Kelley Heckart's Blog

My Visit to a Wolf Sanctuary

My husband and I recently took a vacation to Sedona, AZ. Beforeour trip, I Googled “things to do if  you don’t want to go hiking.” The Sedona Wolf Sanctuary came up. I’dnever heard of it, and I was intrigued. You must make an appointment to visit,and you are allowed inside the enclosures where you can interact with thewolves.

After visiting their website and reading the rules, I bookedan appointment. They are very strict about clothing and what you can bringinside the enclosures. Also, you have to be over 18 to visit the sanctuary, andyou are not permitted to use a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You can’t wearsunglasses because wolves need to see your eyes. We were good with all the rulesput in place to protect the wolves from stress.

We arrived at the remote location, paid our cash donation, andthe first thing our hosts did was tell us about the wolves and the NativeAmerican spiritual history of the place. Then, our group performed a sagesmudge around a medicine wheel to calm ourselves before meeting the wolves,because these intelligent animals can sense your anxiety, and they will avoidyou.

This was the most awakening experience I’ve ever had. We saton benches or on pads on the ground while two wolves, Thor and Spirit, roamedthe area. They only approached you if they chose to do so. My husband and I gotwolf kisses. I have never felt so calm in my life by meeting these awesomecreatures.

I really connected with Larka, the alpha she-wolf, mainlybecause we are both older females with arthritis. She doesn’t really trust menbecause a horrible man abused her. She was so sweet.

This is the last chance for these wolves. They weresurrendered by people who thought having a wolf as a pet was a good idea. Thewolves at this sanctuary can’t be pets, and they can’t survive in the wild. Theonly other option is euthanasia. Cynthia and Xavier are doing a great serviceby taking care of these animals.

Visiting this sanctuary also helped me. I’ve been strugglingmentally and physically lately. This was a spiritual experience that helpedheal my fractured soul. I want to return to this wonderful place.

  

White Rose of Avalon available on multiple online retailers

 

Now on Amazon, Kobo and Kobo Plus, Google Play, and Apple Books: https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/0f6a067a-05a0-11f0-ab3e-170251331eed

I'm trying to see if I can get better sales by having my ebooks in other stores, not just Amazon. Plus, Amazon has been making me angry lately. They keep changing the process for listing and selling Kindle books. The latest one has upset readers because now they can't download ebooks they bought and back them up on their computers. As a reader with a Kindle, I'm not sure if I'm going to buy any more ebooks from Amazon. Amazon can remove them from my reader, even though I own the ebooks. I'm rethinking the whole digital thing and may return to physical books. It's starting to look like we don't actually own digital media that we purchase.

www.kelleyheckart.com

Self-Hypnosis and Positive Affirmations: The Art of Self Therapy Book Review

Amazon Buy Link: Self-Hypnosis-Positive-Affirmations-Self-Therapy
5 Stars
Self-Hypnosis and Positive Affirmations: The Art of SelfTherapy is unique because it combines the two therapies. This guide covers bothphysical and psychological illnesses in different chapters like quittingsmoking, weight loss, stress, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, painmanagement, childbirth, insomnia, addictions, lack of confidence/low self-esteem,anger management, nail-biting, sports performance, motivation, and a host of commonfears.

 What I really likedabout this guide is that there are convenient self-hypnosis scripts for each treatmentand a list of affirmations inserted at the end of each chapter.

I found the breathing exercises and affirmations most helpful.There is also a list of resources for further research at the end of the book.Highly recommended.

New Release in epic fantasy

 

Amazon Paperback https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSTYY9LM

ISBN: 9798339009474

Kindle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSTFW3BQ

.99 for a limited time. Regular price is 3.99.

Unravel the threads of fate.

It is written in blood.

One of Her kind will betray Her.

In a world where mortals are at the whims of the capriciousgods, a prophecy foretells treachery committed by one of their own, leading tothe inevitable downfall of the once-mighty Titans. The Great Goddess Rhea,seeking retribution, dispatches Her vengeance goddess, Becuille, to the land ofHatti. She is charged with the daunting task of uncovering the origins of starmetal, a substance fatal to the old gods, and finding the enigmatic Destroyer.

Disguised as a human slave in the royal palace, Becuillefinds herself entwined with her master, Prince Callileon, plunging both into atreacherous world of power-hungry gods, formidable magic, and widespreadbetrayal. As tension mounts and loyalties are tested, Becuille faces animpossible choice between duty to her goddess and the stirrings of forbiddenlove for Callileon.

Warning: Of Gods and Vengeance is a Greek tragedyfeaturing star-crossed lovers set in an era where slavery and human and animalsacrifice were commonplace.

Excerpt:

Dazed by the relentless, blindingsun, she stumbled and fell. Laughter erupted from the crowd. Becuille pulledherself up and brushed dirt from her knees as best she could with shackledwrists.

