Skeleton Squad and Bone Jet
Only Fifty-Three days to Halloween! Can you believe it? Toil and Trouble and
the rest of the Skeleton Squad continue their search for the Halloween Spirit. This week, found a ghost, a carved pumpkin, AND member of the Skeleton Squad, Octavia Octopus parked on top. But no spirit, darn it. I guess that’s progress. LOL! Toil and Trouble’s quest for the Halloween Spirit continues.
Toil, Trouble, and the Skeleton Squad discovered Bone Jet, working out in the Sunroom, and holding a jam session. They of course had to join in. Didn’t move the search forward, but they all sure had a good time.
Well, its the end of September, the yellow, red and brown leaves are falling. Autumn has arrived. Still nice enough to work out in the sun room, if Bone Jet, would share the equipment!
This week the Skeleton Squad hitched a ride with us to Pleaseant Valley RV Park in Howard, Colorado. They scared the campsite owner into giving us our own deck next to the fifth wheel. Immediately, the Skeleton Squad convened a meeting on the deck table overlooking the Arkansas River.
The next day the search began in earnest with the entire group lining up 
Next to the hummingbird feeder, a group of birds gathered. They frightened all the hummingbirds away, including a particular member of their squad who tried to use the feeder. However, later that evening, a single courageous hummingbird appeared and fearlessly ate from the feeder, daring anyone to come close. Hope you can see the little fellow is just above Octavita’s head.
Penélope Piranha dove into the river under the guise of hunting for the Halloween Spirit, but we suspect she was just having a blast swimming the stream and scarying the boaters.
Great fun was had by all. On our way back, I heard the Skeleton Squad whispering about aliens and Roswel, New Mexico. I sure hope they aren’t planning to pull a stunt like that. I’ll keep you updated! Never a dull moment with this squad.
Speaking of journeys, or possible ones, you may want to check out A Witch’s Journey. What’s it about you ask. Well….
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?
How about a sneak peak between the pages of A Witch’s Journey and some of their Halloween escapades?
Klaren threw her coffee in his face, cup and all, then bolted out of his arms and down the stairs as a huge reddish wolf advanced snarling and leaped over the railing knocking Ben down the stairs. He hit the ground and tumbled down the path, he scrambled to get to his feet. But the wolf was too fast, one leap and animal landed on the Ben’s back, knocking him forward before he finally landed face down on the ground out cold. In a blink of an eye, the wolf was gone and witches closed in on all sides.
Pepper ran to her mother and helped her to her feet. “You ok?”
“I’m fine, just sorry I didn’t have time to get more information out of the son of a bitch. Did you see what he did? I wasn’t about to let him transport me to who knows where.” Klaren brushed at the knees of her jeans viciously.
The witches formed a circle around Ben. Wisps of fog trailed along the ground and took shape as spirits floating in the meadow. Duncan stepped forward and cast a spell ensnaring the man in vines of shimmering light.
“Don’t make the vines too tight around his neck, we need him to be able to speak,” Ravyn said in a calm lilting voice.
“Done,” Duncan replied.
Ravyn flicked her fingers, a bucket of water appeared over Ben’s head, it tipped and the liquid splashed over him.
Ben sputtered and cursed, his eyes wild.
“Mr. Bochard. It’s come to our attention that you are misusing magic for personal gain. You’ve called on dark magic to curse an innocent to do harm to your own kind. How do you plead?” Ravyn asked in a commanding tone.
“Bitch.” Ben bit out. “I only acted to get back what was mine.” He narrowed his eyes at Pepper.
She cast a blindfold on him. “Don’t want to take any chances. Not sure what he’s capable of.” Pepper said when Ravyn glared at her.
Ravyn nodded. “I’ll take that as a guilty plea, Mr. Bochard . Therefore, you are to be spellbound immediately.” She paused. “But first, Pepper do you have the candle?”
“Yes.” Pepper produced a tall, thick twisted black candle with beautifully carved moon phases on all sides.
“Step into the circle, face the full moon depiction north.” Raven closed her eyes and murmured several words. The candle ignited in a black flame flickered then faded to pure white.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, ghosts, Halloween Spirit, Halloween Spirit Search, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Skeleton Squad, Tena Stetler, wildlife rescue, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Search for Halloween Spirit Count Down
Only Twenty-Six days to Halloween! Can you believe it? Toil and Trouble continue their search for the Halloween Spirit. This week, found a ghost, carved pumpkin AND the newest member of the Skeleton Squad, Octavia Octopus., so I guest that’s progress. LOL! But Toil and Trouble’s quest for the Halloween Spirit continues.
