Christmas – My Favorite Things About the Holidays
With the holiday season in full swing, Thought I’d mention a few of my favorite things. I love Halloween, it’s by far my favorite holiday and decorate for the All Hallows Eve almost as much as I do for Christmas, which comes in a close second. Did I mention, I LOVE to decorate! LOL At Thanksgiving the aroma of turkey, candied sweet potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie made the house smell so inviting. My mouth waters just thinking about it. But Christmas…well… Bright lights adorning neighborhoods, Christmas Carols playing in the malls, and Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays on everyone’s lips makes the holiday season special. Here’s what makes my family’s holiday special.
1. Decorations. First of all, we start decorating the Friday after Thanksgiving. First the outside decorations go up. Then the tree, it’s lights, especially the bubble lights they are mesmerizing to watch. Several years ago, I brought the cutest colorful lifesaver shaped garland that I wind up the stairway banister. The tiny Precious Moments nativity is one I found years ago, along with Sam’s town, the soft lights from their windows are my 
parrots night light during the holidays. 
2. Food. Christmas is turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, rolls, candied yams and pumpkin pie swirled in whipped cream. Yummmm! The leftovers are even better. Sometimes we freeze the turkey leftovers and weeks or even a month later, yummy turkey sandwiches are wonderful. I’ll be putting one of those sandwiches together for lunch today. Left overs from Thanksgiving. LOL
3. Music. While we decorate the tree, we play a wide variety of Christmas Carols from the traditional to Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. The carols are sung by rock and roll artists, county western or classical renditions. It has been a family traditional as long as I can remember. We reminisce where the beloved tree decorations passed down generation to generation originated and the funny stories each spark.
4. Movies. It’s officially the Christmas season when we watch Miracle on 31st Street and How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carey. He is such a hoot. Then its Scrooged with Bill Murray. Afterward most nights we enjoy watching the variety of Christmas movies collected. Yep, get my Christmas movie fix. Then of course there is always the Hallmark channel heart felt Christmas movie magic.
5. Christmas Light Looking. It isn’t Christmas without getting in the SUV and driving through town admiring everyone’s decorations. Some lighting displays are synchronized with popular holiday music wafting through the crisp night air as you drive by. It’s beautiful and we enjoy it every year with a mug of hot chocolate and Christmas cookies we pack with us for the drive.
6. Family and Friends. The best part of the holidays is connecting with family and friends, whether it’s a long over-due phone call to catch up or a board game with friends. Years ago, I started writing a Christmas letter with our family’s actives for the year, complete with pictures. Since then it’s become a tradition. Friends and family look forward to that letter and make sure updated address are in my hands by Thanksgiving. There have been scary times, happy times, sad and in-between times, but keeping in touch seems to help everyone weather the preverbal storms. It’s been a rough year for many.
One last favorite thing of mine is to curl up in front of a crackling fireplace with a good book and a mug of homemade hot chocolate. Speaking of good books, have a look a couple of feel good books and a holiday tale, Only 99cents each. Lets start with A DEMON’S WITCH The adventures of Bruce, Angie and friends are an entertaining escape from the ordinary world. Be swept away into a magical romantic fantasy adventures, you’ll never want to leave. These spicy tales have it all intrigue, humor, thrills, danger and a splash of magic to keep you on the edge of your seat. and the heartwarming holiday story A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING. Tales of redemption, magic, wildlife rescue, true love and paying it forward will leave you breathless. A Witch’s Journey and the sequel A Witch’s Holiday Wedding.
If you already have these, you are going to want to check out CHARM ME AGAIN audiobook. Two families long divided brought together through love and understanding. But there’s more, breaking the curse is only the first step to forever.
New on audiobook, HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC. The consequences of awakening hidden gypsy magic could forever alter life as they know it! A trip to the past added a twist to the Salem Witch Trials. Be sure and take a listen.
So there you have it, a few of my favorite things along with a few gift ideas. What are yours favorite things?
With that, I’ll wish you all Love and Laughter. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Got any resolutions? Come on, you know you do. LOL What do you plan to change and what do you hope to see in 2021? I look forward to hearing from you! See you next year. I know it’s an old cliché, but couldn’t help myself!
