already come.

This grace that brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.”

But as I finished the fourth verse, the voices gradually stopped singing with me until it was just that first other woman still giving me courage.

“When we've been here ten thousand years,

Bright, shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we first begun.”

It was quiet, and I opened my eyes and looked toward the stands. The throngs were quietly filing down the bleachers and walking into the darkness, leaving us there on the stage in the red glow.

I looked at my guy, and smiling, he took my hand and gave it a squeeze.

“Did we win?” I asked.

“Yes,” he answered.

And we were left alone to find our way back home.

October 2023 In-Person Appearances

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 23:45:06 GMT

It's my favorite season - Spooky!

I haven't written a blog post in a while because I've been focused on my current in-progress fantasy novel, learning the business of being an author, and of course, podcasting! But it's Spooky Season, and it's time to let you know about local, in-person (yes, face-to-face!) appearances.

For the first time since 2019, the Wake County Public Libraries (WCPL) are holding the Haunted Carolina series in person. There are nine libraries participating, and I'll be presenting at five of them. My friends in The Ghost Guild are presenting at the other four, and we're doing two different talks. Mine is titled "All the Reason a House Might Be Haunted," and The Ghost Guild is presenting "The 'Spirit' of the Law." If I were you, I'd try to make it to both!

Space is limited at these free events, so the libraries ask that you register for the one you plan to attend. Just follow this link to the Haunted Carolina series page on WCPL's website.

Here are the locations, dates, and times I'll be presenting:

Wendell Community Library, Sunday October 8, 2023, 3:00-4:00 PM

Southeast Regional Library, Wednesday October 11, 2023, 6:30-7:30 PM

East Regional Library, Monday October 16, 2023, 6:30-7:30 PM

North Regional Library, Tuesday October 17, 2023, 6:30-7:30 PM

Northeast Regional Library, Monday October 30, 2023, 6:30-7:30 PM

If you're in the Triangle area, I hope to see you at one of these talks!

If you can't make it, I still wish you an awesome Spooky Season and a Happy Halloween!

2022 Review and 2023 Goals

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 16:09:37 GMT

Keeping Myself Accountable with Your Help

Greetings and happy New Year!

I share these goals every year with my friends and family so that I feel a sense of accountability. For that reason, I also include a year-end review to show my progress. (Because how accountable would I be really, if I didn’t?)

Thank you to everyone who contributed to my successes in 2022 - from my Reiki Master/teacher to my proofreaders to my listeners, podcast guests, readers, and encouragers - I appreciate you all!

2022 Review

Last year’s goals included the first two that are always on the list plus some additional business and fun goals.

Visit one new place
I vacationed in the Florida Keys for the first time in April. Isla Morada was lovely and Key West was so much fun. We'll definitely go back!
Make more money to pay down debt
Well, I got part of it right. I earned a promotion and raise at work.
Unfortunately, I also had two surgeries and needed to replace a dying car that was costing me more than it was worth on a monthly basis by late summer. I also bought an old riding mower and sunk a ton of money into it, only for it to need more repairs. And I have been putting money into Great Is the Spirit (my healing practice) with no return, yet.
Reiki II certification
I surpassed that. By the end of February, I became a Reiki Master, which means I can teach Reiki to others. Although, I have yet to hold a class.
Theta Healing classes – I changed my mind on this one after learning of other healing modalities that also caught my interest. Instead, I became a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner, which involved completing a six-month course with “clinical” practice.
Tarot/oracle card readings
I started doing readings for other people, and I’ve enjoyed the process. My version of a reading is really an intuitive/empathic conversation that may use cards or a pendulum to help clarify the messages I receive.
Improve PEEP and reach new listeners. Add more science to connect to the psi.
The number of downloads in 2022 was more than 2.8 times that of 2021!
I lost my way on the science part, but I still threw some in here and there. Most of my guests (all of whom I appreciate and enjoyed interviewing) were practitioners and experiencers.
Attend one paracon - the unplanned expenses nixed this one for 2022.
Edit and publish “ The Dark Season ”
Done! I published it at the end of September. By early October, the Wake County Public Libraries purchased 15 copies! I’m eternally grateful for the support of my favorite librarians, and for my friends and family who bought copies and encouraged me to keep writing. I also appreciate the feedback I’ve received on it.

2023 Goals

Visit one new place
At the very least, I’m killing two birds with one stone by already having tickets to Small Town Monster’s inaugural STM Monster Fest in Canton, Ohio. I’ve never done anything more than drive past Canton on my way to Cleveland. Of course, I’ll also visit the NFL Hall of Fame while I’m there.
Make more money to pay down debt
Maybe I should also add “take on no new debt,” but I’ve learned as a homeowner, it’s really hard to plan for unexpected, big expenses. So, I’ll just pray that there’s no need to take on new debt this year.
Attend at least one paracon (and maybe a writers’ conference, too)
I’ve got a VIP ticket to STM Monster Fest and already booked the hotel room, so this one will happen this year!
Continue to improve The P.E.E.P. Podcast and grow its audience.
I’m doubling down on linking the science to the psi. It’s a niche podcast, so I know it may never become one of the top in its category, and that’s okay. I just want people to have the chance to learn that there are researchers currently studying parapsychology, energy healing, and all other paranormal topics from a variety of academic and scientific perspectives.
Complete and publish the myth/fantasy novel that I started writing over a decade ago
I don’t have a good name for it yet, but I’m sure it will present itself during the process. I’ve learned a lot about the business of writing by listening to two six-figure authors’ podcasts over the last few months, so I’m prepared to do things much differently with this one, including hiring an experienced book cover designer and a professional editor. I'll still need my favorite beta readers' help.
I’m also considering hiring an agent and trying the traditional publishing route.
Grow my healing practice.
I launched Great Is the Spirit last year, and I’ve had a few healing sessions booked, but I haven’t really marketed it, yet, other than telling friends and family about it and mentioning it in my newsletter.
I’m renting a room in a convenient location in north Raleigh for in-person Reiki and Emotion Code sessions, and I haven’t used it yet. Rather than considering four months of rent as wasted, I’m looking at it as an investment in my future. Not everyone is comfortable with Zoom meetings, so I still believe having a professional office setting as an option will be helpful.
I’m also creating a Reiki room in my own home. I finally emptied the catch-all room, and I’ve ordered the cornerstone décor to get it started. So, if anyone wants to visit my humble little home in Wendell for in-person sessions, that will be an option, too.
Additionally, I’m in the process of learning another healing modality that has been clinically proven to work over and over again since the 1970s!
Hold my first Reiki class(es)
You’re not really a Master if you don’t share your knowledge.
Expand Triangle Energy Healers
This is a big one that wasn’t planned for in 2022. I received the name in a very persistent intuitive message, and when I looked up the URL, it was available. After meditating on it, I decided to start a directory of healers and naturopaths local to the Triangle region of North Carolina (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill). I’m excited to say that the initial list includes wonderful people who understand the goal of making it easy for anyone looking to find the right practitioner for them. Now I just have to reach out to more healers and really promote it.

