I don’t think of New Year’s Day as a time of new beginnings. For me, it’s spring when the trees are budding and the weather begins to warm up. There’s a scent in the air that makes me feel like anything is possible. It’s fabulous. It’s magical. It’s the time of year to get rid of the cobwebs of winter and dreary days and make plans to kick some ass. I’m a list maker. It makes me feel safe. LOL Never have I ever completed all of the items on my list, but that’s just a reason to make a …
Long Weekend Holiday Fun for All.
As a teacher, I long for those weekends that have a public holiday attached. It means I get an extra sleep in. We have several in Australia and there are some classic activities that make them all the more memorable. Long weekends are a perfect opportunity to take a break from the daily grind and recharge your batteries. Whether you’re planning a big bash or a small gathering or you’re looking to relax, explore, or spend quality time with loved ones, here are some ideas to help you make the most of your long weekend, or if you are visiting …
Romance in the afterlife
What’s more hauntingly romantic than love that transcends death? Ghost stories often intertwine romance with mystery, leaving behind eerie yet touching tales. There’s something so poignant about love being the unfinished business that keeps a spirit tethered to life… which is a concept I am exploring in my new SLeepy Hollow Mysteries series… but maybe not in the way you might imagine 😉 Here are some wonderful examples of tragic love stories that have stood the test of life… and death. The Lady in White (various locations) – The ‘Lady in White’ is a common ghost story, where a woman …
Acceptance and Flexibility
I have always been one of those disgustingly healthy women. Never mind how old I am, but let’s just say I’ve managed to slither through many decades with robust health…until I got cancer. There’s something about hearing the words, “you have cancer,” that’s life-changing. If I’ve learned anything through these last four years, it’s been to savor the moment and not get lost in a future I cannot control. I’ve been a psychologist for a very long time. Used to urge my patients not to get too far ahead of the curve and to remain in today. (insert eye roll) …
Twenty Years (or 140 Dog-Years) of Writing: An Author’s Evolution
February 2005, I submitted a paranormal novella to several online publishers. At that point, I was a seasoned collector of rejections, fully expecting to add a few more to my growing stash of “thanks, but no thanks” letters. But two weeks later, to my utter shock, I was offered my first book contract. That was twenty years ago. That’s 140 in dog years! Back then, I was thirty-six, juggling a full-time nursing career while pursuing a second degree in English. My son had just turned ten, my father-in-law was terminally ill, and my world felt like a whirlwind of responsibilities. …
Tasty treats for the dogs in the tundra….
I love my dogs. My dogs love me. They also apparently hate me. How do I know this? Well, let me explain—last night I was writing as usual and what to my wondering eyes should appear? Wanda. Wanda at the back door with something large, dark and frozen in her mouth. Her excitement was undeniable. Her tail was wagging so fast it almost disappeared. My stomach dropped. Was it an animal? No. Was it one of Steve’s boots? No. Was it a strangely shaped branch? No. It was a large frozen horse poop patty that my idiot dog thought she …
Celebrate National Margarita Day with the Perfect Margarita Recipe! 🍹
Today, February 22nd is National Margarita Day, a day dedicated to celebrating one of the most beloved cocktails in the world! Whether you prefer it on the rocks, blended, or with a twist of flavor, this day is all about enjoying the refreshing taste of a margarita. Let’s dive into ways to celebrate, and of course, the recipe for the best margarita! Normally, I prefer a nice chilled white wine, but over the Aussie summer I’ve ventured into new territory and tried many margaritas. I think I’m going to have to put this annual day in my calendar to celebrate …
Romance your inner main character
February isn’t just about romance—it’s also the perfect time to focus on self-love. Paranormal heroines, with their fierce independence and magical journeys, have plenty to teach us about embracing our power and loving ourselves first. Take Ivy Hearst, my ghost-seeing amateur sleuth, for example. Her journey in the Sleepy Hollow Mysteries series isn’t just about solving crimes—it’s about discovering who she is and learning to trust herself. Here are a few self-love lessons inspired by strong, paranormal heroines: Set boundaries like Rosie – Just as a witch casts a protective circle, you can set boundaries to protect your energy and …
Sweetness and Light
I have always loved baking. Breads, pastries, you name it. Playing in the kitchen has always brought me a great deal of pleasure. Roll the clock forward a whole lot of years, and I chose to alter my ingredients to gluten free and paleo friendly. Learning to use gluten free flours took a lot of trial and error. They are all so different in terms of the finished product they produce. I started out with organic almond flour because the nuts in regular almond flour come from trees that use agricultural runoff to water them. The idea was to get …
Simon’s Road to Recovery: A Tale of Love, Fear, and Healing
Let me start by saying that Simon is doing great now–thank heavens. Last year, I had a medical scare with my sweet boy Simon, who inspired the creation of Bob in my Grimoires of a Middle-aged Witch. It was a health issue that I had never known could or would be a problem, and because of my ignorance here nearly died. This is how it started… On February 11th, 2024: Simon started throwing up. Initially, I thought he was having a hairball or an upset tummy. He gets that occasionally, and it usually sorts itself out. Unfortunately, his symptoms worsened …