My Say What Blog Archives - Page 24 of 53

Feb 27th Forged In Fire Champion Weston Paas

Weston at Hearts Fire Forge in Black Forest

Today I have something entirely different to share with you. Meet Weston Paas, Forged in Fire Champion. I had the opportunity to attend the watch party at Kilroy’s Workshop in Colorado Springs. My family and I are avid fans of Forged in Fire. To quote a famous bladesmith, “It’s a show on History Channel about fire, and sharp, pointy objects,” a few of our favorite things.

Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Weston and his journey to Forged In Fire Champion, Season 7, Episode 22.

Weston is a Bladesmith, Blacksmith, Ironworker and Welder born and raised in Aspen, Colorado, with a degree in business and hotel management. Now if that doesn’t beat all. He took a class in bladesmithing and was hooked. He owns Heart Fire Forge in Black Forest, Colorado. Weston is the most-down-to-earth, pleasant person you’d ever want to meet.

At the watch party there was a long table of delicious snacks and drinks set up in the reception area of Kilroy’s Workshop. In the main area chairs and a big screen TV were set up for the attendees viewing pleasure.

After the watch party Weston with his extra Zulu War Axe without the handle.

While we watched the episode, Weston would stop the program and tell us how it all really went down. It’s an exercise in hurry up and wait spending a lot of time in a tiny room. LOL Interviews snippets are done separate from the actually filming of the competition. After winning the second round, Weston was sent to his home forge in Colorado Springs to craft a Zulu War Axe in four days. At the same time his competitor was sent to his home forge not in Colorado to do the same. <Grin>

Ultimately, Weston’s Zulu War Axe won and he was named Forged in Fire Champion which came with a check for ten thousand dollars. Quoting Weston again. “Man I LOVE my job.” It’s his passion – his heart’s fire, thus the name of his company Heart’s Fire Forge. Can you blame him? How many of us can say that?

Well now that I brought it up, I can. Being an author is my dream job and my passion. Which brings me to my latest book CHARM ME AGAIN about a warlock who is a bladesmith and unwittingly discovers his anvil and hammer are magical instruments of the craft passed down without the story from an ancestor centuries ago. (I know you were wondering how I was going to get a pitch in for my books.) Hehe. Clever huh?

The difference between Weston and my character is Daylan forges magical swords, daggers used to slay evil demons and protect the innocent. Not sure Weston has ever met an evil demon (I forgot to ask), but…Weston’s swords and knives are a credit to his craftsmanship. He may need a little coaching in the magic department. (Yes he was warned there might be a comparison to my character. With raised eyebrows Weston laughed.) Funny I get that a lot.

If you are interested check out Forged in Fire, Season 7, Episode 22 you can find it on the internet. Also if you want a sword, blade or envision something unusual, check out Weston’s Heart’s Fire Forge webpage or facebook page. Give him a shout! Pssst… he also teaches his craft at Kilroy’s Workshop.

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged Blacksmith, Bladesmith, Charm Me Again, Forged in Fire Champion, Heart's Fire Forge, magic by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.

Feb 26th #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge – Favorite Memory – Sand Dunes

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 2-19-2020 My Favorite Memory & Why. Wow, had to think on that one for a bit. Has to be first my wedding day many moons ago. He is my soul mate. Next our adventure at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Please have a seat, grab a hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started.,

After giving it a lot of thought, I decided that My Favorite Memory was our wedding day. On that date I married my best friend, hero, and sole mate. Next our first dry camping trip in our new to us used fifth wheel years ago. We’d chosen a full hook up campsite at a KOA Campground in Southern Colorado for our maiden voyage. New to RVing, we wanted to try out everything, make sure it worked and we knew how to use it before embarking on a big adventure. It was a three day weekend. On Saturday, we thought we had a handle on everything and decided to venture to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. No services (water, electric or sewer). No problem,, our fifth wheel was self contained. We were lucky enough to find a space in the Sand Dunes National Park for our trailer. The Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It’s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The back-country Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife.

If you look close you can see our chow’s tail just behind my husband Bruce at the top of the dune. What a trip.

Walking across the sand beach before the Sand Dunes after braving the rushing creek waters.

Saturday night the clouds rolled in fast and furious. Thunder, Lighting and torrential rains beat down on our trailer. From the safety of our fifth wheel, we watched lighting streak across the sky then strike a huge pine tree across the road, turning it into a ball of fire. The couple who had pitched a tent a few yards in front of the tree, fled to the safety of their car. No on was hurt, thank goodness. The storm raged for what seemed like hours. Yes of course our dog chose this time to want to go outside. The answer was a resounding NO. Told her to hold it. About two in the morning, the storm was finally over and we opened the trailer door to take the pup for a walk. (Bless her heart she didn’t have a accident) The view outside was breathtaking. The freshly rain-washed mountain air was cool and crisp, but the star strewn Milky Way spread across the dark sky was unbelievably spectacular. I’ll never forget it. We’ve camped for twenty five years since then and never came across a view or experience quiet like that. We stood outside for a long time just taking in the scene before us.