This list may seem long, but if you know me, you know I’m not one to spend a lot of time doing "normal" things like watching TV (football season excluded). I’ve also learned to go with the flow of life. Goals can change as new information becomes available and life happens. And life always happens.

If you’re interested in keeping up with my progress through the year, subscribe to my newsletter . It’s mostly focused on the podcast, but I also include my story writing, personal appearances, and any specials I’m running for the healing practice, as well as helpful tips and more!

Thanks for reading. I hope you have a wonderful, joyful, and blessed 2023!

Practicing the Emotion Code on Myself

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 01:08:50 GMT

One of the benefits of becoming an energy healer is being able to use the modalities for my own healing. You can practice Reiki and the Emotion Code on yourself as much as you can for anyone else – and you should!

Part of the process of becoming better at anything is putting in the work, and part of the process of becoming a better version of me is releasing the emotional baggage that weighs me down.

I’ve written before about why I decided to become certified in the Emotion Code . To sum it up: releasing trapped negative emotions related to my divorce almost two decades ago cured me of migraines. No kidding! It really did!

But that’s not the end of my story. It’s an ongoing process.

Adults can have thousands of trapped emotions – all there because we didn’t process them correctly (or at all) at the time of their origin. And they can fester and contribute to mental and physical illness. I’ve released emotions for myself related to things seemingly as trivial as a used John Deere mower that has cost me more than twice what I paid for it in repairs to my head-on collision that caused my near-death experience. With each session, I feel a little lighter.

The Emotion Code process is so simple that it’s elegant. Using muscle testing or a pendulum, I ask my subconscious (or my client’s subconscious if I’m working with someone) if there are any trapped emotions that can be released. If we’re working on a specific intention – like letting go of a traumatic event, trying to end recurring themes in our dreams, or removing a blockage to achieving a goal – then that’s where we focus our energy. Or we just ask for whatever needs to be released in that moment.

During a session for myself tonight, I was focusing on ridding myself of dreams in which my ex-husband shows up. His leaving was traumatic for me, and I know I didn’t process anything correctly for about 48 hours. The migraines were related to that period of my life, and the dreams were, too. I’d already done one session with that goal, but I couldn’t release all the trapped emotions in that session. Whether you’ve let go of three or ten, when your subconscious is tired, it lets you know, and the session is over.

So, tonight was session number two. I released four emotions, and one was a shared emotion, which means when it was trapped, someone else and I experienced it the same way at the same time. Surprisingly, that someone was not my ex, but intuitively, I knew exactly who it was. I asked, received confirmation, and let it go. And for the first time since starting to work with the Emotion Code, I experienced a rare symptom of purging a big emotion – I sobbed. Only for a minute, but as I acknowledged that weight being lifted, it hit me hard.

And then I let Confusion go.

And I trust that he will no longer randomly haunt my dreams.

The Emotion Code is an easy way to rid yourself of emotional baggage. You truly feel lighter when a session is over. And in cases of shared or inherited emotion, the release happens for you and the others affected, whether they’re aware or not.

I’ve seen evidence that even long-passed ancestors are aware of the release in the case of inherited trapped emotions. Think about how powerful that is – to be able to truly let go of generational trauma!

If you’re interested in changing your world on a very personal level, schedule an Emotion Code session with me by clicking the “Book Now” button at GreatIstheSpirit.com . You’ll be glad you did!

The Dark Season is Now Available!

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 22:55:12 GMT

The Sequel to The Tritium Hypothesis Is Live

What better way to celebrate the first day of climatological fall than by launching a book with a title that gives a nod to the darkest period of the year?

That's right! TODAY'S THE DAY!

The Dark Season is officially available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon and wherever Amazon distributes (B&N, etc.).

But! If you want a signed copy, hold tight. I'm working on getting print copies and scheduling a book signing within the next month or two.

If you you're not local or you can't wait and you want it NOW, or if you prefer Kindle, follow this link .

If you haven't read The Tritium Hypothesis , it's the first in this 2-book (so far) series, grab that one, too!

Thanks, and happy reading!

Oh, and if you know anyone who loves a good paranormal novel, please share this post and help me spread the word!

What's next for me?

Spooky Season! I have two events with Wake County Public Libraries in October. The details are already available and registration is live f or one of them: NSPIR's annual collaboration with our friends in The Ghost Guild for the WCPL's Annual Haunted Carolina event.

Sing it with me... "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." for paranormal fans, anyway.

13 Years Later - Musing While Truck Shopping

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 11:17:11 GMT

2009 was when?

Something strange my brain is doing while looking for a used truck - not remembering that 2009 (my Vibe's model year) was 13 years ago. It doesn't seem that long ago, and yet it also seems like a lifetime ago. In August 2009, I was making plans to move back home to North Carolina from Minnesota in September, starting Whatever-Weather with a friend who knew how to design websites, and desperately looking for a meteorology-related job in the Raleigh area.