The slave trader cast her a lewdgrin, raking his kohl-lined gaze over her body. He stroked her bare thigh. “Sheis a bit clumsy, but this maiden is skilled in the arts of love and augury. Her skin is on the fair side,but she is worth the high priceI ask for her. She comes from the mysterious island in the Aegeancalled Crete. Just look at how flawlessher skin is, and her ripebreasts are like succulent apples.”

People had exclaimed awe when he’d mentionedshe was from Crete. He tuggedher tunic down, revealing one of her breasts to the mostly male audience.

His skin smelled foul like rotten fish. She pulled her chin up, recoilingfrom his dirty touch.

For her ears only, he whispered as he covered her exposedbreast, “I have to sell you to the palace as your mistress wished. They only want thebest.”

Wincing at his terrible breath, shestood still and allowed him to play his part. This was a new experience for herand already she despised slave traders and how they treatedtheir merchandise. This one had been overpaid for his services, but it was important that she be sold into the palace.She gave him a hard look, certainthe greedy Egyptianhad raised the price for her to make himself even richer insilver shekels.

“Do not let her shyness fool you. Though her maidenhead is ruined, she has more importantskills, and she is still young and nubile.”He leered at her, and she suppressed the urge to strike him. “She is truly a rare gem in the bedchamber, andshe is an augur who can speak many languages. Her talents do not end there forshe has the singing voice of a goddess, most enchanting. Thirty shekels and sheis yours.”

The slave trader moved on toanother of his prized slaves, a young Nubian man with skin as black as a moonlessnight. Selling his wares, the Egyptian continued addressing thecrowd in the blistering heat.

Becuille turned her attentionto a tall young man wearing a cleanwhite, gold-trimmed tunic who watched her with intense blue eyes. His combedhair gleamed like shimmering wheat inthe blazing sun. He wore a barbaric close-cropped beard and mustache, but his facial hair gave him a masculinity that strangely intrigued her. Royaltyswirled around him like the brightlycolored feathers of a cuckoo.He stood much taller than the men she was accustomed to on the island, and with his golden hair, muscular arms andthighs, he resembled an invincible sun god.

So,this is the land of the Hatti, brutal invadersof the lands of the Great Goddess.Hmm. This tall man did not seem brutal. She returned his penetratingstare, forgetting that a slave should always keep her gaze lowered insubmission.

“Do my eyes deceiveme or do I see a strikingmaiden with the untamedspirit of a spring mare?”He spoke in the strangeEgyptian tongue. Graspingher chained hands, he forced her closer to him.

His sheathed sword brushedagainst her thigh,causing a curiousquiver in her lower regions. If she could break her shackles, she would have pulledaway from him. The feelings he roused frightened her. Were unbridled emotions always present inside mortals? She felt asudden twinge of pity for them.

He continued to look intently ather, compressing his mouth, as if awaiting her response.

She realized he was testing her. “Your eyes do not deceive you. This spring mare will not be so easyto tame,” she whispered, answering him in the Egyptian tongue.

He stood so close to her she couldsmell his manly perfume of wood smoke, leather, and spices. She caught a whiffof sandalwood, which further aroused her. Biting her lower lip to quell herunwanted emotions, she reminded herself why she came here as a slave to thissweltering land.

His eyes burned into hers, glintingwith arrogance. “Hmm, we shall see about that.”

“Iam a freeborn woman, lord,”she said, unableto hide her sneer.

Her anger rose unchecked, and she forgother place here as a humble slave.His insolent nature intensified her ire as well as her lust.

“These chains indicate otherwise.” He stepped back, his chinand shoulders lifted in a show of superiority. “I will take this one,” he said to the slave trader,speaking again in his own language and handing him a bulging, jinglingbag.

The Egyptian untied the leather bag and inspectedthe silver shekels.

“After a long bath, she will bepresentable to the House of Suppiluliuma,” the golden-haired man said.

Seething inside, Becuille triedto ignore his insolent comment,keeping her eyes lowered and away from his penetrating, and she wascertain, mocking gaze. Was he still testing her? Did he want her to forget shewas a slave and lash out at him? His peculiar behavior puzzled her. She kepther gaze lowered, hoping he would be her first connection to finding Celmis. Sofar the plan was working. She was on her way to the royal palace. A smalltriumph on this frustrating day.

 

Hyenas and Matriarchy and a pseudo-penis

I was going to post about matriarchy vs. patriarchy givenall the things that have been happening in the U.S. concerning a woman's rightto choose, and the chance we might have our first female president. However, Istumbled on spotted hyenas. I knew they were matriarchal, but I didn't knowthey have penises. Yes, the females have a penis, technically called apseudo-penis. www.genderinclusivebiology.com

This article explains it better, but all female hyenashave functional penises they use to mount & give birth. Erect penises are asign of submission in the matriarchal society of hyenas. The female hyenawithout the erect penis is the dominant leader of the entire pack.

