My Say What Blog Archives - Page 23 of 56

Apr 30th Spring is finally bloomed in Colorado – Wear Sunscreen

Finally Spring has arrived in the great state of Colorado. At least I hope so. We could still get snow. Heck to be honest, we’ve had snow on July 4th. But at least the temps are above freezing — way above freezing. Yep its supposed to be over 80 degrees today. Not to complain but that’s a little warm since it was in the single digits only a few weeks ago. Anyway… The first couple of outings of the Spring when it finally arrives, I invariably forget to wear sunscreen and a hat. Not good since I live at nearly 7000 feet in altitude. Yesterday went to the neighborhood park to meet with a couple of writing buddies. It was beautiful, a balmy 69 degrees, a slight breeze. Yes, we practiced social distancing while we ate our lunch and discussed the plight of the world. You know that’s what writers do, besides putting our own spin on the situation. And add in a bit of magic a few paranormal creatures and of course that black moment. We are fiction writers after all. This is what we came up with.

1) We could write this virus out of the plot
2) We could cast a spell and make it go away – I voted for this one.
3) It will kill half the human population but then birds will take over again.
4) We will all become vegans
5) There will be a plot twist- somehow…

Please keep in mind this is done tongue in cheek, have no doubt I am reminded everyday of the seriousness of the COVID19 pandemic. To the first responders and those on the front lines I extend a heartfelt THANK YOU for your service! We will all get through this together.

While enjoying this lively conversation at the park, I failed to notice the down side to enjoying the outdoors without sunscreen. Yes, it was brought to my attention, a bit late. Only do this once a year, but this morning I’m bemoaning my stupidity as both my arms and face look like a lobster. Yes, yesterday afternoon as soon as I got home, I did put sunscreen in my vehicle right next to my mask, gloves, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. Better late than never! Right? Also I put another tube of sunscreen in a prominent place in the kitchen. No more going outside without sunscreen and a floppy hat. That brings to mind a song that is as true today as it was when it was popular Class ’99, Wear Sunscreen. If you have a chance give a listen. Dance down memory lane with me. That song will be running through my head the rest of of the day.

My PSA for the day…. WEAR SUNSCREEN. You can bet I’ll remember at least this year. Have a terrific day!

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged Fun times, Neighborhood Park, Spring, Sunburn, SunScreen, Tena Stetlerf, Writer's lunch by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.

Apr 29th #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge. Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved.

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 4-29-20. Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved. Wow, this one is easy. Please have a seat, grab an iced tea or lemonade out of the cooler. Be sure and grab a chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started with Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved.

First series that comes to mind is the Shannara Chronicles Series consisting of The Sword of Shannara, The Elfstones of Shannara, and The Wishsong of Shannara by Terry Books. In particular The Elfstones of Shannara was the reason I stopped reading the series. In the book there is this small fuzzy creature that I simply loved. Terry Books had the audacity to kill off the creature toward the end of the book. I was so furious that I threw the book across the room and it crashed into the wall. HARD! This was at two in the morning. Woke my hubby out of a sound sleep. I never read another book of Terry Brooks. Why? I didn’t trust he wouldn’t do such a thing again. Now, I happen to know that I am not the only reader Terry Books pissed off due to killing that creature. How do I know this other than talking to other readers? Because…. he has been known to start his interviews, appearances, and signings by apologizing for killing off that fuzzy creature in The Elfstones of Shannara. Must have had an impact. LOL I know I wrote and told him about it.

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Another reason would be, and I not going to name names or titles. Once the books become a boilerplate and the plot is nearly the same with different characters, doing nearly the same things in the same place, I mark that author and his/her books off my TRB list.

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Well, the other obvious reason you would quit reading a series you loved is that the series ended. Sad situation but it happens. LOL

So there you have it, Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved. I’d love to hear from you. Tell me why you stopped reading a series you loved. List them in the comments below.

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their reasons. L&SR

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

Click on the cover to read more or purchase!

CHARM ME AGAIN is a paranormal romance/mystery set in the Colorado Rockies with a Scottish Highland Ghost that won’t go away and Fae Warriors that try to save the day. Not to mention the enchanted blacksmith tools that are at the root of one problem. The ancient curse is a whole nother problem.