In 2022, I'm an SEO Content Manager, podcaster, author, energy healer, and paranormal investigator. While the weather is still ingrained in my brain, forecasting it hasn't been part of my daily life for three years now, and I'm totally at peace with it. If any of the meteorology jobs I applied for had worked out, I don't think I'd be living my purpose. I'd just be living my interest. There's a difference.

I truly believe everything works out for the best even when in the moment, it might seem like nothing is working at all.
I'm living proof that you don't have to be "stuck" being who or where you are at any given time. You just have to be brave enough to make a change and have faith that you'll get where you're supposed to be eventually. Sometimes our detours are there to make sure we learn the lessons we need to grow.

Energy Healing Is My Calling

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 01:04:21 GMT

Reiki Master and Certified Emotion Code Practitioner

It's official!

2022 is the year I returned to the spiritual path I wandered from two decades ago, and I've enjoyed a wonderful journey of rediscovery. But the journey isn't over. I'm really just getting started!

Back in 1999, I took a weekend-long Reiki I class with some psychic friends, and I loved everything about it - learning about my own ability to heal myself and help others heal, becoming much more in tune to the subtle energies around me, and knowing that there was so much more to learn. But life took its usual twists and turns, and it wasn't long before I found myself far from that weekend with my mind on a million other things. I'm not regretful. It happens to most of us at some point because we have lessons to learn and people to encounter.

Still, I'm grateful that my detour eventually led me back to Reiki, and more!

In the past year, I've had the pleasure of interviewing several energy healers on the P.E.E.P. Podcast , and in speaking with them, I rediscovered my passion for helping others find the stress reduction and relaxation needed to allow the body, mind, and spirit to heal themselves. In early January, I decided to get back into Reiki, and the Universe (God from my perspective) responded to my earnest decision with the opportunity to become a Reiki master by the end of February. Now, I'm not only a practitioner, but I can teach others to use Reiki as well.

At the same time that I was studying Reiki, I was practicing the Emotion Code on myself and experiencing nearly miraculous results. I read Dr. Bradley Nelson's book, The Emotion Code , over the holidays, and around New Year's Day, I decided to give the process a try. Over the course of two short sessions, I released a heart-wall related to my divorce nearly 20 years ago. A few days later, I expected a barometric-pressure-triggered migraine to come with a wild swing in our weather, and it didn't happen. With two more weather systems within a week NOT triggering migraines, I started to wonder what had changed. Since 2003, I'd had migraines with pressure swings like clock-work, and as a meteorologist, I was vested in tracking the systems that caused them.

By the next week, I had determined that I was migraine-free and the only thing that had changed was that I had released all those emotions my subconscious had trapped in my energy field in an effort to protect my heart from further heartbreak during my divorce. I have not had a migraine since late December! You don't know how amazing that is!

I can't promise the Emotion Code will free you of migraines or any other physical ailments, but it worked for me - when I had absolutely no preconception of that result even being a remote possibility. And that's why I immediately decided to earn my practitioner certification. In late June, I received notice that I'd done it! I am officially a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner (CECP), and I can practice with full confidence in myself and the process.

I have to pause to say thank you to my own Reiki Master who taught me, and all of the volunteers (human and animal) who allowed me to practice the Emotion Code with them. I'm eternally grateful!

The beauty of energy healing is that we are all connected to each other energetically already. If you're empathic or in any other way sensitive, you already know this is true. If not, you can feel it for yourself when you walk into a room and sense what others inside are feeling - tension, anxiety, enthusiasm, and joy are just a few examples. Being naturally connected like this means that we can be in the same room for a Reiki session or we can be on different continents for an Emotion Code session, and it will still work. It's up to you! (Reiki can be sent over distances, too. I just find most people feel like they get more out of it through in-person sessions.)

If you're still reading this post and you're interested in booking a session with me for Reiki or the Emotion Code, or if you're interested in having an intuitive conversation with me, please use the form on the Great Is the Spirit page, to contact me.

Changing My Mind(set)

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:01:35 GMT

Something I've been working on since I went to the Mind/Body/Spirit Expo in August is abundance. I've heard the word and used the word for years. I admire people who live with an attitude of abundance vs. an attitude of scarcity. Most of us learn to act from a mindset of scarcity, which is actually a mindset of fear. An attitude of abundance is based on love, and there is a never-ending well of love in the universe. My work for myself these last few months has been (and continues to be) to change my mindset to abundance and by doing so, manifest abundance.

I define abundance as more than financial improvement; it's health, love, friendship, prosperity, and the ability to bless others with the same. So, in addition to starting the morning with gratitude for a new day and ending the evening with gratitude by counting my blessings (something I've been doing for decades), every day since mid-August, I've made this statement out loud at least three times in a row:

I am abundant, I deserve abundance, and I will share my abundance with gratitude.

And guess what! It's working! You define your world with your thoughts.

Make them work for you. It may sound hokey or new-age-woo-woo, but if you practice it, you'll learn it's true.

P.S. In case you missed the announcement, I'm also working on the sequel to my novel The Tritium Hypothesis. The Dark Season will have more ghosts and something powerful and dark that Rayna and her friends must face to help a woman feel comfortable in her own home. Much of it is based on my own experiences as a paranormal investigator, but of course x100 to make the story more interesting. I promised a sweet friend who has ALS that I'd finish it as fast as I can for her, so I'm using NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, also known as November) to complete the first draft. In order to do that, the podcast is on a month-long hiatus. With a full-time job, sometimes I have to prioritize my creative endeavors, and keeping a promise to a friend will always take top priority. I'm grateful for my gifts, and I'm grateful she wants me to share them, so of course, I'll share them with her and anyone else who's interested.

It really is all about abundance!

P.E.E.P. Podcast Update and Two Live Appearances in October

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:13:15 GMT

Happy Spooky Season!

It's been almost a year since I've updated my blog, but I've been publishing in other ways the whole time. P.E.E.P. Podcast has taken up much of my free time since I'm the sole producer and host of the show. It leaves little time for writing, but I'm having so much fun with it! It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since I launched it. I appreciate my listeners, supporters, and my awesome guests! It's not much of a show without the interviews, and I'm always looking for more researchers and experiencers to share their stories.

