Yellowstone National Park Travel Tuesday Destination
Glad you stopped in grab a peanut butter cookie and a mug of hot chocolate. Then take a peek at our Travel Tuesday featuring Yellowstone National Park another of our very favorite camping spots.
Yellowstone National Park is a nearly 3,500-sq.-mile wilderness recreation area atop a volcanic hot spot. Mostly in Wyoming, the park spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho too. Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It’s also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope.
The first time we visited over twenty-five years ago, we stayed in Fishing Bridge campground inside the park. It was built for tiny RV’s and you could touch your neighbor’s RV by reaching out your window. Too tight for my liking. But the wolf song in the evenings were fantastic. This is the trip that we drove our brand new mini-van.
Subsequent trips we stayed in several KOA’s in the area that were great. On in West Yellowstone, Montana was outstanding. The last time we were there (2017), the asphalt was actually melting on one of the roads to a geyser. Not Old Faithful, but a smaller one just down the road. We couldn’t figure out why everyone was parking on the side of the road and walking up to the smaller geyser. Upon closer inspection, the middle of the road was melted into a large hole. In addition there were smaller melted areas all over the road. The park had increased its bubbling pots in the ground three fold since we’d visited three years before. Kinda scary.
I have to tell you about an experience we had at a gift shop in Yellowstone. I swear this is a true story. My friend and I went into the shop to get the national park Christmas Tree decorations we collect. There was this lady standing in front of us, obviously from one of the tour busses. As we waited, it was finally her turn at the checkout. She asked the lady behind the counter, “What time do they let the animals out?” She was completely serious. The lady behind the counter, didn’t even crack a smile or blink an eye. She simply said, “We don’t control the animals. They roam the entire park of their own free will.” By this time, we had to turn our backs to the women and trying to keep from busting a gut laughing. Finally the lady took her purchases and left. It was out turn. We asked the counter person how she kept a straight face. She glanced at us over her spectacles, smiled, and said, “We get that question more often than you’d believe.” We were dumbfounded to say the least.
Next week we’ll explore Glacier National Park in Montana. The scenery there is spectacular! You don’t want to miss it.
So this happened. Squeal!! HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC is nominated for 2020 PARANORMAL ROMANCE GUILD REVIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD! Mark your calendars, Please! VOTING WILL GO LIVE Saturday, February 6th THROUGH February 12th, 2021. Discover the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic! #timetravel #fantasy #love #Magic #witches #wildliferescue #wrpbks https://buff.ly/35NLe7A
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.
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged Geyser, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Travel Tuesday Destination, Wyoming, Yellowstone by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
My Goals for 2021 #L&SR’s Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge
Happy New Year! Welcome to #L&SR’s Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge January 6, 2021. Today’s topic is My Goals for 2021. That I can do! Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice. Take your choice of a Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate.
A Look forward to my 2021 goals. Sketched out a few new book ideas. Hopefully, I finally get to my cozy mystery series, first book is done and in the polishing stages with two more books waiting in the wings. Sequel to Mystic Maples is on the agenda joined by a fun Christmas Cookie Novella involving a witch and dragon shifter, along with many more story ideas swirling in my unconventional brain. Word count goal will again be 6000 words per week, an attainable goal but not easy. Make more quality time for family, friends, parrot Taco, pup Mystic, and Sammy turtle. Last but least more travel and CAMPING!
Now that I’ve shared my goals for 2021. What kinds of things are planned in your 2021? Please share in the comments! Wishing you a VERY Happy New Year!
Alas, I must return to my writing cave preparing promo on HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC, New audio book HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC is now available. So excited. Stay tuned! Chocolate Raspberry Magic release date been extended until April 2021. And I’ve turned in the sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series to my editor at The WIld Rose Press. She likes it! Waiting for contract. Yippee! AND A new project is well underway Wylder West Assignment. Keep an eye out for more information. Now let’s see what the other author’s Goals for 2021. LOL L&SR
Oh, one mote thing. my book HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC is nominated in the Annual Critters Readers Pole this year. I would greatly appreciate your VOTE in the category #Magical Realism Novel Here is the link! https://buff.ly/34Nb8se Thank you so much!
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
A bit more about my 2020 award winner Hidden Gypsy Magic, available in digital, print or audiobook
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 peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic:
In the soft light he’d left on, he could just make out both pupils were the same size. He breathed a sigh of relief. I can rule out head injury, so far anyway. The bird toppled over hitting its injured side against the enclosure and screeched.
“Its okay girl,” he cooed. “No one is going to hurt you.”
Gwen sucked in a breath behind him. “What a beautiful bird. And huge.”
Only Gwen could see the beauty in the blood matted feathers of an injured owl. He shook his head. It was the reason he was drawn to her. There was no way he was going to let her get away.
“Never saw one up close before.” Her gaze was full of compassion and understanding as she turned to him. “You’re going to need a bigger enclosure. That one’s not even big enough for her to spread one good wing. She does have one good wing. Right?”
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Tena Stetler, Time travel, Witches by Tena Stetler with 19 comments.
Hindsight Will Really Be 2020 Tomorrow!
Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! I will open all my windows and doors tonight night at the stroke of midnight shoving 2020 right out. Hopefully, 2021 will quietly slip inside with promise of a better year. Knowing we will still be dealing with COVID19 but there is a bright spot on the horizon. By summer everyone that wants a vaccine should be able or have gotten one. Yippee! What will our new 2021 normal look like? Share your ideas.