For several months a Scottish Highland Ghost has haunted Daylan, in his personal life, his professional life and at his forge. Yet, being a talented warlock, he is no closer to discovering what the ghost wants or why he chose Daylan. A trip to his estranged sister’s home in Colorado may have unforeseen consequences especially when family history leads him to a shocking discovery.

As his attraction blooms for Josie, a yoga instructor in his sister’s studio, he realizes there may be more to Josie than he can imagine. When an ancient rogue Fae Warrior set on revenge kidnaps her in an attempt to claim her as his own, a devastating curse comes to light.

Daylan’s world spirals out of control as he searches for Josie. Can he break the age old curse to save her and their future, or will she be lost to him forever?

A Sneak Peek into Charm Me Again!

Four striking creatures, sharp-angled features with fierce expressions on their inhumanly handsome faces appeared. Gleaming swords hung at their sides as they slipped out of the cloud and stepped onto the ground not more than fifty feet from her and Daylan along the tree line of the property. Holy shit. This can’t be happening.

She rubbed her eyes but when she opened them the men were still there. Dressed in heavy boots, jeans, and formfitting leather vests, shimmering silver bands adorned their muscular upper arms. Two of them had thick shoulder length blond hair, the others had jet black hair hanging in waves past their shoulders.

She jumped up and opened her mouth to scream. But Daylan reacted faster clapping his hand over her mouth while still facing the advancing creatures. To her surprise, a soft giggle escaped from her lips. They look like a group of medieval bikers. Their apparent leader, his reddish sable hair hung well beyond his shoulders in waves, paused a few yards in front of them.

The others flanked the leader in a V formation. Her heart beat a tattoo against her chest. The vision taking place in front of her wavered and spun. I will not pass out. I will not faint. I absolutely will not. She pried Daylan’s hand away and sucked in a deep breath then blew it out slowly.

The wind settled down to a light breeze that flipped strands of her hair over her face and eyes. Raising a hand, she brushed the hair out of her face and licked her lips nervously.

In the distance a door banged, a dog growled, then eerie silence prevailed.

“You can see the Fae, the cloud, and feel the change in temperature?” Daylan whispered, his voice tinged with surprise.

Everything snapped into focus and she nodded her eyes went wide. “Fae?” I’ve lost it. This isn’t happening. For god sakes one of them has a pointed ear sticking through his hair.

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, May 6th, Favorite Holiday of the Year and Why. Boy that’s easy peasy! Anyone that knows me at all can identify my answer. What is your favorite holiday of the year and why?

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge, magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Reason Why I Stopped Reading a Series I Loved, Tena Stetler, Urban Fantasy by Tena Stetler with 20 comments.

Apr 22nd #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 4-22-20 – Silliest Pet Peeves

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 4-22-20. My Silliest Pet Peeves. Wow, going to strain my brain on this one. Please have a seat, grab a hot chocolate also got lemonade and chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started with my silliest pet peeves.

People that talk through the movie or a television show. while you trying to watch it.

People that don’t put their dogs on leash when it is required, like neighborhood parks and regional parks. Especially now with social distancing. If you want to exercise your dog off leash, go to a dog park. Don’t spoil other’s walking their dog on lead obeying the rules. Your dog may love everyone and every dog, but there are dogs or people out there that don’t appreciate uninvited attention from an unknown dog. (Putting my soap box away now.)

People who don’t pick up after their dogs, at the park, in other peoples yards or public places (sidewalks). Can you believe it?

FYI – I do own a dog, she is very well behaved and well trained (Spent her first 2.5 years in various dog training classes. Still she is always leashed and by my side when we go for a walk.

People that don’t make their children behave in public places.

A can opener that doesn’t open the entire can. Leaves the last quarter inch uncut. Silly isn’t it?

Reading a book that ends in a cliff hanger. I think those should display a warning “Cliffhanger”. I guess you’re supposed to buy the next book to find out what happens. But there is no guarantee it won”t end the same way. I don’t mind a happy for now ending, but cliff hanger, I usually won’t continue reading the series. Yep that’s why I write Paranormal Romance/Mystery, I like a happily ever after with lots of magic. If I want cliff hangers, all I have to do is turn on the TV news.