Speaking of the podcast, last week's episode is available everywhere but the Apple Podcasts app. I've troubleshot and quadruple-checked everything on my end, and I've communicated with Apple's help desk but so far, nothing has worked. They told me on Thursday that it should show up on the app within 24 hours. As of this writing on Monday morning, it's still not there. However, it's available everywhere else, including in the embedded player on this site , and it's a fun episode. I hope you'll listen! [UPDATE: As of late Monday afternoon, it's finally available on the Apple Podcasts app. Thanks for your patience!]

If you have listened to Episode 25, you know about my next announcement: I'm giving a rare solo presentation via Zoom to the Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship on October 7th. In it, you'll hear some personal stories about my life before I joined the National Society of Paranormal Investigation and Research (NSPIR), some of the more interesting stories from NSPIR's investigations, and how my views on the paranormal have evolved over the years. You can find more details and ticket information on the Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship's website .

NSPIR and The Ghost Guild continue to work with the Wake County Public Libraries this year, and we are excited to return with another virtual presentation for their annual Haunted NC series. Because it was so popular last year, they've increased the number of tickets available to 300. The live Zoom presentation will be at 6:30 PM, October 21st. It's free, but you'll need to register early to be sure to get a ticket. I'll share the link here and on the P.E.E.P. Podcast's Facebook page as soon as I have it.

As always, I'm excited for the start of the spooky season! I hope you'll join me at these events and on the podcast!

P.E.E.P. Podcast Launch and Virtual Appearances

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 11:31:12 GMT

October Always Means Excitement

Today's the day!

Months ago, I decided that something was missing in my podcast feed. My subscriptions included a variety of paranormal podcasts - some short and to the point, others diving deeply into all the possible rabbit holes of a topic. But none spent much, if any, time explaining how scientists and researchers might investigate the subject matter. That absence of detail left me wanting more.

Over the years, I've had ideas for podcasts. I've considered them and then gotten too busy to do anything with them or found out someone else was covering the subject far better than I could dream. Until this year, my ideas just didn't seem right. This one was the right one.

The P.E.E.P. Podcast combines my life-long fascination with the unexplained and my love of science. My goals are to make the paranormal/psi phenomena much less scary to those who don't study it and to help people realize that the paranormal is more normal than we think. In fact, most of us will experience something considered to be paranormal at least once in our lifetimes.

"Science + psi" means The P.E.E.P. Podcast will include interviews with the people scientifically researching parapsychology, ESP, intuition, prophetic dreams, near-death experiences, superhuman abilities, psychokinesis, etc., as well as interviews with everyday people who experience those things.

Please join me as I travel the bridge that connects the unexplained with the people who are doing their best to find explanations.

In Episode 1, available now, I introduce myself and this grand idea and I interview John Kruth, Executive Director of the Rhine Research Center. He shares the history of the Rhine, how he came to study parapsychology, the current topics being researched, and ways to get involved.

Episode 2 will publish on October 28, and from there, it will be a biweekly podcast.

As of this writing, you can listen on my site , Apple, Google, Spotify, and most other podcast apps. I Heart Radio and Amazon/Audible haven't approved it, yet . Please pick your favorite app, subscribe, and if you like it give it a positive rating and review to help others find me.

If you have an idea for a topic, you can fill out my contact form , and as long as it's a topic that I can find research on, I'll include it in a future show.

But that's not all!

Thanks to the pandemic, my usual in-person appearances with NSPIR at the Wake County Libraries can't happen this year. However, we are sharing our stories virtually in conjunction with our friends in The Ghost Guild. Nelson Nauss, Jon Michael, and I recently recorded our stories of some of our favorite investigations at East Regional Library, and you can stream it live at this link . As a follow up, we and other members of our respective teams will be doing a Haunted Carolina Live Q&A with the libraries through Zoom at 7pm (Eastern Time) on October 22nd. Find the details on WCP's Spooktacular Events page.

Additionally, The Ghost Guild , who took over the exclusive contract with the city of Raleigh to investigate Mordecai Historic Park when NSPIR was ready to pass the torch will be live streaming their Haunted Mordecai event on Halloween night! Yours truly might make an appearance - sharing some of NSPIR's favorite stories from our investigations during our tenure there.

Stay safe and have fun!

Facebook Asks What's On My Mind

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 00:39:24 GMT

Peace be with you.

Everybody has an opinion
Everybody thinks they’re right
If you disagree, you’re a bigot
If you speak your mind, it’s a fight
Everyone has a platform
Access makes it easy to scream
Can’t sum it up intelligently?
Just share an oversimplified meme

I can see injustice all around us
You don’t have to point it out to me
I can feel the pain and the hatred
‘Cause I’m a human with empathy
Most people aren’t hateful and evil
But many are anxious and scared
Focusing on the negative
Isn’t getting us anywhere

I’m turning off the evening news
I’m talking with my neighbors today
About gardens, rainbows and sunsets
Recipes, weddings and grace
There’s more to life than anger
Heck that isn’t life at all
It sucks you into the darkness
And causes God’s children to fall

Take time away from the shadows
Sit silently in the sun
Remember that love is the answer
And in the end, we’re all part of the One.

Hung up on Normal

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Sat, 02 May 2020 14:28:07 GMT

Looking Back on History
Keeps the Current Period in Perspective

Certain phrases have been rubbing me the wrong way lately:

These uncertain times
These troubling times
We're all in the same boat
The new normal

The first two are becoming incredibly cliche. The third isn't accurate at all because we're all in the same storm, but our boats are vastly different. That last one is really bothering me more than the others. First off, if it's temporary, it shouldn't be called "normal." It should be called what it is - temporary, for now, until things improve... whatever. It's not normal by any standards if it will only last a short period in the long march of time.

To me as a scientist, "normal" means an average over a period of time long enough to be a good sample of the data. Meteorologists measure normal temperatures for a particular day by looking at a set 30-year average. So, today, our normal temperature is 76 degrees - not because it's always 76 degrees on this day, but because if you average all the high temperatures for May 2 from 1981 to 2010, you get 76 degrees. The record high is 92, by the way. A record is an outlier. You count it, but you don't expect it to happen often and if it's an extreme outlier, it can skew the average a bit, but that's a discussion for a different day.

