Friday the Thirteenth – Scary?
In a year of “what else can possibly go wrong?” August, Friday 13th, 2023 has
Friday the 13th
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 Thirteenth 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 Thirteenth 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.
In Chocolate Raspberry Magic – Prim and proper Trinity Shilo is the assistant manager for Salem’s Wildlife Sanctuary. Paul Thorp is a wounded Special Forces veteran now working in security and computer support. When a fire breaks out at Puffin Cove Rescue, they are called in to help with the recovery and ice cream social fundraiser. Sometimes things are not what they seem, and neither are people. When magic is unleashed, will what they learn bring them closer together or push them apart?
Join the magical adventures, pick up the series today! https://buff.ly/2p28qJU UK links https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tena-Stetler/e/B014E0PEPM
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A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance –
Welcome to your Spooktacular Sunday Snippet – The award-winning A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.
Let me explain how A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance came to fruition. You know my family loves to camp. Right? During a camping trip we stayed right smack dab in the middle of Glacier National Park. At night around the campfire under a full moon you could hear the wolves howl and the coyotes call. I imagined a vampire running through the bush over the trails, but it couldn’t be an ordinary vampire. And who would he meet on the trails?
Stefan, a Native American vampire, was a character from my first book in A Demon’s Witch Series, A Demon’s Witch. It became a best seller five months after its release. For A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance, I wanted to write a different vampire tale, so rather than leave him as the Vampire Council’s assassin, I released him from service and he moved to Montana, took a job as the midnight DJ for a small radio station on the outskirts of Glacier National Park. Different huh? Research for this book was a trip to Glacier National Park and I drew upon my time as a DJ at a local classic rock station KKFM in Colorado Springs. Not to mention several virtual trips to the enchanting land down under, Australia.
Won’t you join Stefan and Brandy on an exciting romantic fantasy where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries walk among us. Some creatures are willing to put aside their differences to work together for the good of man and magic kind, other’s will stand in the way. Makes a GREAT Halloween Treat!
A little about A VAMPIRE’S UNLIKELY ALLIANCE:
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:
“Whoa.” She stepped lightly to the side to avoid the flying debris. “You really should watch where you’re going, especially at that speed.” Her voice scolded, but the smile on her lips teased. “Someone could get hurt.”
Pretending to pant, he shrugged, holding his palms up in surrender. “Just trying to get my run in before work. Stefan Talltree, at your service.” He stepped closer, leaned over in an exaggerated bow, and caught her hand, brushing his lips over the palm and wrist, inhaling her sweet scent. AB negative with a pulse of adrenaline. Perfect. Her pulse beat a tattoo against his lips. He backed away.
Her heart thundered as she drew her hand from his grasp. “The name’s Brandy. Pleased to meet you, Stefan.” Her smile reached up into her bright eyes as they swept over him with an appreciative glance, an experience he enjoyed.
Her voice had a hint of Irish lilt to it. He liked that too.
“Where do you work that requires you to report in at—” She glanced at her watch. “—midnight?”
Nostrils flaring, he paused. Blood? Not hers. The sound of Brandy’s voice brought his attention back to her and the situation at hand. “Oh, shit, I’ve gotta go!” He sprinted off, leaving her standing alone.
As he started down the trail, the tree branches swayed in the silvery moonlight, casting eerie shadows across the trail’s edge. The breeze brought with it the coppery scent of fresh blood mixed with sulfur. He turned for one last look at her as she wrinkled her nose before silently creeping into the wind, tracking the source of the stench.
Available at Amazon Amazon UK , Amazon AU, itunes, and Barnes & Noble.
About the Author:
Tena Stetler is an international best-selling author of award winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-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.
See you next week for another Sunday Snippet! Happy Halloween!
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A Witch’s Protocol – Sunday Snippet
This week’s Sunday Snippet is a bit different A WITCH’S PROTOCOL. It’s a short story I wrote for inclusion in an anthology entitled Australia Burns, Vol III with other authors from The Wild Rose Press to help with the recovery efforts from the 2020 Australia wildfires.
What is A Witch’s Protocol about?
Megan, a witch and cybersecurity specialist, has sworn off men after an incident reported to the Witch’s Council. When ex-special forces Braiden crosses her path sparks fly. She is in panic mode when her lucrative government contract is expedited. Offering his assistance is mixing business with pleasure an explosive combination. Is it worth the risk?
A sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Protocol:
A month later, Megan braved the Council’s hearing and escaped with a strong warning and probation. She’d never used magic so irresponsibly before, and looking back, she wasn’t sure what had happened. One minute she was furious and casting Zack aside, the next, all hell broke loose. Of course, she didn’t admit that to the Council or the punishment would—she didn’t want to think about it. She straightened, held her head high, and thanked her lucky stars, determined that her loss of control wouldn’t happen again. To prove it to herself, the next morning she drove back to the park for a run. Maybe the good-looking guy will be there again. Oh no, stop right there. No more relationships. I can’t afford more trouble.
Stepping out of the car, she started through her stretching routine and glanced up. There he stood, not ten feet in front of her—shoulder-length wavy blond hair tousled by the wind, wide muscular shoulders narrowing to… She licked her lips. The dude who played Thor has nothing on this guy. A furry black dog followed at the man’s heels. For a split second, Megan considered ducking back into the car.
One hand on his waist and the other stretched over his head, Braiden bent slowly from side to side and front to back. He looked up, a genuine smile curving his full lips. “Hi there, nice to see you again. Megan, right?”
Too late. She groaned. She didn’t have the self-discipline to walk away. Besides, it would be rude. “Morning. How are you?”
Buy Links: Amazon
I hope you’ll take a minute to check out the book and wonderful stories it contains.
See you back here next month for another segement of Sunday Snippets.
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Security Force of Two
Celebrate the Autumn equinox, with a Sunday Snippet – Hold onto your hats SECURITY FORCE OF TWO burst onto the scene on the first day of Spring, with 5-Star reviews and awards! First book in my new Mountain Town Mysteries Series. A riveting #paranormal #romance, #mystery, you’re going to love!
A former CIA agent and a Special Forces vet return to their small hometown for different reasons none of which includes involvement in an investigation of the new police chief’s murder.
A little about Security Force of Two:
Miacoh Zane, a Special Forces veteran, returns to Aspen Ridge, Colorado a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, to settle his beloved grandmother’s estate. But the town holds painful memories and family secrets he wants to leave behind for good.
Candle Bearclaw, a gifted computer analyst/programmer with talents she’s buried when recruited out of college by the CIA. After fifteen years, she abruptly resigns her position with the agency. She returns to her sleepy hometown only to discover her childhood crush has also returned and a violent crime has been committed.
Due to their covert operations experience, Candle and Miacoh are thrown together to assist Homeland Security, FBI, and her father, former chief of police, with a murder investigation. As they search for the perpetrators, will their secrets be revealed as the investigation takes an unusual twist that could blow the case wide open.
An exciting new peek between the pages of Security Force of Two:
When she drove up the circle driveway, a chill shot up her spine, then a strange feeling came over her, almost like someone was watching. Reaching under the seat of her SUV, she pulled out her handgun, checked the weapon to make sure it was loaded, chambered a round, and tucked it in the back waistband of her jeans, covering it with her shirt and jacket. She backed out then drove the entire driveway more slowly, checking the perimeter. Nothing. The cell phone hadn’t chirped to alert her of a breach, but she checked her outside surveillance cameras, then the ones inside her home anyway. Again nothing. She shrugged off the feeling and stepped out of her SUV. Gun drawn, she flicked off the safety and turned on the laser. It didn’t hurt to be safe rather than sorry.
Peeking in the window, she saw the alarm keypad was still set and secure. Then she walked around the house, entered through the back door, closed and relocked it, deactivated the alarm. Nothing was out of place. Part of her wished she’d brought Terrabyte along. Though still young, the pups tracking ability was well-developed. Terra would know if someone were in or around the cabin since they left. Back to the wall, she moved carefully through each room, nothing. When she was sure the house was clear, she sat down at the computer, laying the gun next to it. Warning windows were popped up everywhere on the screen. Someone had tried to hack into her system but hadn’t gotten very far. Closing out the windows one at a time until she found a message planted just under the first layer of security. That is what must have set off the warnings. Her throat went dry as she read the message. “Poking around where you don’t belong is dangerous business. Carl’s death was unfortunate but an accident. Leave it be or pay the consequences.”
Fingers posed over the keyboard. She started to X out of the message but stopped. If this was a disintegrating message, she would have no proof it ever existed. Taking out her cell phone, she took a picture of the screen. The handle on the front door jiggled. She grabbed her gun and jumped up, making her way to the front bay window.
About the Author:
Tena Stetler is an internationally best-selling author of award winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-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.
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 Mountain Town Mysteries Series, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Security Force of Two, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Urban Fantasy by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