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged A Demon's Witch, A Witch's Holiday Wedding, Charm Me Again, family, Favorite Things About Christmas, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
The Finish Line by Leslie Scott
Happy holidays to all! Give a big welcome to Leslie Scott, author of The Finish Line available for pre-order, release date 12/11/17. Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Lets see what The Finish Line is all about. Thanks for joining us Leslie and I see you brought guests!
Yes, this is Jordan Slater and Raelynn Casey from The Finish Line.
Wonderful. (rubs her hand together gleefully) Always glad to have fresh blood… ahh… guests.
Jordan, Tell us about the real you— What you see is what you get. I love my family (my friends), I love cars and racing, I say what I mean and I mean what I say.
What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you? When my grandfather took me in when I was a kid, showed me that family is what you make it, not who you’re born to. Real family is worth protecting, no matter the cost.
What do you most value? A win.
What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with? The sort of woman who knows the difference between a turbo and a pro-charger, doesn’t mind waking up in the middle of the night for a street race, and blues eyes and a dimple doesn’t hurt.
What do you consider most important in life? Family. The people you surround yourself with are the most important thing you can have.
What is your biggest secret? If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret, would it?
You wouldn’t believe how many times I get that answer. But I still consider it cheating! LOL
Hi, Raelynn Casey, great to have you on Authors’ Secrets.
Tell us about yourself. Who are you really? I think I’m afraid to know who I really am. That if I look in those dark corners, around all the mistakes and pain, I won’t like what I see.
Who were the biggest role models in your life? My parents. They are honest, hard-working, good people. Even if Jordan thinks they are carbon copies of the Cleavers, they are special to me.
What kind of man do you want to spend the rest of your life with? There isn’t a “type” of man I want to spend the rest of my life with. There has and will always be, one man I want to spend the rest of my life with. It’s Jordan Slater or nothing for me. Now, I just have to convince him that our love is worth fighting for.
What kind of man would you never choose? I actually chose, once, the man that fit this description and it didn’t bode well for me. Just because a guy is all shine and polish, says all the right things, doesn’t mean he’s better than the street racer with grease under his nails.
What is most important to you in life? My family, my friends, and the love that binds us all.
What is your biggest fear? Growing old without Jordan, watching him have a family with someone else.
Leslie, Tell us a little about writing this story. Was it fun or difficult? Do your characters always act as you expect? Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants?
Writing in general, is always fun for me, literally my favorite thing to do. There were parts of this novel that were incredibly difficult to write, because I’d become so invested in Raelynn and Jordan, in their community of family. When you have to write things that cause that family to crack, even break in some instances, it’s like a punch in the chest.
But, finishing? Taking Raelynn and Jordan to their happily ever after? That was a total rush. The feeling of accomplishment was exhilarating. They became a part of me and will always be, that’s one of the reasons I decided to make The Finish Line the first novel in a series. I love this town, the people in it, and the stories they have to tell. I hope your readers do as well.
Give us an insight into The Finish Line.
Another night at the races is more than burnt rubber with a hit of nitrous. For one young woman, it’s navigating trauma, love, and loss in the stifling Texas heat under the watchful gaze of her brother’s best friend and reigning King of the Streets, Jordan Slater. Home in Arkadia again, Raelynn Casey starts to heal from a terrible incident at college. She finds love in Jordan, a member of her brother’s circle of racing buddies. When another in the racing circle, the guy who took her to her high school prom, exposes his feelings for Raelynn, tragedy erupts like a tank of race fuel. Guilt, remorse, and pain must be overcome before Raelynn and Jordan can race to The Finish Line.
A Peek Between the Pages of The Finish Line!
The night was an off night for everyone, Jordan’s time slips proved it. Not that he’d ever been a huge fan of testing at the track. We were all on edge, all worried about Devin and my sister. Nobody’s head was in the game.
“It’s a street car, meant to be raced on the street,” Jordan grumbled as he sat in the car with a laptop propped on his knees.
“There’s some rubber on it man, the street can’t get
any better,” Vic argued.
It wasn’t the surface or the car that was the problem. It was the driver. The look Aiden shot me over the roof of the car was in agreement. Jordan hadn’t been right since we’d got word that Devin was testing almost a hundred miles away to avoid us. Devin had never tested without Jordan before and it weighed heavily on him.
“Hey.” I leaned in the open door. “You all right?”
He glanced at me before pulling off the hat and rubbing his head. “No, not really.”