COVID-19 isn't our first pandemic. There have been plagues throughout history that have spread throughout countries, carried by travelers and merchants. This one has been bad, but we've got modern medicine, science, and technology on our side. Lives are still being - and will be - tragically lost. I'm not downplaying that at all, but for the majority of us, the current situation is a temporary setback. The keyword here is temporary.

Many are pointing to the Spanish Flu of 1918 as an analogy to the novel coronavirus, and it's probably a good one. People were told to stay home, avoid close contact with sick people, and wear masks. That sounds pretty familiar, right?

Obviously, I wasn't there for what happened after the epidemic ran its course, but I can tell you based on my knowledge of the past 46 years, life got back to "normal." People went out to concerts, bars, and restaurants. They danced, got married, attended funerals, and went to school. They went about their lives and enjoyed each other's company. They hugged, kissed, high-fived, and shook hands. They traveled - eventually more globally than ever.

If you want to be hung up on what's normal, that my friends, is normal.

Our current situation is not. Sure, some of us may come out of this more germophobic than we were. (Not me, I was already using hand sanitizer after every use of an ATM, gas pump, and grocery store keypad.) Some will sadly be missing loved ones who succumbed to the virus, and their lives won't be the same. Some will be stronger, more thoughtful and compassionate, and more balanced and centered. My hope is that will be the case for most of us.

Eventually, we will get back to doing all the things humans have done for millennia because that's who we are. That's how we live. That's what we need. Without holding hands, without dancing, without hugs, we miss out on the joy of life, the chance for romance, the natural celebration of a happy moment. We'll whither and perhaps lose our humanness. Our deep sense of self-preservation and our need for human touch won't let that happen.

No, in the long run, we'll get back to what's truly normal and it will be good.

And when the next plague arrives, we'll be even better prepared by this experience to handle it through temporary measures and then once again, get back to normal. Because that's how it always has been and always will be.

Inspiration from Bent Flatware

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 01:06:39 GMT

The Things I Do When I Should Be Writing

As the kids say these days, yesterday I did a thing.

A friend of mine runs the Rhine in Raleigh group that meets monthly and discusses paranormal, parapsychological, and metaphysical topics. I rarely make it to these meetings since they're on Sunday afternoons. Typically, if I'm in Raleigh when they meet, I'm at my parents' house for dinner. Yesterday, I had a rare free day and a reason to already be on that side of town. So, I was happy to attend and even happier that the topic was spoon bending.

Years ago, I attended one of The Rhine Research Center's Psi Games events. They host them a few times a year as a fundraiser. They're usually very well attended and always fascinating. On the night I went, my friend and I spent the evening transitioning through different rooms - each with a psi experiment set up. One room had Zener Cards, which are the original cards used to test for ESP. Another featured an exercise in remote viewing, and still another had machines that tested for abilities in psychokinesis (PK). At the end of the evening, everyone gathered in a larger room where we were given instructions on how to use our minds to bend spoons. Then we were given spoons and encouraged to try it.

I spent the whole time staring at the spoon in my right hand, focusing hard, and doing my best to will it to bend. Just when I thought I might have seen some tiny movement in my own, I was distracted by the spoon the young lady in front of me was holding. It folded over onto itself as if part of its stem had turned semi-liquid. "Wow!" was the only thought I had. Then, of course, my next thought was "why didn't mine do that?"

We were told we could take our spoons home with us and try again. I did. Several times. Nothing ever happened, and I eventually put it away - a failed experiment in my own PK powers.

Flash-forward to yesterday when I sat in a room with nine other people and a bag full of flatware that had been purchased on craigslist. With very few spoons in the bag, I settled on a small seafood fork. My thinking was that the smaller the fork, the easier the bend. Silly me! That was the thickest, most stubborn fork I probably could have picked.

We watched a few videos on YouTube about the proper way to do it. "If you break the fork, you're doing it wrong," was a repeated theme. Uri Geller, the man who arguably made spoon-bending famous, broke his in his how-to video. Uri's a good magician, but not a great PK practitioner.

I held my fork and tried to make friends with it. (Yes, I know how crazy that sounds.) I asked the fork to please bend for me. I felt it between my fingers and tried to will it into submission without being mean about it. (That sounds even crazier, right?) I even accepted offers of help from others in the room.

Nothing. That fork was not ready to bend. So, I picked up a bigger, standard-sized dinner fork and held it for a while.

At this point, others in the room were starting to have success. One after another, spoons and forks were being twisted into awkward, unusable shapes. It was great to see, but why wasn't I having any luck?

Then, my friend had the idea of watching a video of Sean McNamara hosting a virtual workshop on how to do it. In the video, McNamara walked us through a guided meditation. I closed my eyes and followed along. I almost felt hypnotized, although I was still quite aware of my surroundings. When he finished, I looked down at my fork and yelled with the rest of the group, "Bend!" I tried again to move it, but it was still as stiff and hard as it ever was.

I didn't give up, though. I closed my eyes and went back into the visualization of the meditation exercise. I imagined all the power represented in a turquoise color (my choice) pouring over me and through me. Then I felt something change and heard that little voice in my head that I know so well say, "Try it now."

And it bent!

Holy crap! It bent! I was almost breathless! I showed my friend and the rest of the group and had a quiet little celebration for a moment. Then I looked at the smaller fork I'd started with. "Your turn," I thought.

Just a few minutes later, that stubborn little fork was bent in half.

I was pretty proud of myself when I left, and I grabbed (with permission) a third fork to bring home with me. I mean, really, if the experiment isn't repeatable at a different time, it's not a great experiment.

Tonight after I ate and cleaned up from dinner, I picked up that third fork. I did a quicker version of the same meditation and felt the energy build up around and inside me. I focused on the piece of flatware in my hands and when I heard "now" in my head, I bent it in half.

It's a pretty exciting thing to be able to do at will now, but don't worry. If I come over for dinner, I won't practice on your silverware. I promise!

