July 2014 "Rants & Raves"

Funny how I got up this morning thinking I would go ahead and write my blog, and here it is 10:30 at night.  Another month has been flying by.  However, Virginia weather has not been all that bad for the month of July.  Unfortunately, I am beginning to see signs of an early fall.

We had family come in from Florida and stay with us this month.  Jaselyn was so good!  (But she always is!)  I also went to a brunch and saw some friends that I had not been able to see in months.  It’s so good to reconnect!  I hope to end the summer with having a get together here.  I am also VERY grateful for a friend showing up at 9:30pm last night to cut our grass!  (Yes, I broke the lawn mower.)  Even though it was cut at night, I have to admit it looks better than me doing it in the daylight!

I have not had a vacation yet.  I hope to sneak away for a couple of days in August, but we will see how that goes.  The month of August is when I try to line up events for the fall.  In November, CVAPI will appear at Pamunkey Library in Mechanicsville VA for Ghost Hunting 101, free to the public.  We also have several pending investigations coming up.

This Friday, August 1^st, one of our best cases will air on “A Haunting” on Destination America at 10PM.  The episode is called “Demons Revenge” and I am very excited to see it!  (I do plan to post more about that particular case at a later date.) 

I can share with you a funny thing about filming.  They picked me up at 6:30AM.  Twenty minutes after leaving my home I was asked, what was I wearing?  (It was February and I had on a coat.)  Well, I apparently had on the wrong color.  (Nope didn’t get the email on hair, makeup and wardrobe.)  So they want me in a solid color coral shirt.  I don’t even OWN a coral shirt!  So, the next plan is to delay filming, wait for the department stores to open and go shopping.  I placed a call to my daughter who called me back to say, “Good news, I have one solid color coral shirt”.  “And better yet, IT”S CLEAN.”  So thanks to my daughter filming went as scheduled.  It was probably sometime around lunch time (Or when I actually woke up), that I asked, “Why a coral shirt?”  Because it works with my complexion, hair, lighting, background, etc etc.  And a free fashion tip on the color palette that works for me.  So what did I learn?  I have been wearing the WRONG colors all of my life!  I have since tried to add those colors to my wardrobe.  (And I still don’t own a coral shirt).  But I have to ask…..How many of you could pull out a solid color coral shirt from your closet at 6:30AM?? ?

So for the month of July I have hit the cardio workouts harder than normal.  I must say a pedometer is the best investment EVER!  It will certainly show you how much, or how little you actually move in a day.  Not to mention that I sleep much better.  (Which is always a problem for me anyway.)

I have certified two in Reiki this month.  The Rieki course remains on sale until the end of July.  On a suggestion from one that is currently taking the course, I may very well set up a forum for Reiki so you may interact with one another.  (YES, I do promise I will get to the blog on Reiki!)

The best time to catch me for a psychic reading is between 1PM and 1AM.  (I am not a stickler for hours, but those are generally when you can catch me.)  Horoscopes will post to my website, and the next newsletter will come out soon.  To get on the mailing list email me at Jackie@ms-swami.com. Join me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Until next time…

Destination America - "A Haunting" this Friday August 1st

http://www.examiner.com/article/cvapi-s-case-to-appear-on-a-haunting-this-friday-august-1st

Jackie's horoscopes for July 2014

http://www.examiner.com/article/jackie-s-horoscopes-for-july-2014?cid=db_articles

The "Reality" of Reality TV

This is a topic that I have been meaning to discuss for a while now and will probably publish this to both of my blogs.  In filming three separate episodes for different shows, there appears to be a lot that the general public is not aware of.  The next thing I want to discuss is the “Bashers” of psychic television, paranormal television, and Reality TV in general.

The first thing I want to start by saying, is what you see on TV, actually took days to film.  So what you are actually viewing is the highlights of what was filmed.  “Reality” TV, means that they are real people, (or real families), they are not actresses or actors.