I closed the distance between us and pressed my lips against his. My kiss was soft and meant to be fleeting, but he pulled me close and held me there. Jordan took his time with it, as if he were committing every part of my mouth to memory.
“Cut it out!” Aiden called from the other side of the car. “You can’t kiss my sister in front of me. It’s weird.”
Jordan’s response was to kiss me again, this time slower, more lingering, and with a considerable bit more tongue than before.
Aiden groaned and tossed a wrench, loudly, into a
tool box.
“I’m with him, it’s going to take some getting used to,” Vic commiserated.
Jordan eyed me in an almost predatory fashion as I moved out of the car so I didn’t offend my brother’s sensibilities. “You’re gonna have to get used to it. I like kissing your sister, Aiden.”
Available for pre-order now, release date December 11, 2017.
The Finish Line, Paperback http://bit.ly/2isnD4u
The Finish Line, Nook http://bit.ly/2A88mjH
The Finish Line, Kindle http://amzn.to/2A875ZX
More about the Author:
Leslie Scott thrives in the middle of chaos. Not because she home schools her son and rides herd over the family’s zoo of indoor pets or listens to her soul mate wax poetically about all things car and related. Oh, no. That’s nothing. The real chaos is the characters in her mind, elbowing and tripping each other to get to the front of the line so they can be the next romantic couple in one of her stories. Her family is her passion. Writing romance is her dream.
Readers can find Leslie on my
website: lesliescottromance.com,
Twitter @leslieSwrites,
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lesliescottwrites.
She’s really active on twitter/facebook and would love to hear from readers!
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with The Finish Line!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Contemporary, family, Leslie Scott, Racing, Romance, The Finish Line by Tena Stetler with 10 comments.
Things to be Thankful For – Thankful Author Tena Stetler
What am I thankful for? This year has been a year of discovery for me and I am thankful. I’ve discovered that watching the news is not necessarily a good thing. Terrorists, bombs, wild fires, floods, hurricanes (3 back to back) Whew!
I’m thankful, of course, for the roof over my head, food in my cupboards as well as family and friends. That goes without saying, but I’ll put it out there anyway!
Recently I rented a booth at the Body, Mind & Spirit Expo (metaphysical fair) in Colorado Springs to expand my readership. With this came the opportunity to give a forty-five minute lecture. I chose to talk about why the world needs romance and why I write it. It had been decades since I stood up in front of an audience and spoke. I’m thankful I made it through the speech mostly unscathed.
I’m also thankful I reached a lot of readers that were interested in my genre of books and I was the only author at the Expo. How cool is that? Witches, Demons, Shapeshifters, Angels and Vampires were right up their alley. The people attending the expo ranged from teens to elderly, all genders. In the three day expo, I’d broadened my audience exponentially and had a wonderful time to boot. I will be returning next year!
I’m extremely thankful to be living my dream. A dream made possible by my supportive, extraordinary husband of many moons, and The Wild Rose Press, my amazing publisher. My editor, well, let’s just say…she rocks! I’m thankful for the helpful, supportive authors of The Wild Rose Press! They are always willing to pick you up when you’re down and do the happy dance over your successes. Bless the hearts of my wonderful readers, I am so thankful for them!
Finally, a day never passes without my thanks to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces whose dedication keeps our great nation free. (Comes from living in a military town all my life & marrying a soldier.) We are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may not agree with me, but that’s what is great about this nation. You don’t have to. I’m entitled to my own opinion, as are you. I can write books on any topic I choose without fear of a midnight knock on my door or being carted away. Unless of course our characters come to life, then we are all in trouble. ROFLOL
While I have a lot more to be thankful for, those are the biggies. I wish you all love, laughter, romance and a Happy Thanksgiving!
Little About A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance, Release date November 29, 2017
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unravelling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
A Peek Between the Pages of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance – A different vampire tale.
The sun slid behind the mountains, 
setting the azure sky ablaze in hues of red, orange, yellow, and pink. Then red shifted to purple and dusk faded to darkness as he jogged toward the trails. She stood leaning against the rock where he had started his run last night. He’d tried to convince himself to stay away, but in the end, the urge was too strong.
In a whisper of movement, he was at her side with his hand on the rock just above her shoulder. “Waiting for someone? Brandy, is it?” The scent of warm, perfumed female skin wafted over him as he leaned into her.
“It took you long enough, Mr. Talltree.” Her full lips formed a slight pout as she lifted her chin and tilted her face up to meet his. “Nice to see you again.”