I might, however, include a reference to this amazing new experience in The Dark Season - the sequel to The Tritium Hypothesis that I'm currently writing.

Or at least, I should be writing when I'm not distracted by old flatware.

True Story: Shaking Hands with Evil

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 23:51:09 GMT

Have you ever felt yourself drained in an instant?

I have a few favorite paranormal podcasts that I'll admit I listen to obsessively. One is Astonishing Legends . They cover topics I've been fascinated with my whole life, as well as a few I'd never heard of until their episodes. I started listening when a friend suggested the show back in early June. A loved one was in the hospital in Greenville for five weeks over the summer, and I drove back and forth between there and Wendell several times. That podcast kept my mind occupied during a time when I needed it most. Thankfully, my dear one recovered fully, and now I just listen on my commute to and from work in Raleigh.

Over the last few months, I've worked my way backward through their catalog, and tonight I listened to Episode 8, "The Devil in the Diner." I won't spoil it for you, but I'll tell you I can relate to the story their guest shared. I had a similar experience when I was much younger, and I thought I'd share it here.

I worked part-time retail jobs while I attended NCSU from 1992-1996. One of my favorites was at the Levi's Outlet in what was known as the Airport Mall in Morrisville, NC. I loved the jeans, shirts, and my coworkers. It was fun and we met people from all over the world because people love Levi's. International travelers would come to the mall during layovers and buy the jeans inexpensively to take back to their home countries. For that reason, we had a 6 pair limit per transaction. (Side note: I witnessed five-year-old kids buying jeans they'd need years of growth before they could wear.)

One weekend, I was there, folding shirts near one of the two entrances to the store. Our store was at the end of one of the mall hallways that led to an exit, so I could enjoy seeing a little sunlight from my vantage point. The day had been like any other day. We had busy spells, multi-lingual customers, and never-ending piles of clothes to straighten. While I worked, I watched people enter and exit the mall and greeted customers as they walked into the store.

At one point, I looked up from the t-shirts toward the mall entrance and watched a man walk in. He was dressed in an all-white suit with a white fabric fedora. The whole ensemble looked like he should have been in Miami. He was an older man with white hair and tan skin. There were other people with him, and they stopped walking when he did.

He saw me notice him, and with a crooked finger, he motioned for me to come to him. I left my post inside the store and obeyed. As I approached him, he held out his hand to shake mine, and asked something like "what time is it?" I answered. I think it was about 5:00 pm, but my memory is a bit hazy on that part.

What I remember clearly is when he let go of my hand, he turned with his entourage and walked right back out of the mall. At that same instant, I felt like all of my energy had suddenly left my body. It was strange - as if my legs were made of lead, heavy and slow. I was a little dazed, but I managed to return to my post in the store. My coworker Misty looked at me and asked, "What's wrong with you?"

"Huh?" I was slowly trying to process what just happened.

"You're really pale all of a sudden - like you just saw a ghost."

I felt pale, but it wasn't a ghost I'd just encountered. He was solid. He was strange, and he had drained me.

I asked her, "Have you ever met someone you just knew was evil?" She answered in the negative and asked what happened. I told her, and she believed me. Just moments before I had been fine, and she had seen the immediate change in my complexion and demeanor.

He might not have been the devil, but he was definitely an energy vampire of some sort. Thankfully, that was the only time it's happened to me. Being an empath, I've learned over the years to sense people with my sixth sense and not offer my hand if their energy felt off. Back then, I didn't know. The odd effects of his touch were short-lived, but the memory will forever be with me.

Halloween Fun - Saving the Biggest for Last!

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 17:13:46 GMT

Tune in on Halloween Day!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the presentations at the Wake County Libraries this month! It's been so much fun for George (the founder of NSPIR) and me to share our stories! Also, thanks to the libraries for inviting us to present year after year!

This year, I have even more to be grateful for with regard to the libraries. Both "The Tritium Hypothesis" and "Please, don't call me psychic," have been accepted to be a part of their collection. Tritium is available now. Psychic is on its way. It's such a cool feeling to be able to say, "You can find my books at the library!"

My last big Halloween event came as a welcome surprise. I'll be on WUNC's "The State of Things" on Halloween day with my friend Nelson from The Ghost Guild. I'm so excited! I hope you'll listen!

Special thanks to Tanya Watkins - a friend of NSPIR's for taking these photos at our library talks!

A Summary of Live Appearances for the Next 30 Days

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 00:21:15 GMT

'Tis the Season (for Spookiness)

The next month is a busy one for me, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

(Please note: these are all in Wake County, NC)

Thursday, October 10th, 4pm: Teens Halloween Program at Cameron Village Library

Monday, October 14th, 6:30pm: Haunted Carolina Talk at East Regional Library

Wednesday, October 16th, 7:00pm: Spirits & Spooks at Milton's in Wakefield

Sunday, October 20th, 2:00pm, Haunted Carolina Talk at Northeast Regional Library (Wakefield)

Monday, October 21, 6:30pm: Haunted Carolina Talk at Cameron Village Library

Wednesday, October 23rd, 6:30pm: I'll be attending the Ghost Guild's Haunted Carolina Talk at Southeast Regional Library in Garner

Thursday, October 24th, 6:30pm: Haunted Carolina Talk at North Regional Library

Thursday, October 31st: HALLOWEEN!!!

Saturday, November 2nd: REST

Monday, November 4th, 7:00PM: My book signing for both "The Tritium Hypothesis" and "Please, don't call me psychic ," at 3rd Street Social, the new wine bar in Wendell!

Now, you know where I'll be. Feel free to join me!

Today's the big day!

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 10:10:03 GMT

My new book is out!

Today's the day! "Please don't call me psychic. Stories from my paranormal life" is available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon. Most of the stories are from my experiences investigating with NSPIR, The National Society of Paranormal Investigation and Research. There is also a chapter on our rules for investigating and another on the lessons I've learned from our investigations and interactions with clients and skeptics over the years.
(Note: The names and exact locations of our clients are NOT in the book.)

Find the paperback version on Amazon here and the Kindle version here .