You will also hear people state that Reality TV is scripted.  Some of it is, but what does that mean?  Let me see if I can give you an example.  Lets say production has asked me to meet up with these 3 people, at this restaurant, and discuss this topic.  That is about as scripted as it gets.  Production will film it, and they will use what they see fit, no one is reading from an actual script.  Now, also notice that the 3 people I am meeting were filmed coming in.  That is because they were met up the road and each has their mics (microphones) on.

Now speaking of microphones.  Do you ever notice on shows were they “run into” someone?  They have on microphones and yes, you can tell.  (Some shows do not.)  I can tell you that you will not be filmed for National Television and NOT sign a consent form to be on a show.

An exception to the rule of “Scripted” would be any show filmed that use re-enactments.  These are actual people stating their stories, but actresses and actors do the re-enactment part reading from an actual script that production has provided.  It also may be a set and not the actual location to which they are discussing.

Production companies like to use a neat trick called the “Voice Overlay”.  What does this mean?  Let me give you an example.  Lets say, in watching a show, you heard me say “this”.  That was indeed my voice you heard, but NOT in that particular conversation.  This could have been  filmed two days prior in a totally different conversation.  How can you tell?  Because you won’t see me on TV saying it.  It will be my voice with another scene.

After the episode has gone through several edits, who has the final say?  The Network.  They are the final decision on what is aired.  What are they looking for?  Ratings. 

So why do people watch Reality TV?  Because they LIKE it!  They like the people, the families, the subject matter, story line,  or what they represent.  It is known as “Entertainment”.  Why do the “Bashers” watch it?  Because they need a life.  With all the causes that they could represent to do some good in the world, this is what they have dedicated their time to in hopes of recognition.

However, I am sure that the actual Networks are grateful for them boosting their ratings.  Any Network can see the number of dedicated fans out weighs the “Haters” of the show by far.

A little off the topic here, but I also know someone who has their story done into a Lifetime Movie.  (Notice it says “BASED ON a true story.”)

In the last 3 months, several different individuals have contacted me about people “Bashing” popular psychics on television as well as paranormal shows.  These “Bashers” are nothing more than “Glorified Stalkers” that are seeking a following.  Some have dedicated websites to support their beliefs and some have fallen so far off their rockers that they have even self publish books on different Reality series.  These idiots have contacted me before as well as people I know.

This is when I hear the famous phrase of “I KNOW FOR A FACT….”  This is also followed by: (from me)

“Do you know these people personally?”  NO

“Have you ever met these people?”  NO

“Where you there when it happened?”  NO

“Where you there when it was filmed?”  NO

“Did production acknowledge you or ask you to be on TV?”  NO

(hmmmmm…..all very interesting.)

Next will come, “I HAVE INTERVIEWED THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS”.  Really?  Because you are unable to validate any of it by stating it is “Confidential”.  Well I can tell you what IS indeed “Confidential”.  The contract between the person filming and the production company as to what can be discussed.  (One would not think it would take a rocket scientist to figure that out.)  So why do people with television appearances refuse to answer to these people?  Because they don’t HAVE to and who are they anyway?

To anyone in the news field, that will actually give these idiots the time of day, I would like to suggest that you fire your researcher, because you have now tainted your own credibility.  These people have dedicated their time and energy to “EXPOSE or INVESTIGATE” one thing only and that is TELEVISION……Seriously?  (Obviously their parents never taught them not to believe everything they see on TV.) 

To those that appear on these shows, my hats off to you for taking the high road!  You are doing something right!  (In all honesty, I watch very little psychic and paranormal television, but do watch other reality shows.) 

To the “Bashers” if ANY of you EVER contact me again, I will do nothing more than refer you right back to this blog.  The very idea that you are “investigating or exposing” something seen on television is ABSURD.  The only thing you are doing is publicly stalking people. I would also like to lend some advice to those that hate Reality TV……TURN THE CHANNEL!!!

