Video: In North Park and on Irwin (aka "Blue Mist") Road

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Tiffany Apan is a critically acclaimed independent recording artist, a stage/film actress, author, and award-winning producer/writer. You can find more about her at her Official Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, and her production company website. She can also be found on IMDb and her music releases on CDBaby along with iTunes, Amazon, and other digital retailers. She also does freelance writing, and editing. Her own stories are available at Smashwords, Barnesand Noble NOOK, Amazon, and other retailers. Her novel series, The Birthrite Series, is also available in both ebook and paperback form. In addition, she is a contributor to Ravenous Monster Webzine.

Interview with Rocky Karlage of Ghost Walk Films

For the first interview to be featured on The Parting of Veils Webzine, we are happy to have Rocky Karlage of Ghost Walk Films. After a hiatus, Ghost Walk is back and ready to jump back into the scene with the paranormal documentary, "Lilly's Cry." Their award-winning film, "The Farm" (which I was also involved with) has also picked up distribution.
Read on to get know the little spirit girl Lilly a little more and check out what Ghost Walk Films has coming up. :)

TA: When we last spoke, you guys were getting set up to release your award winning film, The Farm. Can you catch us up on what you all have been up to since then?

RK: We worked hard to produce a second film, named “The Dawson War”, but crew and actor difficulties expanded both the length of time to film and budget, so that we were unable to complete it.   We plan to go back to it someday with an updated script and title.   Right now, we are in production on a documentary to further our film work.   Our first film “Ghost Walk: The Farm” was picked up for distribution by Continuum Motion Pictures and MCTV.  As well as being included as part of a group of films for release to America’s soldiers, it is due to be released to their distribution channels April/May of 2015.


TA: Tell us more about your newest project.

RK: We’re producing a documentary named “Lilly’s Cry” about the real, spirit girl Lilly Rose who is the genesis for Ghost Walk’s name and film work.   She has been in contact with me over the years, since the first time I saw her.   It is being produced by Ghost Walk Studios with my “sister from another mother” Victoria Vardon as Executive Producer, and World Paranormal Investigation’s John & Bea Brugge co-producing.   Scotty Rorek, a well-known psychic medium, has accepted our invitation to star in the film and lead the interviews with witnesses.   We’re very excited to move forward with the film!


TA: Now for those unaware, who is Lilly Rose?

RK: Lilly is a spirit girl who has almost become like a daughter to me, but I believe she first saw me when I was a child.  When I was a little older, she appeared to me one morning as I was walking to catch a bus for work.   It is a scene we plan to recreate for the documentary with Ohio’s own, Actor Joel David Anger portraying me.  Lilly appeared to me several more times, and has also appeared to several of my friends; some of who are mediums to whom she revealed some of her ‘life’ as she knows it.  One of those is a good friend, Kat Lang, who we are honored to include to discuss her experience with Lilly.  Lilly has also visited friends homes like the Haunted Dollhouse in Pennsylvania, which is owned by our good friends Tom & Traci Watkins.   Just this month, “Malevolent Magazine” honored us by publishing an article i wrote about her and the upcoming “Lilly’s Cry” documentary.  You can find the magazine information on the publisher’s page:  http://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/malevolent-magazine-12-april-2015/0273538001427971951




TA: Where has Lilly been seen?

RK: We will reveal most of that information in the documentary, but mainly close to her home town.   She has amazingly visited people who have become her friends through a past Myspace page and her current page I created for her on Facebook.   She loves her friends who visit her, and sometimes reward them with a visit of her own.   Suffice it to say she is well loved by her friends!   A few of these friends have also been invited to appear in the documentary.


TA: What do you all wish to accomplish with making this film?

RK: Everyone’s goal who is involved is to tell as much as we can uncover of Lilly’s story, and our major goal is to help her find peace.  Whether or not we find such evidence, we will tell her story as truthfully as we know without faking or creating evidence.   Both Ghost Walk Studios and World Paranormal Investigations want viewers to know what we present is her story told to the best of our ability, and also to become aware of how sweet and persistent this little, spirit girl has been to tell her story.   We’re also looking forward to a new song written and performed by you and Jason English for the film.  That will be exciting!  :)


TA: Where can those interested find more info on Ghost Walk and the film?

