Friday the 13th 2021, Here it Comes – Be Warned! #Writerslife
Friday the 13th
In a year of “what else can possibly go wrong?” August, Friday 13th, 2021 has arrived. As dawn’s early light swept in my bedroom window, I peeked from beneath the covers hesitantly wondering what the day would bring. Never being one to be overly superstitious, I found this feeling unnerving. The date associated with bad luck, black cats, towering ladders not to walk under, and scary happenings creates a perfect storm for the superstitious! I’m not one of those, at least I wasn’t, I long ago embraced Friday the thirteenth, and all things thirteen probably because it wasn’t done in my household.
My mom was the queen of superstitious. She avoided walking under ladders, tossed salt over her shoulder when she spilled some, never broke a mirror to my recollection, and would walk or drive blocks out of her way to avoid allowing a black cat to cross her path. Until that fateful day I brought home the cutest solid black kitten with the bluest eyes. Named him Panther after my high school mascot. He blessed us with his presence for twenty-two years. I miss that cat! He was my lucky charm.
The irrational fear of the number thirteen has been given a scientific name: “triskaidekaphobia”; and this the fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia, from the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή, meaning “Friday”), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς, meaning “thirteen”). Yeah it’s probably more than you wanted to know. LOL
Ever wonder what started this Frrday the 13th Fear?
Knights Templar
The predominant 20th-century theory suggests that it stemmed from an event that occurred on Friday, October 13, 1307, when thousands belonging to an influential religious military order called the Knights Templar (officially, the Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon) were arrested for blasphemy and other affronts at the command of France’s king, Philip IV. Many were later tortured, coerced into making false confessions, and executed.
When the knights were burned at the stake in Paris, the order’s leader, Jacque de Molay, cried out, “God knows who is wrong and has sinned. Soon, a calamity will occur to those who have condemned us to death.” The holy warrior’s curse and wrongful death put a hex on Friday the 13th through the ages.
Norse Mythology
Do you know the story of Loki? (No not Thor’s brother) At a dinner with 12 of the Norse gods, Loki was not invited. However, the trouble-maker showed up, fighting ensued, and one of the most popular gods (Baldur) was killed that day.
Now that I’m on a roll, got more Friday the 13th fun facts!
Wonder why the mere mention of 13 is considered unlucky? Look no further than Friday the 13th. Today, modern skyscrapers will often skip the 13th floor–going straight from 12 to 14. Similarly, airlines often avoid the number altogether for airplane rows and arrival gates.
Weddings dates, new job starts, going on a trip, or any other auspicious occasions are usually planned to avoid the 13th day of the month — especially Friday the 13th — to ensure good fortune.
The number 13 has been associated with bad luck since the time of Christ, when the Last Supper was attended by Jesus and his 12 apostles. Judas, who would ultimately betray Jesus, was believed to be the last and 13th member to arrive.
Famous people born on Friday the 13th include actors Christopher Plummer, Steve Buscemi, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, director Alfred Hitchcock and Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
Franklin Roosevelt had such an irrational fear of Friday the 13 that he would avoid traveling on Fridays.
For Stephen King, (the famous horror author) the number 13 is scary. Yep he has triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13). But when the date falls on a Friday, it’s horrifying. Such a double-whammy of fears has its own name: paraskevidekatriaphobia. Imagine that!
Jack the Ripper claimed his final victim on Friday the 13th in 1888.
Bet you didn’t know months that begin on a Sunday will always have a Friday the 13th. I kid you not,
To sprinkle a little good cheer on this Friday the 13th, heaven knows we need it, take a peek at A Witch’s Journey Series. There are twists, turns, elements of mystery but this is a story about magic, power, love, second chances, and redemption. Not to mention several 5-star reviews!!
In A Witch’s Journey, The McKay Magic is legendary. But when Pepper inherits the property little known secrets emerge.
A heart warming tale, A Witch’s Holiday Wedding, Pepper and Lathen are torn in too many directions, with a covert mission thrown in, will they make it to the alter?
As wildlife rehabilitator, Gwen and veterinarian, Brock at Salem Sanctuary discovery the consequences of Hidden Gypsy Magic, the series continues.
Join the magical adventures, pick up the series today! https://buff.ly/2p28qJU UK links https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tena-Stetler/e/B014E0PEPM
One more good thing about this Friday the 13th is the Paranormal Romantic’s Celebration. Come join in the fun, games, giveaways at Paranormal Romantic’s Fan FB Party.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog, My Say What Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, A Witch's Journey, A Witch's Journey Series, black cats, Friday the 13th, Hidden Gypsy Magic, ladders, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Tena Stetler, Time travel, Timetravel by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Halloween Spirit Hunt – Day Eighty-Five #Writerslife
Eighty-Five days until Halloween! Toil and Trouble are looking for the Halloween Spirit. Did you notice my Halloween count down calendar to the right?? I’ve something a bit different for you this year. No, it’s never to early for All Hallows Eve! Halloween is my favorite time of year. Cooler weather, sight and sound of colorful leaves falling or crunching under foot. The smell of fall in the air, pumpkins and pumpkin flavored everything!! Love it! Also Halloween is the only day you can be anyone or anything you want and no one will say a word. Don’t forget it’s the day the veil between the living and the dead is the thinnest!
Yes, I know it’s the sixth of August, which means, I can continue my annual countdown until Halloween. To help me this year are Toil (Unicorn) and Trouble (dragon) they are in search of the Halloween Spirit. Here they are searching the hallows of the spilt leaf sumac growing above the rock wall, No spirit there. LOL
Their friend, Dave (Skeleton), from Texas (thank you Jessica) has decided to mow the lawn in case there are any clues to uncover. He has trouble with what day it is as well. 85 days Dave!
