Pet Safety Tips for the Fourth Of July
Did you know? More dogs go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. With all the noisy fireworks, loud parties, and distractions, it’s no wonder so many pooches bolt and get lost on Independence Day.Always keep you dogs and cats inside when fireworks are going off to avoid their nature to find a safe haven. Make certain your pets are walked prior to fireworks going off, close all windows and doors. Draw the curtains. Ensure your pets are wearing ID tags, even if in the house, as many animals are expert escape artists. Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle during the celebrations. You can also prepare a den for your pets inside the house with blankets and pillows in a location they will feel safe. There are thunder shirts you can buy for your dog that relieve the stress of thunderstorms and I’m told fireworks too. 
As far as our pet box turtle, Sammie, she 51 years old, but the fireworks don’t seem to bother her. Since a lot of what she feels come from vibrations though out her world, we make sure she has a den in her house with overhead logs to feel safe. She has lots of experience with this holiday, so she handles it just fine. From time to time we escape the city and take everyone with us for a nice quite mountain Fourth of July. Still we see all the fireworks from afar. But they can’t be heard or felt. a win win for all. Pet Safety Tips – Now let’s talk a bit about companion parrots who have to endure this noisy holiday too. Let me give you an example. Taco and I sit outside in the sunroom every evening after I’ve finished writing for the day during spring, summer, and fall. Over the past week (end of June first of July) the boom of fireworks are prevalent from early revelers. Taco is normally a fearless Eclectus. She’s learned the outside hawks can’t get to her through the glass of the sunroom. Thunder and lightning doesn’t bother her either, she’s been conditioned from an early age to understand there is nothing to fear. Now softball size hail falling is another story and a tale for another time. But, the sudden, unexplained noise from the fireworks has her flying off her perch and cowering on my shoulder. So we have to go inside during this time. Boo Hiss.
Alternatively, cover any windows with blankets, to block out those sudden burst of light. Covering the bird’s cage with a thick blanket can help muffle any loud noises, plus it helps make the bird feel more secure. The use of white noise machines or having the TV or radio on a little louder than normal can help drown out the sudden noise of fireworks.
After the celebrations are over, make sure to check your yard any pick up any debris from the spent fireworks or maybe those that didn’t go off. These are harmful to your pet should they chew or ingest these items! Most importantly in keeping pets safe: NEVER TAKE YOUR PET TO A FIREWORKS DISPLAY! The American Veterinary Medical Association and AKC have more safety tips. Check them out. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog, My Say What Blog, Uncategorized and tagged fourth of July, Halloween Pet Safety Tips, Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Security Force of Two – Sunday Snippet
Celebrate July 4th, 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:
“The bad news is what they purchased. The video shows a man with stringy blond hair bought a large number of nails and fertilizer. The other one appears to have dark hair, cut short. He picked up ball bearings, wires, and tubing. They purchased this stuff in large quantities at several stores. In Colorado Springs, they walked over separately to a discount store next to the home improvement store and bought vinegar, peroxide, sugar, and eight car batteries.
“Who the heck needs eight car batteries?” Candle pulled her bottom lip through her teeth.
“Shit. Those are an excellent source of sulfuric acid.” Miacoh let out a low whistle.
She wiped her sweated hands on her jeans staring at Miacoh, who took a swig of his coffee.
Candle’s eyes rounded as the color drained out of her face.
Miacoh put a hand on her arm. “Candle you okay?”
“We are dealing with—terrorists, aren’t we?” She paused before the word terrorists slipped off her tongue. Heat now coloring her cheeks. “I left that world behind, only to have them show up in my backyard. Some coincidence.” She fisted her hands in her pockets. “I gotta get Terra.”
Nodding solemnly, Miacoh confirmed her statement and said, “It’s believed to be exactly that, a coincidence. There are many potential targets up and down the Front Range. What better place to lay low and gather supplies than near a quiet little town next to a playground of the rich and famous?” Miacoh held up an 8×10 photograph from the stills of the video marked on the back “Chief Bearclaw only – original.” Candle held the back door open for Terra, and then looked at the pictures.
“Who’s those men in the picture with Councilwoman Wright?” Candle looked at Miacoh as the scorn on his face darkened to thundercloud level as he shuffled through the other pictures.
“It looks like our esteemed councilwoman has a connection to our two persons of interest.”