Toil, Trouble, and the Skeleton Crew discovered Bone Jet, working out in the Sunroom, and holding a jam session. They of course had to join in. Didn’t move the search forward, but they all sure had a good time.
Well, October is finally here with cooler days and chilly nights. Yippee! As we continue the annual Halloween countdown, the aspens are beginning to turn gold and the Colorado high county received its first dusting of snow. Still hot as heck (in the 80’s), in the lower elevations. Toil, Trouble, Bubble bat, Moby Fish, Aragon Spider, and Octavia discovered Bone Jet, working out in the Sunroom, and holding a jam session. They of course had to join in. Didn’t move the search forward, but they all sure had a good time. Toil and Trouble were totally disgusted at their lack of progress and called Broomhilda told her about finding a ghost and carved pumpkin but no spirit. So the search continues.
Their friend, Broomhilda (skeleton), from Texas (thank you Jessica) was otherwise preoccupated visiting an old flame and promised to be more productive next week!
Beginning Thursday, October 6, 2022 Each week there will be new pictures of where the Skeleton Crew are searching and how Broomhilda is helping. In the month of October beside their search for the Halloween Spirit, the Skeleton Crew will help me list the most haunted cities in America. Have you ever seen a ghost? 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. Check back in the coming weeks to see what other discoveries the Skeleton Crew scare up!
Only twenty-six 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, we are talking about Witches! What’s Halloween without witches, spells and curses and things that go bump in the night? Hidden Gypsy Magic. So hurry grab your copy and join the #fantasy #adventure! You won’t believe what happens at their Halloween bash.
A little about Hidden Gypsy Magic: Gwen a wildlife rehabilitor, and Brock a veterinarian, 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.
A sneak peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic!
“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 Thursday! You won’t believe where Toil and Trouble and the Skeleton Crew wound up. Broomhilda with her friends are always searching, will they come up with leads? Until then enjoy the warm weather, fall is coming bringing with it Halloween Spirit! I hope!! Now all we have to do is get Toil and Trouble and the Skeleton Crew to find it! While you’re here, check out my other paranormal romance mysteries.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Halloween Spirit, Search, Skeleton Crew, Tena Stetler, Toil, Trouble by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Halloween Spirit Search Count Down
Last year the Halloween Spirit Search Count Down was so popular that people are clamoring for me to revive it this year. So, from now on every Thursday, we’ll follow Toil and Trouble in their search for the Halloween Spirit. No, it’s never to early to begin celebrating 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 27th of September, which means, finally, I can start my annual count down until Halloween. This year not only are Toil (unicorn) and Trouble (dragon) in search of the Halloween Spirit, they’ve enlisted the help of Bubble (bat) Moby (fish) and Aragon (spider). Splitting their search duties, Toil and Trouble are searching the storage coffee table for signs of the Halloween Spirit, while Bubble, Moby and Aragon search the fireplace.. No spirit or pumpkin sighting yet. LOL Hey, Bubble, Moby and Aragon, better get away from the fireplace before we light it! 
Earlier, Toil and Trouble contacted their friend, Broomhilda (skeleton), from Texas (thank you Jessica) only to discover she’s taken time out for reading. She agreed to assist them in their search after she finished her book, A Demon’s Witch, that she couldn’t put down.
Beginning October 6, 2022 Each week,on Thursday, throughout the month of October there will be new pictures of where Toil and Trouble and new friends are searching and how Broomhilda is helping or hindering. In the month of October on My Say What Blog (Same website different tab), 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 often!
Only 34 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, I’ve a treat for you! The best seller, A Demon’s Witch is on sale for #99cents! It’s the first book in the award winning series by the same name.
A bit about A Demon’s Witch !
Keeping a lid on all the paranormal beings inhabiting Washington D.C., is a daunting job. Bruce, a six hundred year old demon and the Territory Overlord of the Western Hemisphere, keeps his finger on the pulse of DC’s power players through the activities at his highly successful Wycked Hair Salon. His movie star good looks and body builder physique keeps his dance card full and the rumor mills running. Within these walls, his anonymity is safe, mostly.