I found this information fascinating. Is this anevolutionary device? There are two main theories about the evolution of thepseudo-penis: 

Control over mating: The pseudo-penis gives femalesmore control over who they mate with.

Camouflage: The pseudo-penis may act as a masculine"camouflage" to deter aggression from other females, especially forfemale cubs at risk of infanticide.

Other than the female hyenas being badass, what does thissay about them? Is this the right way to run a society? Males aren't treatedvery well in this matriarchal society, but in a patriarchal society, femalesaren't treated very well. There needs to be a balance. I believe this is theonly way for a society to truly prosper.

Read about my badass females (without penises, lol).

 

Website: https://www.kelleyheckart.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/kelleyheckart

 

Review of Roots and Rituals: Reclaiming Appalachian Wisdom Through Seasonal Practices #bookreviews

Buy Roots and Rituals on Amazon

A well-researched, comprehensive guide

This book is a comprehensive guide to Appalachian folklore and how it is linked to the seasons and nature. There are rituals for each season with complete instructions on how to achieve this connection to Earth’s cycles. It’s about finding balance and harmony.

I didn’t know much about Appalachian folklore until now. It combines Celtic traditions with Appalachian ones using rituals involving water, fire-gazing, the moon, and the sun. There are also lessons on crafting amulets, tea brewing, candle magic, meditation, and storytelling. I found the writing engaging, and I also enjoyed the enchanting illustrations throughout the book.

I learned about different herbs and their properties, how to gather them, store them, and use them in rituals.

I found this book fascinating, and while it focuses on Appalachian traditions, I feel the basic principles can be applied to any area. I’m inspired to better connect to my land and learn more about the rich Native American history where I live.

This passage from Roots and Rituals sums it all up: “This deep-rooted connection to the cycles of nature is the cornerstone of Appalachian magic, a practice that honors the rhythms of the Earth and aligns with them to bring balance, harmony, and meaning to life.”

I highly recommend this book for people interested in Appalachian folklore, rituals, and connecting with nature to help yourself find harmony in your everyday life.

Poor Things, a movie review

We just streamed Poor Things last night, and it was one of the weirdest movies I've ever seen. It was also one of the most fascinating movies I've ever seen. It's based on a novel, and I would classify it as a mix of fantasy and steampunk.

The film was visually stunning, with odd architecture design and cinematography utilizing vivid color and black and white and different lenses like a fisheye lense for a couple of scenes.

The main character is Bella, a woman brought back from the dead by an unorthodox doctor. We get to watch her evolve from a newborn into an amazing, unique female. Men want to possess her for her untamed, wild-child personality. She is passionate and unbridled. She doesn't want to be controlled and confined by a man, and we get to see how she deals with this issue.

There are many themes from this movie, but I think a main one is that we could all benefit from never losing our curiosity about the world around us and to stop being bound by societal norms.

The actors' performances were top-notch, and I'm not surprised Emma Stone won an Academy Award for her role in this movie.

I highly recommend Poor Things if you are looking for something weirdly fascinating.

Book Review--Understanding and Managing Depression and Stress by Josephine Spire

 

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-managing-depression-Stress-Josephine-ebook/dp/B06XRJB9C4/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k7ko5BX2bf_QHyAOXwkyJJzR1uRRMh2ej3da-1V2Txve10uDHFptDqdJF1hijQo4kqmBAaL20gx8z_KhVmo3_JEqKOVgbst7_YHDb5XmqUk.-n4L5qlbbj3GeqoD1P0razPxVuufqqJ7U3_Uj4UFZKw&dib_tag=se&qid=1712249711&refinements=p_27%3AJosephine+Spire&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Josephine+Spire

5 stars

A helpful, comprehensive guide

I was looking forward to reading this book because I havehad bouts of stress. Who isn’t stressed out in this crazy world we live in?

The author starts off by explaining different types ofdepression and stress, causes of depression and stress, how these affect ourbodies, followed by techniques for coping with these mental health problems.She also outlines treatments like medication, seeing a therapist, and other optionslike alternative therapies. It’s important to note that severe depressionshould be treated by a licensed professional.

What I found interesting is how much a healthy diet playsan important part in our mental well-being. I didn’t connect these before now.

There were many useful techniques like self-hypnosis andrelaxation for coping on a daily basis. I found these useful for my own stress.Mindfulness was also something I’d heard about, but I never fully understood ituntil now.

Overall, this is a complete guide to recognizingdepression and stress and then seeking the help you need. There are also somehelpful resources listed at the end of this book. Highly recommended.

 

Of Ravens and Wolves: new historical fantasy romance release #99cents

 

Buy now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW19RCPH

Also in KU and Print

Magic demands its price.