I have to relay this story of just how ridiculous looking back on a certain 2020 event feels. Shortly after there has no toilet paper to be found on store shelves, I opened my linen closet to my meager supply, and quick as a wink my parrot, who was sitting on my shoulder, flew to the shelf grabbed a roll of toilet paper and shredded it quicker than a commercial shredder. Emotions running high, I screamed at her, which I never do because to a parrot it signals a noise challenge. Which at the range of decibels she can produce makes her always the winner. This time however, she merely turned her head eyeing me as if I’d lost my mind. It wasn’t as if this hadn’t happened a few times before. It snapped things in perspective. A destroyed roll of toilet paper was not the end of the world. As I cleaned up the mess, the ridiculousness of the situation had me laughing until tears streamed down my face, garnering another “she’s lost her mind” look from Taco, my parrot. Maybe you had to be there or a parrot owner to appreciate the humor at that situation in a world gone topsy turvy. But I hope the story brought a smile to your lips.
Now a serious look back at 2020. First of every month starting with April, I cringed with one eye open wondering what new and horrible occurrences would be fall us from hurricanes, to mounting Covid death tolls, social unrest, politics gone awry, mandatory mask wearing, and Murder hornets? Did I tell you how a squeal when a hornet of any kind comes near me (I’m allergic)? Locust swarms? The Australian fires was an omen for 2020. Then we have the unbelievable toilet paper and paper towel hoarding just to mention a few of the unexplained unavailable items. I have never washed my hands so much as I have in 2020 and plan to continue to do so. Should have bought stock in hand lotion companies. LOL
My 2020 all things considered wasn’t bad compared to others and I’m thankful. I met all my 2020 goals, but barely. It was sad all the writers conferences were canceled. The virtual ones were interesting, missed the physical get togethers, comparing experiences, and sharing new ideas. Also missed visiting with my readers at craft shows. I raise a toast to all my readers! (Hear the ring of crystal.) Thank you so much for your support in 2020, you made HIdden Gypsy Magic a roaring success with multiple awards and astounding 5-star reviews.. After all you are the reason I write the stores. Bless each and every one of you!
While in 2020 I only had one book published, Hidden Gypsy Magic released Sept.28, 2020, I wrote three more in 2020 Chocolate Raspberry Magic set to release in April 2021, fourth book in A Witch’s Journey and inclusion into One Scoop or Two Series by The Wild Rose Press, watch for it. A Witch’s Quandary, sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series is contracted and in edits. First draft my book for The Wild Rose Press Wylder series was my NANOWRIMO project this year in November and is in revisions. Yep, count ’em four books written in 2020. Nearly broke my arm padding myself on the back. LOL Gotta celebrate the little things. Right? Sticking my head in my fantasy world to avoid the real world upped my productivity. Though mid March through end of April did shake my psyche. Never in my wildest dreams did I consider a pandemic would happen in my lifetime and derail the real world as it did. Stuff movies are made of, not realty. Yeah right.
By God’s grace, my family was not badly impacted by the shutdowns of 2020. How did you all fair?
Okay on to brighter things. A Look forward to my 2021 goals. Sketched out a few new book ideas. Hopefully, I finally get to my cozy mystery series, first book is done and in the polishing stages with two more books waiting in the wings. Sequel to Mystic Maples is on the agenda joined by a fun Christmas Cookie Novella involving a witch and dragon shifter, along with many more story ideas swirling in my unconventional brain. Word count goal will again be 6000 words per week, an attainable goal but not easy. Make more quality time for family, friends, parrot Taco, pup Mystic, and Sammy turtle. Last but least more travel and CAMPING!
Now that I’ve shared my year gone by and goals for the new year. What stood out in your 2020? What kinds of things are planned in your 2021? Please share in the comments! Wishing you a VERY Happy New Year!
2020 award winner Hidden Gypsy Magic, digital, print or audiobook!
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 peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic:
In the soft light he’d left on, he could just make out both pupils were the same size. He breathed a sigh of relief. I can rule out head injury, so far anyway. The bird toppled over hitting its injured side against the enclosure and screeched.
“Its okay girl,” he cooed. “No one is going to hurt you.”
Gwen sucked in a breath behind him. “What a beautiful bird. And huge.”
Only Gwen could see the beauty in the blood matted feathers of an injured owl. He shook his head. It was the reason he was drawn to her. There was no way he was going to let her get away.
“Never saw one up close before.” Her gaze was full of compassion and understanding as she turned to him. “You’re going to need a bigger enclosure. That one’s not even big enough for her to spread one good wing. She does have one good wing. Right?”
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Hidden Gypsy Magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Tena Stetler, Time travel, Witches by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.
Hidden Gypsy Magic Wins
Happy Holidays to all! For #MFRWhooks this week HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC. Winner of N.N. Light Book Heaven Book of the Year in the Paranormal Romance category! WooHoo! Happy dancing! Okay, catching my breath, I have a couple of sweet treats for you! HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC is on Audiobook! Yippee! AND your complimentary recipe book, 2020 Holiday Garden Gourmet (Yummy cookie recipes) is here! Continue reading to find out more.
Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Continue reading to find out more.
2020 Holiday Garden Gourmet – A holiday gift of yummy recipes from the Authors of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
This is a complimentary recipe book compiled by The Wild Rose Press and is available online for a free download here. The recipes are provided by myself and other TWRP authors. Please enjoy!
My contribution to the recipe book is Old Fashion Peanut Butter Cookies with a Kiss, page 170. Feel free to try all the recipes in the book. They’re YUMMY!!
Now the MFRWHooks!
A little about 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 peek between the pages of HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC – available in audiobook (the 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 again.
Available in audiobook. Take a listen!
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
Thank you for stopping by! Stay safe and have a happy holiday season! Don’t forget to wash your hands!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, Audiobook, fantasy, ghosts, Hidden Gypsy Magic, magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Tena Stetler, Time travel, Witches by Tena Stetler with 7 comments.