RK: Our new website for Ghost Walk Studios with ongoing updates is posted with current information and film plans at http://ghostwalkstudios.com   We also have related Facebook pages which you can find listed on this website.


TA: And finally, what's next for you all?

RK: Wow!  Lots of things!  :D   We plan to continue filming the story concepts and titles I created named “The Ghost Walk Saga” of which “The Farm” is just the beginning for our films.   We plan major story sequences all across Ohio with strong locations and events centered in history from the American Civil War, through the Victorian era, and into today.  Our next feature film will most likely be “Ghost Walk: Estella’s Revenge” which is a continuation of “The Farm” story with background why that story’s events happened.   Of course, plans are always limited by available finances, so we’re working to find funding and/or a co-Executive Producer.   We have discussed bringing in other production teams to film the stories earlier, but we have made no decision yet.
 I’ll just say we’re open to new possibilities.   If we can fit the time and find a publisher, Art Director and Professional Artist Tony Vardon and I are planning to develop a graphic novel for “The Farm”.   Someday we may even go back to film the entire story with more scenes then appear in our award-winning film.   Beyond this, a new TV show has already begun production by our friends at World Paranormal Investigations named :WPI SEEKING THE TRUTH”, and co-produced by Ghost Walk Studios.  It’s page link can also be found on our website.   Our most recent news is “Ghost Walk: The Farm” received an “Official Selection” to the San Diego “FANtastic Horror Film Festival”, which we are very excited about!    We plan to attend future events as time and money permit, and will create a page on the website for those too.  Of course, invites are always appreciated!   Thanks for interviewing me, Tiffany! :)


TA: Always a pleasure!




Tiffany Apan is a critically acclaimed independent recording artist, a stage/film actress, author, and award-winning producer/writer. You can find more about her at her Official Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, and her production company website. She can also be found on IMDb and her music releases on CDBaby along with iTunes, Amazon, and other digital retailers. She also does freelance writing, and editing. Her own stories are available at Smashwords, Barnesand Noble NOOK, Amazon, and other retailers. Her novel series, The Birthrite Series, is also available in both ebook and paperback form. In addition, she is a contributor to Ravenous Monster Webzine.

Blue Mist Road and the Legends Behind It

If you are a resident of North Hills (Wexford, Gibsonia, Allison Park, and other surrounding areas) in Southwestern Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh), you are likely quite familiar with North Park. I myself enjoy going there to hike and jog as it is quite beautiful and - even in its busiest hours - offers much serenity. But one road in particular that intrigues many (myself included) and is fodder for much local legends in the area is an old dirt road called Irwin. Or, "Blue Mist Road" as it is often referred.

Now, I am the sort who loves to explore old buildings and churches (especially ones that have been abandoned) and will also never shy from entering a cemetery, regardless of the time of day (or night). But something about this particular road unnerves me and always has since I moved to the area.

At first glance, it seems fairly innocuous. Just a dirt road that eventually leads out to one that is more traveled (910).

 I have walked it a few times, determined to make it down to the end. But somewhere at about halfway down, I always get the feeling that I shouldn't go much further. At least not by myself. Perhaps it is just me being superstitious, but there is a certain point where I do feel I should turn back.
Now, this could be partially due to the fact that some of the supposed history and urban legends behind Irwin or "Blue Mist" Road are quite disturbing. One in particular stating how the road was once a haven for the KKK. It is also said that the tree on which they used to execute lynchings still stands. This has been disputed, however, by some investigators, particularly the folks at Weird U.S (a site that I do encourage you to check out). According to them, this is doubtful. They report that the branches of the tree aren't strong enough to hang a human on. They also go on to state that because Pennsylvania was an abolitionist state (and even abolished their anti-miscegenation laws in the year 1780, long before the Civil War came to fruition), the Klan would not have had that great of a stronghold. In this, I can see where Weird U.S. is coming from. But I will also say that just because Pennsylvania in general might not have been huge Klan supporters, that does not mean that there weren't groups whose ideas coincided with such a group. Even if such ideals weren't acceptable by most, that doesn't mean that even a small group formed a chapter and worked at more underground level. And if you look into the history of the Klan, there is talk of how they did have disturbingly higher connections (but that's a whole 'nother post). Either way, the story of The Hanging Tree remains as one of the more prominent legends of Irwin.