In the sequel to Of Water and Dragons, Nemu andAmbiorix must fight to survive in the wild lands of the Caitt in northernCaledonia where they have sought refuge after Ambiorix’s desertion from theRoman army. Another more sinister danger also stalks them, a result of Nemu’sdark magic. Their idyllic world is about to be shattered, and theirrelationship tested.

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Excerpt:

Crows flew into the air froma nearby tree in a sudden rush of fluttering black wings.

Ambiorix froze. Hissoldier instinct warned him that something or someone had startled them. Hepicked up the sword that he always kept near him from the flat rock and turnedaround, gripping the smooth ivory handle with the confidence of a seasoned warrior.

Eerie silence descendedon the forest. The day had been dark and gray, the clouds heavy with winterrain or snow. As night closed in, the shadows deepened, crawling like creepingblack vines across the forest floor. He saw nothing unusual and hurried backtoward the cave to make sure Nemu was safe.

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Review:

“Heckart’s work offers beautiful poetic descriptions rich indetail. Reading this book is a sensual pleasure. It is especially a joy to readabout the idyllic agrarian lifestyle and the sense of people’s connection tothe land, to the tribe, and to the spirit world. The richness of detail indescriptions create a powerful aura that positively fills this world.”

Reviewed by Snapdragon at the Long and the Short of It

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www.kelleyheckart.com

Mixing History with Fantasy—The Story Behind Of Water and Dragons by Kelley Heckart

Of Water and Dragons started out as a fantasyromance. Later, I decided to turn it into a historical fantasy romance. I choseRoman Britain as the setting and referenced real historical accounts.

One problem I had was that Romans wrote all of thehistorical references. The Celts were an oral society, so I had nothing inwriting from them to use as a reference. Of course the Romans made themselveslook good. They called the Celts barbarians, but archaeological evidencedoesn’t support this claim.

The Celts lived with the land, and they were fiercewarriors. Like the Romans, they worshipped many gods and goddesses. They eveninvented chain mail and were superior iron workers. Soap was another Celticinvention. Their druids were a priestly caste of doctors, lawyers, astronomers,story keepers, and political advisors. Not barbarian traits in my opinion.

The one weakness they had, however, was inter-tribalfighting. They were no match for Rome’s legions because they refused to jointogether to fight the one true enemy. This would be their downfall, at least inBriton and most of the world. In what is now called Scotland, Rome was unableto defeat the Celtic tribes there. Possibly because the rougher terrain made iteasy for native warriors to ambush a marching army.

I did my research and found a major battle fought inCaledonia (now Scotland) between the Roman legions and the Celts. The Battle ofMons Graupius took place in 83 or 84 AD, but the exact location is a mystery. Iset the battle near the Grampian Mountains, one of the possible locations.Though the Roman army was outnumbered, they managed to defeat the Celts andsent them scattering into the forests.

This is how my hero, a Roman soldier, meets the heroine, ahalf-Fae, half human who lives in the thick woodlands of the GrampianMountains. She has a dark past involving Roman legions and shies away fromhuman contact, but she decides to help this wounded Roman soldier. He has beentaught that the Celtic tribes are barbaric and deserve to be conquered. Sheopens his eyes. Still, many obstacles stand in the way of any kind ofrelationship developing between them.

Roman Britain thrived until the Roman legions pulled out inabout 383 AD. Despite the way Rome conquered and ruled over the Celtic tribes,they did bring law and order to the land. They brought advanced engineering toBriton like heated bathhouses and sanitation through aqueducts that providedclean water and added drains to keep the streets clean. I wanted to show thedifferences between how Romans and Roman Celts lived versus the free tribes ofCaledonia.

Another historical account I touched on was thedisappearance of the Ninth Legion in Caledonia. They virtually disappeared fromRome’s accounts, possibly because having one of their greatest legions defeatedby barbaric tribes was a huge disgrace for Rome. Nobody knows what reallyhappened. It’s possible they were transferred to another country to fight forRome, but as there are no records to verify this, it’s up for debate. Mycreative version involves dragon magic. Who’s to say it wasn’t druid or Faemagic that made the Ninth Legion disappear?

By mixing history with fantasy, I was able to create a love storythat touches on the realities of life in Roman Britain and in the wild lands ofCaledonia while also integrating the magic of these people who lived with theland and believed every living creature and everything in nature had a soul. Tothem the trees were just as alive with pulsing energy as the living creatureswith blood and oxygen rushing through their bodies. Beyond the safety of theircampfires, the Celts believed there lived unknown beings capable ofunbelievable powers, some benevolent, some not. This was a time of magic.Anything was possible.

 

Website: https://www.kelleyheckart.com

Amazon AuthorPage: https://www.amazon.com/author/kelleyheckart

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYB1FGL8