Walter, The Ghost of the Retlaw Hotel How the Life and Legacy of a Brother Lives On It is prudent to remember that our time on this Earth is finite. That we ought to be diligent in improving ourselves in order to contribute to the life of those who surround us. Today I introduce you to Bro. Walter Schroeder, a man who decades after his death is giving people something to talk about. On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, I share a portion of the life of Bro. Walter, a Businessman, Civic Leader, Philanthropist and… Ghost? Is there a Ghost haunting the Retlaw Hotel? On this special episode of The Winding Stairs, I have the pleasure of presenting to you a Brother who, by living a life of industry, was able to create a fortune and build something of which we are still in awe. You will gain a better understanding about who was Walter Schroeder and will hear about the stories being told about his restless spirit. Some people believe that Walter still visits some of the buildings that are part of his Legacy. Mainly, the Retlaw Plaza Hotel in Fond Du Lac, WI. It only takes a quick search on the internet to find the stories that have immortalized this man. When I look at his life history, I am amazed at how much he was able to accomplish. Among his achievements you will find: Reporter Hotelier Philantropist Freemason Ghost? Yes, you read that right... Ghost! Many people claim that when you visit the Retlaw Plaza Hotel, you have a good chance of experiencing the supernatural. Listen to the details in this episode of The Winding Stairs. Links Mentioned in this episode:  Retlaw Plaza Hotel, Fond Du Lac, WI Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center | The Schroeder Lounge Walter Schroeder YMCA Aquatic Center, If you are looking for Masonic Fundraiser ideas for your Lodge or Appendant Body, visit MasonicFundraiser.com to sign up FREE for our exclusive fundraiser program. Download our Free Book, Masonic Light Resource Report Do you want to be among the first to be notified when my New Book is released, click here to sign up for my email newsletter. View our latest artwork titled "Light of Wisdom", which is dedicated to Past Masters and would make a great gift. Visit FreemasonryArt.com This Episode of The Winding Stairs was brought to you by MasonicFundraiser.com   What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think that these type of paranormal events are possible? Have you experienced something you can't explain? Let us know in the comment section below. Thank you for participating.

Unfinished Books Do you have a collection of books which you have not finished reading? Does it almost feel like that stack of books is calling out to you to finish reading them? That's how I feel too. On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, I share with you 5 tips to go through that stack of unfinished books and increase the number of them that you actually finish. Of course, there are books which are better skimmed or used as reference books. Those you don't have to finish, but there might be a few others which are begging to become a part of your intellect. "If we encounter a man of great intellect, we must ask him what books he reads." -Ralph Waldo Emerson Often times books contain all the fuel we need to keep our intellect burning. In books we may find the solutions to our most pressing challenges. Yet, even when we know how beneficial it can be to make progress through that growing stack of books, we sometimes just ignore those tomes. On this episode of The Winding Stairs, I share with you 5 Tips to Tackle Those Unfinished Books Assign Priorities Block Out Time Don't Read Alone Make Reading Tempting Mark it! I have found these tips to be actionable and helpful for anyone who has lost control of their reading material. Take them and implement them in your new-found determination to go through those books. I will be doing the same here; trying to gain control once again over what I read, how often and how I do it. Won't you join me in this effort to make good use of these valuable resources that surround us. This Post is Brought to you by Are you prepared to enter The Chamber? Save the date: 12 - 13 - 14 What is The Chamber? The Chamber is one of the biggest and most exciting projects that The Winding Stairs has been involved in. Only a select few will gain access to The Chamber. Will you be one? To receive an invitation to the special unveiling event of The Chamber, click on the image below and sign up to receive email updates from The Winding Stairs. Sign up now, before the doors closes for everyone. Let us know what will you be reading next? Do you need any suggestion for books to add to your stack begin reading? Share your thoughts with us and join us in this journey of enlightenment.

Lessons from My Mother Chipping at The Stone I have to admit that I was very fortunate to have the Mother I had. She was very wise and charismatic. She was very talented and inspiring. I owe a lot to her for the Man I turned out to be and I hope that I am able to make her proud with the decisions I make in my life. I was very fortunate to spend the time I did with her before she was taken away too soon by Breast Cancer. I recorded this episode on October 10th, which would have been her Birthday. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and while I recorded, I didn't want to remember Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a somber and depressing way. Instead, I wanted to remember some great lessons that she imparted on me. You will find parallels from her lessons, which those included in Freemasonry. As you listen to this episode of The Winding Stairs, I hope that you are able to get to know a little more about the kind of Woman my mother was and how her efforts helped me want to become a better Man. In this episode we discuss: Industry: How having an industrious disposition can help you achieve many things. Perseverance: How when we focus on our goals and use obstacles as motivators, we can surpass our expectations. Trust in God: In our journey through life, our trust in God is what fuels our industry and solidifies our perseverance. This episode of The Winding Stairs is made possible by FreemasonryArt.com Here is an example of some of the work you will find at FreemasonryArt.com. The official store of The Winding Stairs and your source for Masonic Art and Hand-Painted Aprons.   What lessons did you receive from your parents, which helped you become who you are today?