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 magic, Mountain Town Mystery Series, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Securityi Force of Two, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Fairy Magic – New Release Interview
Give a warm welcome to Donna Kunkel author of Fairy Magic released today, June 26, 2023!
Pull up a chair, 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 Donna and her Fairy Magic.
Donna, welcome to Author Secrets’. I’m Tena Stetler, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about Fairy Magic.
Why did you write this book?
I loved the idea of red jelly beans not being what they look like.
What is your favorite genre to read?
I love the magical creatures and people in the paranormal romances. Being able to yield magic has always fascinated me and I love the happily ever after in a romance.
Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
Harry Potter
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently revising a historical paranormal romance set in Wyoming during the 1890s
What books will we see from you in coming months?
The historical book and more that take place at the magic school Aspen Glen.
Let’s switch gears.
Tell us a little about Fairy Magic.
First of all you should know not to eat the red jelly beans.
Magic’s real! Tasha decides to attend the summer sessions at a wizarding school while studying to become a nurse. Her way to help others.
Nick finally returns to the school to get his high school diploma. For the last five years, he’s worked in fast food to help put food on the table for his mother and younger brother. Now it’s his turn to become more, but he’s rusty on his spellwork. By working with Tasha, he catches up.
Their attraction sizzles and grows as they spend more time together. How long can they keep denying their feelings? Then they try the innocent looking red jelly beans. Are they so innocent or are they something else? Can the school’s resident fairies help?
A sneak peek between the pages of Fairy Magic.
“The last card refers to your future.” She flipped over the Death card. Her hand flew to her mouth. “I’ve never seen this card show up for a young person before.” She patted the card. “Thank God it’s reversed. Being reversed refers to avoiding a serious accident. Be extra careful.”
Nick took several deep breaths to slow his racing heart. He stared at the image of an angel holding a woman. Flames flared along the edges of the wing tips. If this didn’t signify death he didn’t know what else could be possible. For once, I have a future. I’ll do anything to make that happen. No more getting side-tracked.
She fanned out the deck. “Pick three more.”
He hesitated. Did he want to see any more horrible predictions? His hands trembled as he selected three from various places and handed her the cards. …
He couldn’t figure how anything even remotely good could be inferred from the Death card. … He’d worked so hard his whole life. … His future needed to become better. Some how.
Buy Links: Amazon Universal Link
Other books writen by Donna Kunkel:
Magic in the Mountains and Magical Pistachio Macarons (Christmas Cookies)
About the author:
Donna Kunkel is a paranormal romance author. Within the pages of her tales you can visit with witches, wizards, shape-shifters, and other fantasy creatures. Figurines of the magic realm surround her computer for inspiration. She lives at the edge of the Colorado mountains with her husband of many years and my two dogs. When not writing, you can find her browsing the fabric shops for her next quilt, stitching Japanese embroidery, or curled up with a good book. She enjoys spending time in the mountains, at Lake Tahoe, or relaxing on a beach in Hawaii.
Social Media:
Website Twitter Facebook Pinterest Instagram Goodreads BookBub
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with Fairy Magic!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Donna Kunkel, Fairy Magic, Paranormal Romance by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
The Emerald Fairy and The Dragon Knight
Give a warm welcome to Jennifer Ivy Walker, author of The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight!
Pull up a chair, 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 Ivy and The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight!
The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight is the conclusion of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy, a fated mates paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of Tristan et Iseult (Tristan and Isolde), interwoven with Arthurian myth, Avalon, Elves, Druids, forest fairies, and dark magic.
My trilogy was inspired by the medieval legend of Tristan et Iseult, which I discovered while obtaining my MA degree in French literature. When I became a high school French teacher, I wrote a little play, Yseult la Belle et Tristan la Bête, which was a blend of the original story and the fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast (which was originally written in French).
I decided to expand my play into a paranormal fantasy trilogy, incorporating dark tales from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande, birthplace of Merlin, Lancelot, and Viviane, the Lady of the Lake. Many of the French myths I researched were incorporated into my trilogy!
Upcoming Releases
My novel, Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle, features some of the characters introduced in my trilogy. It’s a steamy medieval romance between a fiery French princess descended for Viking Valkyrie and the sullen, solitary knight who suffers an impossible love for her, winning the chance to compete for her coveted hand in marriage in the perilous Yuletide Joust.