So there you have it, My Silliest Pet Peeves. I’d love to hear from you. Do you have silly pet peeves? List them in the comments below.

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their silly pet peeves. L&SR

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

Click on the cover to read more or purchase.

A Demon’s Witch started it all is on SALE FOR 99 PENNIES for a limited time. It was my debut novel, and the first in A Demon’s Witch Series which has grown to five books and I am working of the sixth as I type. The series has gotten several awards as well as being a best seller.

Undeniable attraction and dark secrets between demon and witch promises to tear apart their professional and personal worlds.

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.

A Sneak Peek into A Demon’s Witch!

Suddenly, he felt the magic aura shift and switched his attention to the front door. She breezed in, hair like spun gold flowing to her waist, with a seductive yet regal body and a sway to her hips that should be illegal even in DC. She wore a snug rose and cream colored sweater, cut low enough he could see the swells of her rounded breasts, tailored black slacks that fit her cute ass like a glove and four-inch spike heels. She paused in the center of the salon, wet from the sudden spring storm, and lowered the briefcase she’d used as an umbrella. Her sparkling violet eyes glanced up to the mezzanine where Bruce stood watching. Blatantly her gaze wandered over his well-muscled body, undressing him piece by piece, until he felt naked. He shook his head slightly and smoothed his shirt and slacks with his hand, just to make sure he was still wearing them.

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, April 29 topic is Reason Why I Stopped Reading A Series I Loved. Boy that’s going to be interesting and fun! Why Did You Stop Reading A Series You Loved? ?

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge 4-22-20., A Demon's Witch, My Silliest Pet Peeves, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 19 comments.

Apr 21st Earth Day 2020 – Climate Action – Fun Facts

Ever wonder how Earth Day got started? We all know I have an insatiable curiosity that has been known to get me into trouble along with my overactive imagination. So of course, I did some digging and this is what I discovered on the eve of Earth Day:

Earth Day - Hands holding the earth

In 1963 Senator Gaylord Nelson arrived in Washington looking to make a fledgling conservation movement. The idea sparked by Rachel Carson’s New York Times Bestseller Silent Spring. The book which warned against the harmful effects of widespread pesticide usage.

Did you know that in 1963 Gaylord Nelson proposed a “conservation tour” to then Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and Arthur Schlesinger, a member of President Kennedy’s cabinet? Ultimately, the tense nuclear situation with the Soviet Union became the focus rather than environmental issues.

Senator Nelson didn’t give up. After he witnessed the aftermath of an oil spill in California in 1969, he doubled his efforts to raising environmental awareness enlisting support from both sides of the political spectrum.

Did you know Earth Day was inspired by Vietnam war protesters? The date April 22nd was chosen to appeal to college students intentionally by Senator Nelson and grad student Denis Hayes (who went on to internationalize the holiday and start the Earth Day Network, among other foundations). They strategically selected April 22 in order to attract more college students, who were known for being politically active during that era of protest. The date fell between spring break and final exams.

A strange combination of boisterous rallies and sober reflection on the state of the planet marked the first Earth Day. Twenty Million Americans took to the street to celebrate.

Just eight months after the first Earth Day, the Environmental Protection Agency was born, approved by Richard Nixon.

In 2009 the holiday became internationally known as Mother Earth Day. That same year during the Apollo 14 moon mission, Astronaunt Stuart Rossa, a former smokejumper for the U.S. Forest Service, brought with him hundreds of tree seeds including Loblolly Pine, Sycamore, Sweetgum, Redwood, and Douglas Fir. Upon their return to earth, these trees were planted around National Monuments, as well as in sites all over the world. After decades of growing side-by-side with their Earth cousins, the Moon Trees showed no differences. On Earth Day 2009, NASA, in partnership with the United States National Arboretum and American Forests, planted a second generation Moon Sycamore on the arboretum’s grounds in Washington, D.C.

Every year since 2016, there has been a new theme attached to the holiday. In anticipation for its 50^th anniversary in 2020 the theme is “Climate Action”. Despite the social distancing necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, demonstrations and conferences are still happening virtually rather than in person. To learn more, visit Earth Day 2020 website.