Next morning the Park Rangers stopped at all the campsites to check on the campers. He told us that several tents had been destroyed. WOW! The normally dry Medano Creek was raging two and one-half feet high. We had to carry our dog across the raging waters to get to the Sand Dunes side that morning. Rain soaked sand is so much easier to walk in. LOL We hiked the dunes with our dog on a leash and parrot in a specially designed back pack. That was a trip to remember!

Taco our parrot visits with a little boy we met on a very wet hiking trail at the Sand Dunes the morning after the storm. I’m in the background. No Taco is not loose, she is in a parrot flight-suit and lanyard.

So there you have it, my favorite Memory & Why!

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting) so let’s see what other authors list as their Favorite Memory. L&SR

What is your favorite memory? Please list them in the comments.

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

I have a sweet treat for you. Charm Me is on sale for 99¢ for a limited time. Download a copy today and join the adventure. BUT I also have FREE audiobook codes! WooHoo. Let me know in the comments, if you’d like a code.

A little about CHARM ME –

Summer Dawn Rylie’s an extraordinary elemental witch whose troubled past haunts her. She’s created a calm life for herself teaching yoga and keeping people at a distance. Her life takes a one eighty degree turn when she enrolls in a women’s weapons class and meets ruggedly handsome Devlin Sawyer.

Devlin, a former Navy Seal, has sworn off women after two long-term failed relationships, but there is no denying his attraction to Summer. She intrigues him like no other woman ever has. Despite her attempts to ignore him, Summer is drawn to Devlin. His magic signature is strong, but he’s no warlock. Will Valentine’s Day magic find them a future together?

Award winning A MAGIC REDEMPTION is on sale for .99 cents for a limited time! Download your copy today and join the magical, time travel, fantasy adventure! A little about award winning magical, fantasy adventure

Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target. Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.

Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub. He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past. He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.

When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Thursday, February 27th, I have a special treat. I attended the watch party for the the winner of History Channel’s Forged in Fire Season 7, Episode 22, Weston Paas of Hearts Fire Forge in Colorado Springs. I’ll tell you all about it. You don’t want to miss this one.

Then next week, March 4th, we take a look at Characters Who Remind Me of Myself & Why. Boy that’s going to take some thought!

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 2-19-2020, A Magic Redemption, Charm Me, Great Sand Dunes National Park, hiking, My Favorite Memory & Why., RVIng, Storms, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 16 comments.

Feb 19th #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 2-19-2020 Types of Exercise I Enjoy.

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 2-19-2020 Types of Exercise I Enjoy. Wow, that’s a tough one. First of all I hate any type of exercise in a gym. I admit I’m forced to exercise in my home gym in inclement weather (Been a lot of that this year. As I write this we have 8 inches of snow and it’s still falling. But outdoors in decent weather is a different story. Sit down, grab a hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started.,

Okay here is a list of Types of Exercise I Enjoy in no particular order.

Kayaking, The serenity of the smooth lake water, the wildlife frolicking along the banks renews your spirit.

Hiking, the beauty of nature beckons on the mountain trails with twittering birds, scurrying squirrels, and graceful deer, elk or moose.

Biking zipping around on trails or streets in my neighborhood, wind in my hair, parrot in a specially designed back pack and dog in a trailer towed behind my bike, fun is had by all.

White Water Rafting, now that gets the Adrenalin flowing, heart pumping, and its an exhilarating experience.

Finally, the Neighborhood Walk, many a time I’ve worked out a plot problem, or a new story is born. Maybe even an additional sub-plot I didn’t know was needed. It’s relaxing and gets your heart pumping all at the same time, depending on your pace.

Most of the activities (except white-water rafting)are with my hubby, Mystic our dog and/or Taco our parrot.

Yep, that’s me in the background. Kayaking on Lake Powell. Hubby and Mystic in front

Can’t see me for the water but I’m the second from the front left side (orange helmet).

Hiking across the Sand Dunes, Colorado – Yeah, my shoes got wet in the river. Besides who doesn’t like the feel of warm sand between your toes?

Met these guys on a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.

I could go on and on, but the above will give you an idea of my preferences for exercise.

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom, so let’s see what other authors list as Exercise They Enjoy. L&SR

What are the types of exercise you enjoy? Please list them in the comments.