Now, less disturbing, but still eerie is the reason behind the nickname, "Blue Mist Road." Why Blue Mist, you ask? Well, apparently this due to tellings of a blue mist covering the road at nightfall. Some have even claimed to have seen blue orbs among the trees.
Toward the end of the road, there is a point where the road diverges into three paths. One of these paths is marked with a rusty mailbox and leads up to a foundation where The Witch House once stood. Another leads to place known as the Midget Farm (or Midgetville). The Witch House was said to have been home to a few satanic covens (animal mutilations and disappearances of local teens were widely circulated during the 1980s and 1990s according to a few sources).
As for Midget Farm, it is said that it was inhabited by a little person trying to escape scrutiny. Anytime a curious local might venture onto the path, the "midget" would chase him or her away. There have even been stories of rabid dogs coming out of nowhere and sitings of a half-deer-half-man.

Among the creepy tales is one of doomed romance. Near the three-way fork in the road is a small cemetery. The graveyard is said to be so old that the names and dates on the worn down headstones are mostly unreadable (I will add that the idea of such a graveyard was also part of the inspiration for my short story, The Cemetery by the Lake). The cemetery is said to have two particular graves belonging to two former star-crossed lovers. According to legend, anytime the moonlight hits these two stones, they supposedly lean in to one another as if to try and touch or kiss. Hence, they are referred to as the 'kissing stones.'

Of course, every urban legend has believers as well as those who will debunk it. Whether or not you choose to believe is entirely up to you. As for myself, I will say that I do feel as though I am entering a world different from my own in the few times I've set foot on Irwin. And not matter how crowded North Park gets during its peak hours, Irwin or "Blue Mist" is almost always deserted, save for maybe one or two occasional jogger or biker.

I will also add that if you do decide to venture onto Irwin Road, it is not illegal to do so (at least as of this posting) though only authorized vehicles are permitted. Meaning you will have to walk or bike (though do check into what the rules may be before going on any sort of adventure).
And speaking of not taking your vehicle onto Irwin, that may be a good thing. As another legend states that if you park your car beneath the hanging tree (and some stories say to honk three times), the car will fail to start up and strange things will begin to happen. And according to some, one unfortunate teen met his demise by doing so...

Bibliography:
Weird U.S.
Witches of Pennsylvania: Occult History & Lore
Pennsylvania Haunts and History


Photos in this article taken by Tiffany Apan.


Tiffany Apan is a critically acclaimed independent recording artist, a stage/film actress, author, and award-winning producer/writer. You can find more about her at her Official Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, and her production company website. She can also be found on IMDb and her music releases on CDBaby along with iTunes, Amazon, and other digital retailers. She also does freelance writing, and editing. Her own stories are available at Smashwords, Barnesand Noble NOOK, Amazon, and other retailers. Her novel series, The Birthrite Series, is also available in both ebook and paperback form. In addition, she is a contributor to Ravenous Monster Webzine.

The Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Trilogy Corrupted Me as a Youth...and I'm Glad it Did :D

This post was originally made on my official blog, but I figured that with the launch of the webzine, why not re-post as a tribute to what started my interest in folklore and other such things in the first place. If you did not read this at my other blog, then Enjoy! :)


Those of us born in the 1980s I think had it pretty good. We got all the good Nickelodeon shows (You Can't Do That On Television, Are You Afraid of the Dark, All That, Roundhouse, all the cool Euro-anime-esque cartoon shows like Spartakus), Ninja Turtles, My Little Pony, Rainbow Brite, books like Wait Til Helen Comes and Dollhouse Murders. All those were awesome and at the risk of sounding uber condescending, I feel for the kids who grew up without all that we 80s and 90s kids got. But what really stands out for me was a summer night before I started second grade.