Here's the official description:

For those who study the paranormal and metaphysical aspects of our world, psi (represented by the Greek letter in the art on the front cover of this book) refers to parapsychological phenomenon including extra sensory perception (ESP), precognition, and psychokinesis. Nicolle Morock has spent most of her life experiencing the paranormal. Over the last decade, she has investigated it as a member and Vice-president of the National Society of Paranormal Investigation and Research. Her most memorable adventures include

•An angry spirit throwing a temper tantrum in a hotel room while she slept
•The amorous ghost of a sailor leaving a heart-felt message on a digital recorder
•Walking into a private home that felt like it was in the middle of an energetic earthquake

•Being present when Saint Michael removed a dark spirit attachment from a friend.

These stories and more give the reader a glimpse into the reality of paranormal investigations and research.

"It's all happening!"

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 01:16:57 GMT

A publication date and another personal appearance.

Do you remember that line from "Almost Famous?" The Band Aids lived in the moment every day, and their mantra, their tag line, their life story became "It's all happening!" I'll admit I thought it was a silly refrain when the movie came out. After all, I was working for bands as a lighting designer and around almost famous musicians all the time. I heard more of "Hurry up and wait," than "It's all happening." I was living my life based around other people's dreams.

Fast forward more years than I care to admit, and now I get it. I really do! I'm living my life. I've embraced all the aspects of my personality fully, and although it seems I'm a late bloomer, I don't care. I'm excited about life and I'm living my dream! I'm finally a writer! Better yet... an author!

So, what's happening right now? Today, I took a look at my goal of having "Please, Don't Call Me Psychic" ready for release on October 1, and realized that it will happen! The book I've been saying I was going to write is finally written! I have about an hour's worth of editing after a second round of proofreading before it will be ready, and it will be ready ahead of my deadline!

It's all really happening!

I wrote in my last blog post about NSPIR's annual library talks being scheduled for October. This year, we're doing four. Since then, we've also been asked to do a teen program at the Cameron Village Library. George may not make it due to a scheduling conflict, but I'll definitely be there. I'm looking forward to talking with the youth about what makes a good ghost story and what paranormal investigations are really like. I'm told there will be s'mores. It should be a lot of fun!

October is always my busiest month, but in a good way. Halloween brings fun events for paranormal investigators while autumn in North Carolina brings crisp air, more football, falling leaves and pretty sunsets. And this year, it will bring a long-awaited book release. It's going to be awesome!

Book news and personal appearances

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 00:14:07 GMT

I'm so excited!

My third book has a title and cover art. Even better, it's in its first round of proofreading right now! The goal is to have it finished, printed, and available for sale by the beginning of October.

If you're wondering why October is my deadline, the answer is related to the rest of my good news. You see - the book is about my adventures as a member and Vice-president of the National Society of Paranormal Investigation and Research (NSPIR). It details some of our most memorable investigations and lessons I've learned along the way. For several years, when our president, George Matthis, and I have given talks at the Wake County Libraries, I've teased that I was working on this book. Then, last year, I promised one of the librarians it would be finished in time for this year's round. I finally gave myself a deadline, and I'm sticking to it.

Therein lies the rest of the good news! This year, we've added a fourth library location. Now there are four chances to hear George and me recount our experiences and share video and audio data (EVPs!) from our investigations. If all goes well, those locations will also have copies of my books available, too!

Curiosity leads to knowledge

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 00:44:19 GMT

... or at least lots of experience.

Many who know me professionally are surprised to learn I’m a paranormal investigator. Those who have known me my whole life aren’t shocked at all. You see, I’ve always been curious about how the world works and what makes people think and behave the way they do. I’ve also had paranormal experiences since I can remember including dreams coming true, precognition, sensing the presence of spirits, and seeing things that I was told couldn’t be real such as a large black cat the size of a panther prowling my childhood neighborhood just outside of Jackson, Mississippi. (I wasn’t the only witness to that one, by the way.)

My interest in the unexplained sprouted from those experiences and led me into the world of literature on the subject. My first favorite book on the unexplained had a yellow cover with a drawing of a man encountering a UFO. I wish I still had that book! I think I was in the third or fourth grade the first time I read it, and I read it over and over. I remember one of its stories was about a man who owned a farm. He was standing in a field in front of his house one afternoon and turned around and waved at his family on the porch. Then he started walking farther into the field. After a few steps, he simply vanished right before their eyes. He was never seen again. How can you not be curious about that?

I wanted answers, and the more I read about unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries, ghosts, and UFOs, the more I realized there may not be any answers that we could fully comprehend. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t ask the questions. We have to keep searching for that little clue, that small piece of evidence, or even that big smoking gun. For people like me, it’s a compulsion – not to be confused with an obsession, though. I can stop any time, and I have at times. Really.

I put the paranormal aside when my focus should be elsewhere. For example, I walled off my sixth sense while I earned my atmospheric science degree at North Carolina State University. Achieving that in three years took all the focus I could muster. It wasn’t until I had moved to Minnesota, started my job as a broadcast meteorologist and began exploring the new geographical area I found myself in that I let those walls back down. I’ll never forget the day I realized I had relaxed into my whole self again…

I was exploring the town of Stillwater on the St Croix River. It’s a cute town with plenty of antique shops, one of which is a converted two-story sawmill. I was there in the middle of the afternoon in the middle of the week. There was one other lady wandering through the store and one employee who was staying near the cash register by the front door. As I walked through the shop, I kept getting the feeling that someone was following close behind me. At first, I blew it off as being the other customer, but every time I looked up, she was on the other side of the store, or on the other floor. Then, I tried to convince myself that it was just the energy of all the old things surrounding me that I was feeling. Yet, the sensation persisted and I really felt like I was being followed closely by a tall man.

When I had seen enough old oddities to last me a while, I headed back down toward the exit. I paused to look at some old broaches that I hadn’t noticed on my way in, and the employee struck up a conversation with me in an odd way. She started with, “Do you know this place is haunted?”

