Our Golden Triangle is a lovely place to live. This is probably why so many who grow up here never leave. We also have people who were stationed at Columbus Air Force Base, and who choose to return when they retire. If you are one of these, I do not have to sell you on the area.
However, some residents are transplants. The accidental Mississippian may have come for work or school, or (God forbid) a natural disaster that destroyed their home. No matter how they arrived, there is often a rather dramatic culture shock from the transition.
Both Columbus and Starkville have active “newcomers” clubs for those who have relocated here. They are so popular that members remain in them long after they have comfortably settled into this alternate state of mind that is Mississippi.
One of our newer residents is a fascinating woman named Suzan Adams. She has recently moved to Columbus with her husband, Patrick Donovan, an executive with the Physicians and Surgeons Group in Columbus and Amory.
Suzan is a stunning redhead who was born in England and spent most of her childhood in Canada. She was in the U.S. Navy and was one of the first women to be combat trained. She has two degrees and taught English for many years.
Her past includes up-close and personal experiences with the paranormal. Suzan knows when spirits are around.
“The paranormal has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” she told me. “I was plagued by horrific night terrors as a child, and at 11 I had a terrifying poltergeist experience which haunted me into adulthood.”
I was quite impressed to learn that Suzan has actually met Ed and Lorraine Warren, a married couple who have been considered America’s preeminent experts on the subject of spirits and demonology for over 50 years! Lorraine read Suzan’s aura, and declared her an “old soul.”
I also learned from her that it is a good idea to do a spiritual cleansing whenever one moves into a new residence. There are many ways to do this. Hers involves using white salt (yes, there are other colors of salt, including black), and opening all the windows so that the pesky spirits can escape.
This certainly seems like a good idea. Unless you are moving into a newly constructed home, there will be residual energy from previous tenants. Of course, we hope they have left us some good ambiance. But a cleansing of any sort cannot hurt.
These days she has been designing custom one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces for some lucky ladies. In October Suzan will teach a jewelry-making class at the Rosenzweig Arts Center. Classes are limited, so check for availability.
It is so much fun to meet some “spirits” who are new to town. Let’s hope that they like this area as much as we all do.
Adele Elliott, a New Orleans native, moved to Columbus after Hurricane Katrina.
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