He came up empty handed too.
Each week, on Friday, there will be new pictures of where Toil and Trouble are searching and how Dave is helping. In the month of October I’ll list the most haunted cities in America. A visit to haunted places in Colorado, my own stomping ground, Spooktacular tips to keep your pet safe this Halloween season. Do you suffer from Samhainopobia? I’ll tell you. These are just to name a few. Please check back!
Only 85 days until Halloween, AND a Friday the 13th in August to boot! Bwwwaaaaaaaaaa!!!! Oh, hey over at Paranormal Romantics FaceBook Page, we are having a Friday the 13th Celebration. Games, prizes, giveaways, don’t miss out! See you there.
Plus a Halloween themed book from my collection will be featured each week: You do know I write paranormal romance/mystery. Right? This week, let me tell you a little about A Witch’s Journey! It is the first book of the award winning series by the same name.
Former Navy Seal, Lathen Quartz helps Pepper, a powerful witch, achieve her life-long dream of a wild life rescue, but can they save the McKay magic!
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?
Peek between the pages of A Witch’s Journey & their Halloween Festival or Curse!
Lathen put his hand on her shoulder. “Where’d you go? Been sitting there, knife extended above the pumpkin, for fifteen minutes. Are you going to carve it or just threaten it?” He guffawed and wrapped his large callused hand around hers holding the knife, brought it to the pumpkin, and made carving motions, then tried to hand her an erasable marker. “Try using this first.”
She pushed his hand away and frowned at him. “Oh, stop it. I was thinking about this evening after the celebration. I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
“It won’t. We have a solid plan and several powerful witches to bring it to fruition. So relax and enjoy the festivities of your favorite holiday. But the decorations will be lacking if you don’t get to carving. We need twenty-five jack-o-lanterns, by your own count, for the gazebo and surrounding area tables in the town square. I have the candles and holders for each right here.” As he swung the bag in front of Pepper, the tinkling sound of glass clinking together had her frowning.
See you back here next Friday! You won’t believe where Toil and Trouble wound up. Until then enjoy the warm weather, fall is coming bringing with it Halloween Spirit! Yippee!! Now all we have to do is find it!
Views: 69
Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, Countdown Spirit, Halloween, magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Skeleton, Tena Stetler, Urban Fantasy, Witches by Tena Stetler with 9 comments.
Summer Beach Bash from Romance-Chicks
In a week of exciting things happening, I am attending the ROMANCE CHICKS SUMMER BEACH BASH tomorrow, August 5 on their facebook page. AND you’re invited!!!Views: 8
Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged August 5, contests, Fun for all, Giveaways, Romance CHicks, Summer Beach Bass by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Halloween Spirit Search – 90 Day Countdown
I’ve something a bit different for you this year. No, it’s never to early for All Hallows Eve! Halloween is my favorite time of year. Cooler weather, sight and sound of colorful leaves falling or crunching under foot. The smell of fall in the air, pumpkins and pumpkin flavored everything!! Love it! Also Halloween is the only day you can be anyone or anything you want and no one will say a word. Don’t forget it’s the day the veil between the living and the dead is the thinnest!
Toil and Trouble Search for the Spirit of Halloween
Yes, I know it’s the first of August, which means, finally, I can start my annual ninety day countdown until Halloween. To help me this year are Toil (Unicorn) and Trouble (dragon) they are in search of the Halloween Spirit. Here they are searching the pumpkin patch in front of our house, No spirit or pumpkins yet. LOL
Their friend, Dave (Skeleton), from Texas (thank you Jessica) had a bit of a problem with the power tools.
Forgot his personal protective equipment. Not good!
Each week, on Friday, there will be new pictures of where Toil and Trouble are searching and how Dave is helping. In the month of October I’ll list the most haunted cities in America. A visit to haunted places in Colorado, my own stomping ground, Spooktacular tips to keep your pet safe this Halloween season. Do you suffer from Samhainopobia? I’ll tell you. These are just to name a few. Please check back!
Only 90 days until Halloween, AND a Friday the 13th in August to boot! Bwwwaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
Plus a Halloween themed book from my collection will be featured each week: You do know I write paranormal romance/mystery. Right? This week, HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC!
Discover the consequences of awakening Hidden Gypsy Magic!
The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.
The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.
Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs
Peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic & their Halloween Party or Curse!
“It feels like all the air is being sucked out of this room.” His brother’s face turned ashen white as Beth’s ghostly form took shape in the center of the room.
Brock moved to the little group gathered and glanced at the grandfather clock standing in the hallway. Fifteen minutes until midnight. The witching hour on All Hallows Eve. A nervous chuckle rose up in his throat. How cliche. His brother would be a believer after this night.
He cleared his throat and wrapped an arm around Gwen’s waist. “Can we help you, Beth?” Misfit’s howling could be heard clearly from the upstairs bedroom.
“No, but I hope we can help you.” Ghost Beth glanced back at the painting and sadly shook her head. “The ghost of Judge John Hathorne stands outside ready to curse or worse all those involved in sullying his reputation. The house stands between all of you…protecting—” The ghost’s hand and arm made a sweeping motion toward their group, “— against his magic ability.”
A soft almost hysterical giggle burst from Gwen. “Doesn’t he know that by his actions this night, he has not only outed himself but proved the rumors and article are true?”
“I don’t believe he’s considered that point.” Beth’s ghostly grim face twitched into a half-smile. “He’s bent on revenge, but apparently had trouble passing through the veil this evening.” She pointed to the clock and then laid a finger on her lips.
See you back here next Friday! Until then enjoy the warm weather, fall is coming bringing with it Halloween! Yippee!!
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged Halloween Countdown, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Searching for the Halloween Spirit, Spoolalicious, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