I paused and took a deep breath, trying to decide how to answer and quickly chose a non-committal, “Really?”
She replied, “Yes, but he’s only around after we close.” I kept my disagreement to myself and asked her to tell me more. She explained that he liked to play jokes. One night after closing, she couldn’t find the key to the cash register. She tore up the area around the counter looking for it. After about an hour, she was ready to give up and leaned on the counter, letting out a sigh of frustration. Then, right in front of her, the key materialized and dropped onto the counter between her hands.

She never stayed late after that moment.

I thanked her for sharing her story and left. In my mind, all I could think was, “I’ve still got it!” I still had that sixth sense, and I still had “volunteer your strange stories without being prompted” virtually stamped on my forehead.

A couple years later, I had moved back home to North Carolina and found myself in the audience of a presentation by a paranormal investigation group at Haunted Mordecai, an annual event at Mordecai Historic Park in Raleigh. That group was made up of a scientist, a teacher, an IT professional and artists, among others. It was a good mix of interesting, curious, and somewhat skeptical people. The group’s name was the National Society of Paranormal Investigation and Research, Inc. (NSPIR).

I was so impressed by their methodology and sincerity that the minute the presentation was over, I asked how I could join. That was in October of 2009, and the rest is history – much of which will be in the book I’m currently writing about my experiences as a member of NSPIR. My short-term goal is to have the book published before George, NSPIR’s founder, and I give our annual Haunted North Carolina talks at some of the Wake County Public Libraries in October of this year.

My long-term goal is to continue to pursue knowledge in the hope of understanding all things paranormal.

July's nonprofit of the month: The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle

nmorock@yahoo.com (Nicolle Morock) — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:05:31 GMT

Each month I pick a local nonprofit/charity to feature and to donate 20% of the profits from the sale of my book, The Tritium Hypothesis, which is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions.

July's featured nonprofit is one of my all-time favorites: The Inter-faith Food Shuttle ! They do amazing things to help end the cycle of hunger in the Triangle!

Here's a little hint of their community service from their website, foodshuttle.org :

"Putting food on a plate is necessary, but it's not enough to end hunger. Our programs Feed, Teach & Grow to connect families to nutritious food and develop skills for self-sufficiency -- breaking the cycle of hunger. Together as a community, we are pioneering innovative, transformative solutions to end hunger."

Please, share this post and help me raise money for this amazing group!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1791956211

June's nonprofit of the month: The Rhine Research Center

Sat, 01 Jun 2019 14:20:13 GMT

June's nonprofit of the month is Rhine Research Center! 20% of the profits from the sale of The Tritium Hypothesis (paperback or Kindle edition) will go to support their work.
If you have an interest in scientific research into parapsychology and unexplained phenomena, you need to check them out and become a member!
"The Rhine Research Center explores the frontiers of consciousness and exceptional human experiences in the context of unusual and unexplained phenomena. The Rhine’s mission is to advance the science of parapsychology, to provide education and resources for the public, and to foster a community for individuals with personal and professional interest in PSI."
I attend as many of their events as I can. I've also taken part in a few of their studies. Their work is the standard for scientific exploration of "unexplained" phenomena, and their history is the cornerstone for parapsychological research nationwide.
Through August 15th, they are holding their annual short story contest. My writer friends should check out the details at rhineonline.org .
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1791956211

Ask and Receive

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 01:00:50 GMT

How Penny became mine

A few people have asked me if Cloud, the cat in The Tritium Hypothesis, was fashioned after my cat Penny. The answer is simply, "no." Cloud was a figment of my imagination years ago when I first started writing Tritium. Penny was a bit of magic that appeared 18 months ago.

I always wanted a black cat. I also always wanted a house of my own. In 2017, I managed to finally make the latter happen! While I was preparing to move, I told my mom that once I got unpacked and settled, I'd go to a shelter and adopt an adult black cat because I know they have the hardest time being adopted. Silly superstitions ruin their reputation.

The week after I moved into my house, and well before I finished unpacking... Who am I kidding? I'm still not finished unpacking... I was standing at the kitchen sink washing dishes. From out of the darkness in the window in front of me, two big green eyes appeared. Then a little paw started scraping at the window! I was startled to say the least!

She was insistent, but I had no idea why! She wanted my attention, and I wanted to know where the heck she came from. When I stepped away from the window, she went to the back door and started meowing. Then she went to the side porch door. I was a little freaked out at that point. I told her through the storm door, "I don't know you. You can't come in!" Eventually, she left.

The next night, the same thing happened. So, I decided to try to feed her. Of course, I didn't have cat food or even meat that she might like. I cooked her an egg, put it on a paper plate, and set it out on the side porch. She sniffed at it, but didn't eat it. Eventually, she left again.

That Saturday morning, I was taking my trash out, when she came running up to me. She rubbed against my leg and purred. I sat down on the steps and was talking to her and petting her, when the little girl who lives next door started calling, "Penny! Penny!" The cat looked toward her and stopped purring.

"Is this your cat?" I called to the girl. She answered yes, and started to cross the yard toward us. My heart sank. I had already decided the little black cat was going to the vet to be scanned for a microchip, and I was hoping she wouldn't have one. The child's mother followed her across the yard, and in a delayed reply to my question answered, "Well, not really."

It turns out, the previous owners of my new home had left this sweet little cat when they moved. They asked the neighbors to feed her, and since she had always been an outdoor cat, they apparently thought that's all she needed. After a little conversation, we agreed that I would take Penny to the vet and get her shots up to date and we'd share her.

When I arrived at the vet, she became Penny Morock. Not long after that, she got used to coming inside, and now she's an indoor/outdoor, spoiled little girl who loves treats and her favorite toys. She's not much of a cuddler, but she likes to be in the same room as I am, unless of course, she's napping on my bed.

I told the Universe what I wanted, and I got her much sooner than I expected. Of course, the Universe probably knew I'd still have a few boxes left to unpack all these months later.

Nicolle Morock's notes

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Every year, I post goals for accountability. Here's my 2026 goal post :)

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2024 Review and 2025 Goals

My annual accountability post :)

Last year’s goals:

2025 goals:

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