June 2014 "Rants & Raves"

Welcoming the month of June and the first day of summer hit on the 21^st.  (My favorite season of the year!)  Today I am celebrating 8 years on my website.  It is hard to believe that 8 years ago, it actually launched as a 3 to 5 page site.  So, for the remainder of the month, one-hour phone readings for $98 and the Reiki course remains on sale, with an additional discount to groups of 4 or more.  (Email me, for an appointment for a one-hour reading.)

I can say that June has been a rather productive month as far as me getting some things done that I had been putting off.  My daughter and I have also really enjoyed having Jaselyn outside and spending some pool time with her.

I do have an issue that I want to address this month.  That pertains to the bashing of psychics and the paranormal and a few other things on television.  I have a LOT to say about this so I plan to do so on a separate blog.

Live readings have been put on hold until I find another local venue.  As an alternative, you may want to check into hosting a Psychic Party.

I have run into some problems with scheduling appointments in advance.   I am in Virginia and in the Eastern Time Zone.  Understandably, a lot of you are in a different time zones.  Though I express this when setting the appointment, you can generally go to “Google”  to find the time zone conversion.  If you are having a problem with this PLEASE just let me know.

I have a lot of writing to get done, and just waiting for that notion to strike me.  I actually came across something I began a few years back that I was really impressed with.  The problem appears to be in finding the time to do so.

I do get a lot of questions on Reiki and will see if I can give you a brief summary of it.  It pertains to “Energy healing”.  Learning the “Chakras”  (the energy fields), and how to align them.  It is also used for the “Greater good”, meaning the intent is to heal or relieve pain in the areas needed.  Will it cure things?  NO.  It is wonderful for pain management, or centering and grounding yourself.  If you have any questions or anything you would like to discuss, don’t hesitate to email me.

Mercury Retrograde ends on July 1^st.  I have several varying reports of some that this retrograde has hit them hard, to some that say it has not been that bad.  Either way, you are coming up on the end of it.  The next Retrograde will hit October 4^th to October 25^th.  You can always find these dates on my website under the Free Horoscopes, as well as the traits of the zodiac and compatibility.

The month of July, it is all about new beginnings and getting things done!

Now to answer the most popular question that I get:

What do people ask you when they call?

-         Love Life (Most popular) Separation or divorce, long term or short terms, if someone is coming in their love life, are things ending, infidelity, and just about anything pertaining to love.

-         Career – Have they chosen the right career, job changes, new jobs, searching for a job, self-employed, problems at work, income, seminars and conventions, and anything pertaining to their career.

-         Money -  lack of, investments and purchases, the sale of home or property, residential moves, income potential, what the future holds, loans, those that have borrowed from them, etc.

-         Family & Friends – relationship problems, trust issues, when will they get together, vacations, etc.

-         Education – If they have chosen the right path, when they will return, funding, college, etc.

-         Missing – persons, pets and items.  (More on this below.)

That is not everything obviously, but that will give you a general idea.  My clients come from all over and all walks of life.

With one of my television appearances being on the Animal Planet, I really want to stress that I am NOT a “Pet Psychic”.  NO ONE can read your pet better than you.  However, I am good at locating them when missing and have done so many times for my friends and clients.  In regards to “Missing persons”, I do NOT get involved unless a family member or a detective directly contacts me.  (I also do not charge for this.)  And of course, I have a mouthful to say about psychics that do jump in the middle of an open investigation.

My next blog will be posted within a couple of days.  Follow me on Twitter for random specials and join me on Facebook.

Jackie's horoscopes for June 2014

http://www.examiner.com/article/jackie-s-horoscopes-for-june-2014?cid=db_articles

May 2014 "Rants & Raves"

As we are coming out of Memorial Day, I thought this would be a good time to update my blog.  This is not a day about a day off, picnics, the beach etc.  But a day to remember those that lost their lives for our freedom.  (Also to support the families of those that have lost their loved ones).

It seems I have accomplished a lot this month, though it also flew by too quickly.  Living in Virginia, we are a state that gets to see all four seasons in their entirety.  Spring and summer are my favorite seasons.