Bruce’s world spins out of control when Angelique, a pint size, gorgeous witch, with an attitude breezes through the doors of his salon. She is the younger sister of Tristian, Bruce’s long time trusted enforcer, whose professional skills are second to none. Tristian is furious at the relationship between Bruce and Angelique, a dangerous situation, but something darker awaits them all. Yet undeniable attraction between demon and witch promises to tear apart both their professional and personal worlds.
Join me next week for more adventures of Toil & Trouble and friends in their search for the Halloween Spirit!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Demon's Witch, Halloween Spirit, magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Search, Skeletons, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
Halloween Spirit Hunt Unearths Haunted Cities in America
Halloween only Fifteen days left! Can you believe it? Toil and Trouble continue their search for the Halloween Spirit. This week, you won’t believe what they found. LOL! But Toil and Trouble’s quest for the Halloween Spirit continues.
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 swirling toward the ground 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! What will you be this Halloween? Mystic our dog can’t decide which costume we wants to wear. What do you think? Check back next week and see what else Toil and Trouble have discovered!
Well, October is finally here with cooler days and chilly nights. Yippee! As we continue the annual Halloween countdown, the aspens are beginning to turn gold and the Colorado high county received its first dusting of snow. Toil (Unicorn) and Trouble (dragon) are hard at work in search of the Halloween Spirit. This week they discovered a whole Halloween Village.. They searched through the carved jack-o-lanterns, the haunted house, and haystacks. No Halloween Spirit. Toil and Trouble were totally disgusted and called Dave told him about the village So the search continues.
Their friend, Dave (Skeleton), from Texas (thank you Jessica) after a days search for the Halloween Spirit, took time out to watch scary movies with friends. Though the wrong dates continue on his pictures. Fifteen days Dave and Jessica!
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. Have you ever seen a ghost? 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 each week!
Only fifteen days days until Halloween! Where is the Halloween Spirit? 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, we are talking about Witches! What’s Halloween without witches, spells and curses and things that go bump in the night? Hidden Gypsy Magic. So hurry grab your copy and join the #fantasy #adventure! You won’t believe what happens at their Halloween bash.
Most Haunted Cities in America, plus Hidden Gypsy Magic, set in Salem, MA, a Spooktacular Halloween read! Pssst… I’m participating in a Spooktacular FB Halloween Party October 20, 2021, My time is from 6-7 EDT that’s 4-5 p.m. MDT, but the party goes from 10:00 a.m. – to 10:00 p.m. EDT. (8:00 a.m.to 8:00 p.m. MDT) Click here to join the party on October 20th:
Most Haunted Cities in America – Could the Halloween Spirit be hiding in one of these?
It’s autumn the cool fall days are perfect for a walk on America’s dark side. With the approach of Halloween, it’s natural for our thoughts to conjure up ghosts, goblins, and all things that go bump in the night. Bloody battles, shady shanghaiing practices, cities built over burial grounds, and natural disasters have left behind an unsettled past in towns throughout our country. What better place to start than….
Salem, MA
Salem is best known for the witch trials of 1692 where mass hysteria led to more than 200 people being accused of practicing witchcraft, and ultimately 20 innocent people were executed. The tragedy has led to Salem becoming synonymous with witches and the city has embraced their history by preserving artifacts in museums and offering tours to educate visitors. The Witch House, The Salem Witch Museum, The Bewitched Statue and Witch Trials Memorial to name a few. Yep, it’s on my bucket list to spend Halloween in Salem MA. How about you?
Baltimore
Several nation-shaping events have played out on Baltimore’s historic streets: the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Hundreds of years of lost lives and the spirits that remain make the Fells Point area popular among ghost trackers. Guided tours through the maritime neighborhood take you to taverns, shops, and restaurants where things go bump in the night.
Milwaukee, WI
The Pfister Hotel ranked the haunted place in Wisconsin. But yet any given night, an unclaimed shot of Powers Irish whiskey sits on the bar at Sabbatic in Walker’s Point accompanied by a simple note: “For the ghost.” It’s something of a peace offering to a ghost who has caused quite a stir at Sabbatic. Several other hotels, diners and even the Pabst Mansion are listed as haunted in this city.