On that night, my parents went out for the evening and of course (since I was seven and my sisters were five and three) our baby-sitter came over to watch us. It was a beautiful night and we were sitting outside at around dusk. I forget what I was doing that had me so distracted, but I hardly noticed my baby-sitter go to get something out from her bag. Next thing I know, I hear this high-pitched almost witch-like voice from behind me say "Hi, little girl..."

I turn around, and this is what I saw staring back at me:

Totally true story: my baby-sitter thought it would be funny to sneak up behind me with a certain book open to the very page with the above photo. Yes, it was the very first book in the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Trilogy.

After my seven-year-old self jumped about six feet in the air, I did become very intrigued with the book, especially as she began to read some of the stories aloud. From that point on, I wanted her to bring the book all the time, and when the second and third books came out, oh you better believe I was all over those.

That seemingly passe evening from my childhood actually would go on to have more of an impact on me than I think even I knew at the moment (and it was also a reading of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at school later that Halloween that also sealed my tastes). From that point on, I was a fan of dark fiction and horror, and the Scary Stories series would also be among those works that would go on to shape how I write my own stories.

Yes, I very much thank my baby-sitter, Alvin Schwartz, and Stephen Gammell.

With that said, I guess I also pose the question of what was it really that intrigued not only myself, but other kids who grew up with these books. Even as adults, many of us still love them and still are freaked out by Stephen Gammell's illustrations. Oh, those illustrations...like this one:

 NOTE: The sadist in me really wanted to post the illustration from the story The Thing, but that particular drawing still REALLY freaks me out. If you don't know what I'm talking about and are feeling brave, google Scary Stories to tell in the Dark, The Thing and you will see what I mean.

To be honest, I really can't pinpoint one specific reason as to why those stories stay with me, even to this day. Several things about these books continue to intrigue me and influence my own writing:

-One aspect IS the illustrations. I mean, come on. Even the stories that weren't really that scary were given gruesome visuals that made them so. And Gammell's drawings are so wonderfully macabre and detailed that one can almost feel the terror and unease experienced by those in the story.

- Another is the pure simplicity of the stories. In fact, the stories aren't even that long. Some are actually only a page long. But when the stories get going, they really get going and pack alot within a mere couple pages.

- Much of the stories are based in urban legend and folklore. I love folklore.

- The stories embrace the unknown and acknowledge that some things don't always end happily. I'm sure some might disagree with me on this, but I do feel this is an important lesson for kids to be taught. Not all my stories end happily, and even those that do have some sort of unresolve (at least for the most part). Then there's the unknown; you really don't know what's out there, or who the person sitting next to you on the bus or subway is. Or the person passing you by on the street (as per The Walk: "...and the man looked at my uncle, and my uncle looked at the man...")...

The more I think about it, the more I really can acknowledge how these stories have shaped my own writing and storytelling. In fact, my short stories series, Stories from Colony Drive is named for the street I grew up on. The street on which my baby-sitter sneaked up on me with one of Stephen Gammell's brilliant illustrations in front of her face.

The stories kept me up at night, I'm not going to lie about that. I would sometimes lay in bed wondering if the creepy lady from The Dream was going to come out of my closet:

Yes, THIS creepy lady!

But what they also did was stir my imagination, and really get me thinking outside the box and start to challenge myself as a writer and a creative from a young age. It was the reason I began writing stories and wondering about the world around me. It was the beginning of me becoming someone who questions things and isn't afraid to.
Now, I look back on that fateful evening on Colony Drive with great fondness and I am thankful to my baby-sitter for getting the idea to scare the ever living crap out of me.

And, thanks to Alvin Schwartz and Stephen Gammell for awakening my and probably many others' imaginations. You guys rocked it. :)

Illustrations are by Stephen Gammell, from various stories from the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Trilogy.




Tiffany Apan is a critically acclaimed independent recording artist, a stage/film actress, author, and award-winning producer/writer. You can find more about her at her Official Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, and her production company website. She can also be found on IMDb and her music releases on CDBaby along with iTunes, Amazon, and other digital retailers. She also does freelance writing, and editing. Her own stories are available at Smashwords, Barnesand Noble NOOK, Amazon, and other retailers. Her novel series, The Birthrite Series, is also available in both ebook and paperback form. In addition, she is a contributor to Ravenous Monster Webzine.