Chicken Salad and Ghosts

This book is partially an autobiography and part female mystery adaptation. But first, let me introduce myself: I am Nonni in this book. As I am writing this, I can hardly believe it's been over thirty years since the depicted events took place. You may not believe in ghosts, and I am not documenting these experiences to convince you. I'm simply writing this book because, when reflecting on these memories in my life, thought they were worth sharing with others, both believers and nonbelievers. Back in the seventies I owned a shop in the basement of a three-story, early 1900s house for three years. Though the area was quite small, I managed to keep it well stocked with hand crafted items representing over one hundred consignors. Above my business was the two-story house that functioned as an antique store. As the strange events began taking place, and then increased in frequency, Cookie, who owned the antique store, and I assumed that someone was playing pranks on us. What other explanation could there be? But that was until we began sharing our experiences with other shop owners and found that they, too, had stories to share.

Melanie's Bio Melanie was a nurse for thirty years, but ventured down a different path in 1976 when hearing a small consignment shop was for sale. While she expected some challenges in the new business environment, she never anticipated that ghosts would be amongst them. Though Melanie's time as a small business owner was brief, the playful antics of a resident ghost changed her life forever. After just three years, she was obliged to return to her nursing career because of financial responsibilities. She expanded her knowledge base by taking several critical care classes and joined a CCU team. She found cardiac nursing to be challenging, yet fulfilling, and appreciated the opportunity to work so closely with the talented cardiologists and inspiring nursing staff in this area. Because of her physical limitations, Melanie found it necessary to leave the CCU after ten years, & found new fulfillment in an addictions unit, where she continued to nurse for eleven years. Her husband's illness in 1996 forced an early retirement, which eventually led to a move to Tampa, FL, with her daughter, Cherish. While reminiscing about her life experiences, she was inspired to record the ghostly encounters for her daughter. Melanie found so much joy in the memories and writing that she decided to spread her creative wings once again and expand the experiences into a fictional novel.

Keywords: Women's Mystery, Supernatural, Ghosts, Paranormal, Chicken Salad, Friends"