Galveston, Texas
When the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 struck, some 8,000 lives were lost—about 6,200 more fatalities than in New Orleans’ devastating Hurricane Katrina. Galveston’s was the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, and ghost hunters say most of the town’s spirits linger in its storied harbor and Victorian mansions. If that doesn’t give you goosebumps, I don’t know what will, unless of course it’s Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen. Which brings us to…
New Orleans
Not much, it seems, separates the living from the dead in New Orleans. Because the town is below sea level, tombs sit above ground in the 42 cemeteries within city limits. Ghosts from the War of 1812 still hang around the French Quarter. And visitors to the grave of a prominent 1800s voodoo queen continue to leave offerings and ask for help.
Gettysburg, Pa.
During the most tragic battle of the Civil War, about 51,000 soldiers were killed or injured in and around Gettysburg. There was so much spilled blood on the floors of churches and schools (used as makeshift hospitals) that drainage holes had to be drilled in the floors. Baltimore Street downtown and Hospital Road in the countryside are purported hotspots for spirits with unfinished business.
Savannah, Ga.
Savannah may look like a sweet Southern belle, but she keeps a dark secret. The city was built, literally, on its dead. Homes and buildings sit atop Native American burial grounds; roads cover forgotten cemeteries of slaves and colonialists. Over the years, bloody battles, massive fires, yellow-fever epidemics, and hurricanes have taken hundreds of lives, leaving behind unsettled spirits.
Chicago
It was here, on Valentine’s Day, 1929, that seven men were lined up against the wall of a garage at 2122 North Clark Street and gunned down by Al Capone and his Prohibition-era gangsters. Strange mists, screams, and machine gun sounds have all been experienced at the site; other local gangster hideaways and crime scenes are also said to be haunted.
Portland, Ore.
Beneath the cobblestoned streets of Portland’s Old Town lies the legend of the Shanghai Tunnels, passageways that swirl with dark tales and hauntings. As the story goes, men who came to Portland to work—sailors, loggers, cowboys, and others—were “shanghaied,” or kidnapped through trapdoors in saloons, smuggled through the tunnels to the waterfront, and sold to sea captains.
Athens, Ohio
This Ohio University town is home to the Athens Lunatic Asylum, a mental institution open from 1874 until 1993 and known for its lobotomy practices. Now a university-owned property called The Ridges, the building has its share of haunted stories, say many amateur researchers: disembodied screams, apparitions that walk the halls, and a ghostly bloodstain on the floor. Throughout campus there are several haunted dorms, sororities, and fraternities.
Washington, D.C.
It’s an election year, and some in D.C. will be watching for the demon black cat that is rumored to show up in the U.S. Capitol Building as an omen of national tragedy or change of office. Ghost trackers say it appeared just before President Lincoln’s assassination at Ford’s Theatre (which has its own haunting stories). Abraham Lincoln, John and Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, and Andrew Jackson are among the spirits that have been sighted in the White House.
Last but not least on my most haunted cities list I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention Cripple Creek, Colorado. Mining District of Colorado is extremely rich in history and it is also touted to be one of the Most Haunted Places in the United States. On Highway 67, at the base of Pike’s Peak, southwest of Colorado Springs, Cripple Creek sits at an elevation of 9,500 feet. There are mine shafts, head frames, miner’s cabins long abandoned tumbling down. A lonely stone fireplace may be all that’s left of a miners home. Standing among the rubble might cause the hair on the back of your neck to stand on end. A brief visit to one of the abandoned cabins still standing, gives you a window into what it was like back in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. Can you imagine a more inviting place for ghost to spend Halloween?
Click on the cover to read more or purchase!
A little about Hidden Gypsy Magic Third book in A Witch’s Journey Series.
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.
A sneak peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic.
“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?”
About the Author:
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance 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. Colorado is home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.
Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Website: https://www.tenastetler.com
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Hope you enjoy Toil and Trouble’s search and Spooktacular Most Haunted Cities in America, along with a snippet of my book Hidden Gypsy Magic. Happy Halloween. Check back next week and see what Toil and Trouble have discovered as well as Halloween pet safety tips!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Halloween Spirit, Haunted villages, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Most Haunted Cities in America, Search for Halloween Spirit, Tena Stetler, Time travel by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