There was no hesitation or apprehension in her lovely features as he moved closer, placing his other hand next to her left shoulder, effectively pinning her against the rock. He wanted to wrap his arms around her lithe, warm body and brush his lips over her sexy pout. But he thought better of it, not wanting to scare her off…not yet.
“Yes, it is.” He let his gaze wander leisurely up and down her luscious body. “Didn’t your mother warn you about the dangers of stalking a stranger at night in the park alone?”
Available at
Amazon Amazon UK , Amazon AU, itunes and Barnes & Noble.
Release date November 29, 2017! Just in time for Christmas. Reserve your copy today!
Bio:
Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance and cozy mystery author with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, Tena sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures telling her their tales. Colorado is her home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle.
Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them.
Contact Information:
One last think I am Thankful for, Everyone that has enjoyed my blogs this year and hope you’ll continue into the new year!!! Have a Happy Thanks Giving!! Eat lots of turkey and pumpkin pie then take a walk around your neighborhood.
**This post was originally part of Angela Hayes’ Thankful Author Series. If you’d like to read more of the fun and interesting Thankful Author’s Series click on the link.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged family, Friends, Military, Romance, Thankful, Thanksgiving, writing by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Welcome Author Dee Gatrell
Happy Holidays to all! Looking for Holiday/Christmas reads? Give a big welcome to Dee Gatrell, author of Sweet Sunset releasing December 16, 2016! It’s
available for pre-order at Amazon. So get settled in, grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot coco, hot cider and coffee choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick a Snicker-doodle and gingerbread cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Let’s find out a little about Dee and what she refers to as her dysfunctional family book. But up first, Zack the hero in Sweet Sunset. Thanks for joining us Zack?
Well, I wouldn’t call me a hero, just an average guy looking for someone special.
Zack, tell us about the real you.
What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you?
Two of my college buddies were robbed and murdered by two thugs.
Wow, that would make an impression. Did that event change your outlook on life, or your values?
“Change, I wouldn’t say that, but it made me realize how important my family is to me.”
What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?
“I was married to one who liked to rule me. She passed away. Since meeting Myrtle Sue, I realized how much I enjoy her company. She’s zany, sharp witted, and loves deeply.”
What do you consider most important in life?
Helping others. That is why I became a pschcologist.
What is your biggest secret?
I’m not as brave as I pretend.
So you put on a brave front for Myrtle. Good for you. I know you are short on time, so thanks so much for stopping by Zack.
He waves and hurries out the door as Myrtle Sue ambles in the side door.
You just missed Zack. I guess that’s a good think, since I have a few questions for you while we wait for Dee. Tell me a little about yourself.
Who were the biggest role models growing up?
My role models were my mother and my fifth grade teacher.
What kind of man do you want to spend the rest of your life with?
I was married to a man who liked to control me. Now I want to be with someone who is my equal and doesn’t want to control me.
Boy is that totally understandable. So now what is most important to you in life?
My family.
You and Zack have a lot in common. What is your biggest fear?
Not being the best person and not being able to help others.
Thank you for giving us a little insight into your character. Hi Dee, have a seat next to Myrtle.
Dee is married with four children, 12 grandchildren and three dogs, and having many aunts, uncles and cousins, writing about dysfunctional families is a natural for her.
Born in Akron, Ohio, and growing up in Central Ohio, she and her cousins used to entertain themselves by writing plays and charging a few pennies to the neighbor kids to watch them. Once she married and had her own children, she moved to several states with her Air Force husband. To keep her sanity when the children were running wild, she wrote to all her family and friends back in Ohio. She didn’t know she kept them entertained until years later.
When they moved to Florida, she decided it was time to attend college. In her creative writing class she was often told her writing reminded them of Erma Bombeck. When she worked as a reporter for the Galion Inquirer in Ohio, she proofed stories that were sent in. The day she proofed Bombeck’s story and learned the story was about making shell frames from seashells gathered at the beach, she realized Erma was talking about the story she sold to a craft magazine. How wonderful to know her idol actually read “her” story in the craft magazine. She also wrote for the confession magazines and Chicken Soup for the Soul.
In addition to writing, Dee worked for many years as an educational advisor at Seminole State College in FL. Since retiring, she finally fulfilled her dream of writing a novel. She hopes you will read Sweet Sunset and enjoy spending time with Myrtle Sue and her family.