My novella, Flames of Flamenco, is a sizzling romance set in Montmartre, the bohemian heart of Paris, between a talented artist who melts the frozen heart of the heroine with his passionate flamenco dance.
Finally, my second novella, Amour in Avignon, is a Cyrano de Bergerac inspired romance which takes place in the French city of Avignon during the world-famous Festival of Theater.
All of these works will be published by The Wild Rose Press later this year.
So tell us a little about The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight.
Wielding a trio of enchanted Elven weapons to battle a dark wizard and a legion of diabolical dwarves, Tristan is faced with the impossible choice between saving the woman he loves or defending his endangered kingdom. Inexplicably compelled to remain in the sacred forest where he hears the voice of her heart, the heir to the throne of Cornwall incurs the wrath and scorn of his army when he decides to hunt for his captive mate.
Her verdant magic greatly enhanced by the mystical Morgane la Fée, Issylte must summon a coalition of Naiad nymphs and celestial fairies to destroy a nascent evil as she fights to reclaim her rightful crown.
When the Black Widow Queen unites with a malignant menace and a ghost from Tristan’s haunted past, The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight must ally with a triad of shapeshifting warrior tribes to defeat a Viking Trident and defend their trinity of Celtic kingdoms.
Interwoven fates. Otherworldly mates. Destiny awaits.
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/38Wy2a
How about a peek between the pages of The Emeraled Fairy and the Dragon Knight?
She held the églantine to her nose, inhaling the delicate fragrance with a smile of wonder. “Thank you, my love. It reminds me of the nightingale in the woods of Avalon. You never cease to amaze me.” Gratitude shifted to empathy as she intently searched his face. “How does it feel to come home?”
Tristan looked out at the cerulean sea. The blue waters of Lyonesse. His home. “I feel…conflicted. Tremendous guilt and grief, mingled with incredible joy.” He raised the hand in which she held the wild rose, lifting the pink blossom to his nose. He inhaled its soothing floral fragrance—Issylte’s essence—to ease his heavy heart. “When I saw the edge of the forest where Goron held me that day…I relived the horrors…” A violent shudder shook his body.
Issylte wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled her head against his thundering chest.
He kissed the top of her head, cocooning her in loving arms. “But now…with you here…I remember the love.” He rocked her in his arms as fond memories flowed, washing away the sadness and sorrow. “My mother’s tender touch…my sister’s beautiful smile…my father’s noble face. All the happiness we shared here. All the laughter. All the love.”
Issylte raised her tear-stained face to beam at him. “Love conquers hate. It is the Goddess’ greatest gift. And I am eternally grateful that She has healed your broken heart.”
He kissed her. His Wild Rose. His green golden goddess. His Emerald Fairy. “Aye, my love. She has. Through you.”
About the Author:
Enthralled with legends of medieval knights and ladies, dark fairy tales and fantasies about Druids, wizards and magic, Jennifer Ivy Walker always dreamed of becoming a writer. She fell in love with French in junior high school, continuing her study of the language throughout college, eventually becoming a high school teacher and college professor of French.
As a high school teacher, she took her students every year to the annual French competition, where they performed a play she had written, “Yseult la Belle et Tristan la Bête”–an imaginative blend of the medieval French legend of “Tristan et Yseult” and the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast”, enhanced with fantasy elements of a Celtic fairy and a wicked witch.
“The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight”—book 3 and the conclusion of “The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven” trilogy–is a blend of her love for Celtic legends, the romantic French language, and epic fantasy. It is a paranormal fated mates adaptation of the medieval legend of “Tristan et Yseult” (Tristan and Isolde), interwoven with Arthurian myth, dark fairy tales from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande, and otherworldly elements such as Avalonian Elves, Druids, forest fairies, and magic.
Explore her realm of Medieval French Fantasy. She hopes her novels will enchant you.
Website: https://jenniferivywalker.com/
Goodreads Author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22671046.Jennifer_Ivy_Walker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferIvyWalker
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bohemienneivy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferivywalkerauthor/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferivywalker
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Fairy-Dragon-Knight-Raven-ebook/dp/B0C28XRHR2
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-emerald-fairy-and-the-dragon-knight-jennifer-ivy-walker/1143179531?ean=2940161094518
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with The Emerald Fairy and The Dragon Knight.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged fantasy, France, Jennifer Ivy Walker, Medieval Historical Romance, The Emerald Fairy and The Dragon Knight, Timetravel by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