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

I have a sweet treat for you. Charm Me is on sale for 99¢ for a limited time. Download a copy today and join the adventure. BUT I also have FREE audiobook codes! WooHoo. Let me know in the comments, if you’d like a code.

A little about CHARM ME –

Summer Dawn Rylie’s an extraordinary elemental witch whose troubled past haunts her. She’s created a calm life for herself teaching yoga and keeping people at a distance. Her life takes a one eighty degree turn when she enrolls in a women’s weapons class and meets ruggedly handsome Devlin Sawyer.

Devlin, a former Navy Seal, has sworn off women after two long-term failed relationships, but there is no denying his attraction to Summer. She intrigues him like no other woman ever has. Despite her attempts to ignore him, Summer is drawn to Devlin. His magic signature is strong, but he’s no warlock. Will Valentine’s Day magic find them a future together?

Award winning A MAGIC REDEMPTION is on sale for .99 cents for a limited time! Download your copy today and join the magical, time travel, fantasy adventure! A little about award winning magical, fantasy adventure

Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target. Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.

Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub. He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past. He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.

When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate your efforts. Next week we take at My Favorite Memory and Why. Boy that’s going to take some thought! See you then.

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged A Magic Redemption, Biking, Charm Me, hiking, kayaking, Paranormal, Tena Stetler, White River Rafting by Tena Stetler with 28 comments.

Feb 12th #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 2-12-20 Books I Reread or Want to Reread

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 2-12-20 Books I Reread or Want to Reread. Wow, there are quite a few, but I’ll narrow them down. Sit down, grab a hot chocolate and heart shaped red-frosted sugar cookie. Lets get started.,

Okay here is a list of Books I Reread or Want to Reread in no particular order. I know you’ll recognize the titles and authors from prior blogs, but they are my favorites. I re-listen to them since they are all on audiobook.

TroubleMaker by Linda Howard – The part-time police chief of a small West Virginian mountain town, Isabeau “Bo” Maran finally has her life figured out. She’s got friends, a dog, and a little money in the bank. Then Morgan Yancy shows up on her doorstep. Bo doesn’t need a mysterious man in her life—especially a troublemaker as enticing and secretive as Morgan.

The Witness by Nora Roberts –The mystery of Abigail Lowery and her sharp mind, secretive nature and unromantic viewpoint intrigues local police chief Brooks Gleason, on both a personal and professional level. And while he suspects that Abigail needs protection from something, Gleason is accustomed to two-bit troublemakers, not the powerful and dangerous men who are about to have him in their sights.

How to Flirt With A Naked Werewolf, by Molly Harper. If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated. . . .

The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper – Generations of werewolves have been secretly residing in a secluded valley a stone’s throw from Grundy, Alaska. So when a snooping Outsider comes to Grundy to investigate rumors of lycanthropic shenanigans in the area, the valley’s pack alpha, Maggie Graham, resolves to chase him away, even if doing so takes a quick bite on the butt. What a pity that researcher Nick Thatcher turns out to be so drool-worthy, and that his kisses make Maggie want to sit up and beg.

How to Run With A Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper- On the run from an abusive relationship, she runs right into the arms of a protective werewolf. Life will never be the same.

The Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews (A ten book series).Mercenary Kate Daniels must risk all to protect everything she holds dear in this epic, can’t-miss entry in the thrilling #1 New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series.

I could go on and on, but the above will give you an idea of my preferences for books I reread. I like books with adventure, mystery and happily ever after.

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom, so let’s see what other authors list of Books to reread. L&SR

What are the books your reread or relisten to? Please list them in the comments.

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

I have a sweet Valentine treat for you. Charm Me is on sale for 99¢ for a limited time. Download a copy today and join the adventure.

A little about CHARM ME –

Summer Dawn Rylie’s an extraordinary elemental witch whose troubled past haunts her. She’s created a calm life for herself teaching yoga and keeping people at a distance. Her life takes a one eighty degree turn when she enrolls in a women’s weapons class and meets ruggedly handsome Devlin Sawyer.

Devlin, a former Navy Seal, has sworn off women after two long-term failed relationships, but there is no denying his attraction to Summer. She intrigues him like no other woman ever has. Despite her attempts to ignore him, Summer is drawn to Devlin. His magic signature is strong, but he’s no warlock. Will Valentine’s Day magic find them a future together?

Makes a great Valentine’s Day gift for someone special!

Award winning A MAGIC REDEMPTION is on sale for .99 cents for a limited time! Download your copy today and join the magical, time travel, fantasy adventure! A little about award winning magical, fantasy adventure

Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target. Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.

Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub. He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past. He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.

When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate your efforts. Next week we take a look at exercise I enjoy. Boy that’s going to take some thought! See you then and Happy Valentine’s Day!