Halloween Spirit Hunt – Sixty-Four Days
Halloween only Sixty-four days left! Can you believe it? Toil and Trouble are looking for the Halloween Spirit. Isn’t the Halloween count down calendar to the right cute?? I’ve something a bit different for you this year count down to Halloween with a search for the Halloween Spirit.
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 27th of August, a stifling 94 degrees which means, I continue my annual countdown until Halloween and should cool things off. One can hope! To help me this year are skeletons, Toil (Unicorn) and Trouble (dragon) they are in search of the Halloween Spirit. This week they crawled up on the truck and found a two pound bag of candy corn. My favorite Halloween treat. Do you have a favorite Halloween treat? Tell me what it is in the comments below. Not much candy corn left when they where done. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the Halloween Spirit. Darn it! So the search continues.
Their friend, Dave (Skeleton), from Texas (thank you Jessica) has commandeered a humane (Matt) to help in the search. They covered a lot of ground on the bike but no Halloween spirit in sight. He still has trouble with what day it is as well. sixty-four days Dave!
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 beside their search for the Halloween Spirit, Toil, Trouble and Dave will help me 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 later. These are just to name a few. Please check back!
Only sixty-four days until Halloween! 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, let me tell you a little about Mystic Maples, part of the Deerbourne Inn Series. So hurry grab your copy and join the #fantasy #adventure! You won’t believe what happens at the Halloween Party! When Mercy discovers the truth, Silvanus’ well-ordered life unravels and they’re catapulted into the past to right a wrong.
A little about A Witch’s Journey:
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?
A sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Journey!
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. And Dave got trashed! 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: 64
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, A Witch's Journey Series, Halloween, magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Spirit of Halloween, Tena Stetler, Urban Fantasy, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
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.
Views: 295
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: 958
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.
#Wednesday’s Blog Challenge-Last Place I Traveled to & Why
Welcome to #L&SR’sJuly 1, 2020 – The last place I traveled to & why! This one is a no brainer! Please have a seat, grab an iced tea or lemonade out of the cooler. Be sure and try a chocolate chip or peanut butter cookie. 
This week’s topic is easy peazy. So here we go.
Where: Over Memorial Day Weekend, we packed up the fifth wheel, Taco, our parrot, Mystic our dog, and Sammie our box turtle and headed to Cheyenne Mountain State Park. It’s not far from our home, but a first safe camping trip of the season giving Colorado’s propensity to drop between five to ten inches of snow over the holiday weekend. But this year, a beautiful weekend! Yippee!
Why: Because it’s camping season, that’s really all the reason you need. But…if you must have other reasons: Get away from the city. Rest, relax and recharge. Wildlife watching. Great hiking trails that allow dogs. No honey do list. Great excuse to lounge outside and read! Otherwise, there’s not much reading time when you are an author with deadlines.
Mystic standing guard in front of the fifth wheel trailer.
Taco decided camping is hard work, thusly requires a nap.
Sammie the explorer!
So there you have it, the last place I traveled to & why. How about you? What’s the last place you traveled to & why?
Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom with final galley on my upcoming release HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC, and Chocolate Raspberry Magic is in edits, and on a new WIP sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series(very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as the last place they traveled to and why. L&SR
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
School’s out. Looking an exciting read to whisk you away from your ordinary world into a magical, fantasy adventure ? Got just the thing. A Witch’s Journey. – 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 amid a 4th of July festival they’ll never forget?
Click on cover to read more or purchase!
A bit about A Witch’s Journey on sale for 99 cents! At dusk, the mist rolled in, but it didn’t dampen the revelers’ enthusiasm. Pepper and Lathen followed the crowd over to the harbor where several boats were lined up and decorated with different kinds of patriotic colored lights. A variety of bulbs burned steady, while others flashed, chased, and twinkled. One pleasure craft had a flag draped over the bow made up of red, white, and blue lights that blinked in time to “The Star Spangled Banner” playing in the background.
After casting votes for the best display, they returned to Lathen’s pickup and drove the short distance to the Sea Crest Inn, where everyone gathered for an ice cream social to benefit local charities. Local bands presented the entertainment for the evening. Music ranged from country to rock and roll, and even a group that did a respectable job on the 1812 Overture as the spectacular fireworks display exploded in the night sky.
A cold shiver ran up her spine as goose bumps crept up her arms. Pepper reached down to untie her sweater from her waist, and someone grabbed her around the middle and covered her mouth with a hand. Excruciating pain exploded through her temples. Instinctively, she sank her front teeth into the palm of the hand covering her mouth.
Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, July 8, can you believe it already? Anyway the topic is A project or hobby of mine inspired by a book! Oh that should be fun.
Views: 482
Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge, A Witch's Journey, Lobster Cove, Maine, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 26 comments.
