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 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.
Hidden Gypsy Magic #99cents #MFRWhook #WFRWauthor
It’s a #99cent celebration at #MFRWHooks reads this week. Yippee!! Celebrating HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC, third book in A Witch’s Journey series, my paranormal romance/mystery. WooHoo! !Discover the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy Magic!
Pull up a chair and get comfy, 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 HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC third book in A Witch’s Journey Series (all books can be read as a stand alone).
Lets start with what is HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC is all about.
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.
Sneak peek between the pages of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC: New Hook.
Carefully, Gwen took the poppet and eased her hand into the painting. A vortex sucked her arm then her entire body into the painting swirls of red, blue, and yellow swam around her then she was falling. She gulped in air as her stomach flipped threatening to spill its contents into the void. Her throat hurt from screaming, yet there was no sound. Something hard hit her backside, then it was quiet, she blinked and rubbed her eyes. Finding herself sitting in a rocking chair that squeaked announcing her arrival, she straightened and several pairs of eyes peered at her with interest. The room was familiar— it was the living room of Brock’s soon-to-be house, only the furnishings were quite different. The dragon staircase…
Before she could grasp what was happening a swirling portal of colors opened up in the center of the room. With a whoosh Pepper unceremoniously landed in the middle of the hardwood floor with a thud.
Pepper jumped up and brushed herself and stared at Gwen. “Another fine mess you’ve gotten us into. I nearly didn’t catch a hold of your magic trail into the painting.” She paused and glanced around. “Where the hell are we?” Pepper switched her attention to the three women and two men observing them from wooden chairs scattered around the room. “Hey, this is Brock’s house…but it isn’t. Oh no…” Her hand flew to her mouth as she sidled over and positioned herself to the side of Gwen’s chair.
“What?”
“Judging by the clothes these people are wearing, and the decor, the painting seems to have sucked us back in time,” Pepper whispered eying the group sitting before them.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Time travel, wildlife rescue, Witches by Tena Stetler with 5 comments.
Hidden Gypsy Magic, #99cent sale #MFRWHooks
It’s a #99cent celebration at #MFRWHooks reads this week. Yippee!! Celebrating HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC, third book in A Witch’s Journey series, my paranormal romance/mystery. WooHoo! !Discover the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic!
Pull up a chair and get comfy, 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 HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series (all books can be read as a stand alone).
Lets start with what is HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC is all about.
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.
Sneak peek between the pages of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC:
It was like stepping back in time. A carved mahogany newel post formed a dragon’s body complete with an intricately detailed dragon head, the banister curving upstairs was a tail of the dragon complete with etched smoothed scales. Brock closed the door behind them.
Gwen stood in the entryway turning in a complete circle. “Wow…just wow. This house is beautiful.” Walking to the staircase, she touched the individual balusters. Each one was intricately etched to look like a tree or had vines and leaves carved around it. She turned her gaze to the ceiling, then tugged on his shirt sleeve and pointed. “This house may not be on Salem’s haunted house list, but it’s filled with magic.”
The crown moldings were carved to depict a fairy garden in the main room off the entrance. “You know I didn’t notice any of this when I peered in the windows, only the spacious rooms and the feeling it gives off if that makes any sense.”
“It does. Let’s tour the rest of the house.” She reached for the light switch. “Is the electricity on?” Her question was answered as she flipped the switch. A warm glow lit up the room from a sparkling chandelier hanging from the center ceiling. Upon closer inspection, the chandelier was a bit dusty, but she stood in awe. “This place will cost a fortune.”
“May be out of my price range.” He took her hand and towed her up the stairs to the second story landing. In the top half of each wooden door was an oval carved to depict either a dragon, fairy, moon and star scene, or flowers. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say an old hippy decorated this house. But it dates back to the 1700s or so the title records claim. A few hundred years before the hippies.” He chuckled. “The craftsmanship in the woodworking seems authentic to the time period.”
Running her fingers lightly over the wall, she murmured. “The cream-colored walls need a little paint maybe a bit of plaster or drywall, in contrast with all the woodwork.” She shook her head in amazement. “I don’t see a nick or sign of wear. Do you?”
“No.” He walked along the hallway pushed the first door open and his jaw dropped. The crown molding was carved in a moon and star pattern matching the oval in the door. “Look at this.” He pointed to the ceiling molding.
The air whooshed out of her. She paused for a moment then sprinted to the next door with a dragon carved in the oval and pushed open the door. “Brock, you’re gonna want to see this.”
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey Series, fantasy, ghosts, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Tine Travel, Witches by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