This year, I spent the month taking care of last year’s problems in my backyard.  We had a Gazebo that I had spent the entire spring and summer trying to repair from being damaged by the snow.  IT IS GONE!  A new one has been installed.  Remnants of the old one are now turning into a pergola.  (A nice surprise from something destroyed.)  Also we had struggled with our above ground pool for the last two seasons after putting it on chlorine.  After a conversion process, it is no longer on chlorine and I am crossing my fingers because it appears that, so far so good.  I have one remaining section of the fence that is being replaced this week, so I am ready for the summer to begin!  My herb garden is coming along nicely as well.  I am trying some new things this year, so I will keep you posted on how that goes.

I have spent some time “Reflecting” this month.  Mother’s Day was a lovely day this year and I could not help but to remember my Mom.  Also her birthday is coming up (May 30^th).  It was also wonderful to see my daughter celebrate her first Mother’s Day with Jaselyn.

Honestly in looking back over the last few years, I believe I can finally say, “I am in a good spot!”  So much has occurred over the years, it is so nice to see things settle down.  For the first time in a long time it feels that everything has a “Natural flow” to it.  Does this mean that I am all caught up on my projects?  NO, I don’t think that will ever happen.  Just a timeframe that I really enjoy what I do.  I am also looking forward to a couple of new things coming up.

One of my biggest concerns now is my Siberian Husky “Sasha” as she ages.  She will soon turn 14 years old and her hips are giving out on her.  Though she caught her second wind when Jaselyn was born, her age is catching up with her.

I do want to talk about those that contact me for “Same day” appointments.   By all means, you may continue to do so.  However, I can only seem to accommodate this 75% of the time.  A lot of this is due to the fact that I am working with varying time zones.  Also a lot of people set their appointments a day or two in advance, therefore my day may already be booked up.  Either way, I do try to work you in the same day if you request it.  (And yes, I had a couple of clients that threw a fit that I couldn’t get to them right then.)

“Same day” appointments in person can be tricky.  Local readings are done at a venue, so if I have someone move the time or postpone then yes I can get you in.  For those that are seeking a reading locally, I can generally accommodate this on a couple of days notice.  (There again, it depends on the venue that I am using.)

Email readings remain the same; I can generally honor these within a 24-hour turnaround.  It is rare, but every now and then I will get backed up on these.  If that is the case, you will generally hear from me.

I have had a few that have emailed me about my living situation.  It appears that several have daughters that live at home that are now expecting.  I have to admit when I got the news of my daughter’s pregnancy I was a little overwhelmed on what all needed to be done in our home and with thoughts of baby stuff everywhere.  And yes, there is baby stuff everywhere.  What you will find is once they are born; you would not have it any other way!

The first few weeks you can expect to help out around the clock.  Newborns never sleep when you would like them to.  (I am sure you remember this.)  Next, I don’t “Raise” Jaselyn, and that is how these emails are being presented to me….How will you raise a grandchild?  I “Babysit” Jaselyn.  This means when her Mom gets home I am HANDS OFF.  Unless I want to snatch her up to play, or watch her while her Mom showers, I do nothing.  The other big thing….I don’t give unwanted advice!  I am fully confident in my daughter’s parenting abilities, and she is truly an amazing Mother.  I am on “Standby” for questions or if she wants to talk.  (I didn’t want someone to tell me how to raise her, so I am sure she feels the same!)  So remember that!  Be there for them when they need you, other than that, it looks like everything just feel into place.  No big secrets, just working together to get her on a schedule.

Just because they are under your roof does NOT mean you have a child to raise.  You become a Grandma, and cherish every moment of it.  I am Jaselyn’s “Mimi” and love every minute of it. ( My husband and I actually lived with my Grandmother when my daughter was born. ) Things will ALWAYS work out.  I am very blessed to be able to run my business, have a personal life, and both of them in my life as well.

In other news, my 800# on my website has changed!  (Same company and same rate, just a new number).  A pain yes, but nothing that could be prevented.  As always, local events and special rates go up on Twitter, and you can also follow me on Facebook.  Horoscopes will post to my website on June 1^st.  So until next time…