Dee won’t you tell us a little about writing this story. Was it fun or difficult?
It was difficult to write. I tried not to put too much of my real family into it, but some slipped in. I took a class from Mary Buckham and she helped a lot.
Do your characters always act as you expect? Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants?
No, my characters do not always act like I expect. I write by the seat of my pants, but wish I could be a plotter.
Oh, I hear you! I’m a panster myself. I tried plotting once, it like to drove me crazy!
Dee, tell us a little about Sweet Sunset.
Myrtle Sue Henderson, widowed, didn’t count on her mother-in-law moving in with her when her husband passed over. But Myrtle Sue’s loopy in-law troubles aren’t her only family baggage—she’s ailed with three adult children who use her like she’s a pair of Depends. With a daughter and two grandchildren attempting to escape an abusive husband, a second unmarried daughter who is pregnant with twins, and a son who refuses to grow up, she’s at her wits end.
Myrtle Sue didn’t figure she’d ever meet another man she’d care for, until she went to church to get away from her troubles, only to find more when her mother-in-law causes chaos and hits an elderly man with her cane and helps herself to money out of the collection plate. That’s how she meets Zack. She figures once he meets her dysfunctional family, he’ll run as fast as he can—away from them.
To learn more about Dee’s adventures, you can find her at – http://deesnews.blogspot.com/ and http://dgatrell.wixsite.com/author
Sounds entertaining. How about a sneak peek into Sweet Sunset?
- Sonja’s eyes widened, and she grinned.I thanked God Adam was blind to Hazel’s faults. “Thank you, Adam. You have no idea how happy I am that you’ll be here for Hazel.” And I really meant what I said.Hazel walked into the kitchen and glanced around. “Who’s here? Oh my goodness! It’s my son Harold. How are you, honey?” She bent over and kissed Adam’s cheek. “And why don’t you ever visit your mommy, you naughty boy?”I rolled my eyes and waved toward Adam. “Hazel, Harold’s been dead for twenty years. This is Adam, Sonja’s friend from the hospital. Remember? He’s a nurse, and he stays with you while I work.” I should’ve added whatever we paid him was worth every penny. He really was good to her.“Oh, yes, Adam, dear.” She frowned at me. “Why can’t you be kind like Adam, Myrtle Sue? You’ve always been so mean to me.”Sonja grinned. “Hi, Nana. How are you?”“I’m fine.” She took a seat and grabbed a muffin. “Who are you? Are you Violet’s daughter?”Sonja narrowed her eyes at her grandmother. “Nana! I’m Sonja, your granddaughter. Myrtle Sue and Don’s daughter.”“Of course.” She laughed and pointed at her head. “You know how it is when you get old. Someday your mother will be just like me.”
Shuddering, I mumbled, “God forbid.”
“I hope you made roast beef for Father,” Hazel said.
“Yes, of course, and I made garlic rolls,” I lied, and then whispered, “Sonja, want some garlic tied around your neck?”
“Mom!”
Hazel pointed at the stove. “Good. And remember, he likes carrots and noodles around his roast beef.”
Adam stood and smiled. “Well, I’ve got to go now. I’ll see you on Monday, Nana.”
“Okay, honey.” She reached into her pocket. “Here’s a dollar. Get yourself something to eat. You’re rather skinny, you know.”
“Thanks,” he said, kissing her cheek.
I walked him to the door.
He handed me the money. “I’ve tried giving her the money back, but she gets mad. You take it.”
I brushed away his hand. “No, Adam. You keep the money. Whatever you get, you deserve. You’re very good with Hazel. Good luck with your new friend.”
Five minutes after Adam left, my son, Terry, arrived.
Terry kissed my cheek. “What’s to eat, Ma?”
I hugged him. “Muffins.” Terry wasn’t pretty like Adam. Instead, he had a rugged look, more like a cowboy. He had those fabulous blue eyes but not the long lashes. His nose showed signs of his youthful fist fights, and his dimples added to his charm. I can’t tell you how many girls called the house for him in his teen years. And yet at the age of twenty-three, he still hadn’t found a special woman.
He grabbed a chair and sat. “Muffins? Don’t you have any real food?”
Sweet Sunset is available for pre-order right now at: Amazon.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged books, Dysfunctional, family, Romance by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
