Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 33

That Realization

This week, I sat outside my son’s martial arts class and couldn’t help but overhear a man speaking on the phone. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop but his voice projected so loudly that I couldn’t help overhearing much of his conversation. What caught my attention in his words was his admission that he was stopping his line of work because he realized it wasn’t going anywhere. Essentially, he was describing an epiphany. He felt stagnant and simply wasn’t progressing in his life towards a future that he wanted to embrace.

this was deep. How many of us have this realization and are able to act on it? Even if it was not in regards to work, how many of us act on realizations that require discomfort or big change? For myself and my family, I can say that moving from the West Coast to the East Coast was a big, life-changing move. We did not have our jobs’ situation figured out, nor did we have an idea of where we were going to live or where our kids would go to school. It was scary, no doubt. But we believed that some of the goals we could attain in this move would be worth taking a step towards the unknown.

As corny as it is, I’m the type of person that believes life is full of signs that point us in one direction or another. It is we who choose to listen or ignore. So when you have that big realization, or that epiphany that might mean a lot of change and perhaps even a step into the uncomfortable, what will you do? Think about what you might gain versus what you might leave behind.

Happy writing this week!

A Haunted Paranormal-Scope

On Friday, I went with my daughter Cera to the Old Mystic Village shops. In particular, we were looking for Alice’s Haunted Little Bookshop, which is a delightfully haunted experience as referenced by some photos above. This one and more of my favorite shops are in Mystic, CT. For your convenience, the Old Mystic Village is right off Route 95. Now, for a haunted paranormal-scope.

While I am not qualified to read either stars or planets I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So, are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment and is not meant to guide your life.

Aries:
Some ghosts like to rearrange the furniture. Now is a great time to rearrange your efforts more in line with your goals.

Taurus:
In A Christmas Carol, the ghost of Marley moans with regret. Don’t have regrets. Make some new friends and enjoy hearing about their adventures. You may go on one.

Gemini:
You don’t need to call on Bloody Mary to know the future. Improving yourself can change your future both in meeting people and new ideas. Take an online course in a subject you’ve always loved.

Cancer:
They say the ghost of Abraham Lincoln still walks in the White House watching over the nation. You have big dreams. Plan your path to reach them.

Leo:
The Point Sur Lighthouse in California is said to be haunted by happy ghosts, as it has the most beautiful views. The opportunity to work out differences with those close may be at hand.

Virgo:
The Greenbriar ghost revealed her murderer’s identity to her mother. An autopsy confirmed what the ghost said, and the husband was arrested. Things might seem hard right now. Try to keep your focus on your work, and cherish the company of those you love at home.

Libra
A country western singer has departed grandmothers looking over her, saving her from a fatal plane flight and a bad contract. While finances may be sticky at the moment, saving more could be the key.

Scorpio:
Seeing the Gray Man of Pawleys Island, SC has saved lives. Putting your best foot forward on all occasions right now including meeting new people can help make career connections.

Sagittarius:
In Return of the King, Aragorn needs an army and goes to Dead Men of Dunharrow. He challenges them to fulfill their oath to fight Sauron. Avoiding office drama is key to a better work environment.

Capricorn:
In A Christmas Carol, the Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge where he can improve his life. Self-reflect on what aspects of your life you’d like to improve.

Aquarius:
In A Christmas Carol, the Ghost of Christmas Future shows Scrooge where his current path of misery is headed. The key piece in life is balancing home life and work. Don’t overlook new career opportunities.

Pisces:
Not all that people regard as ghosts are ghosts. Some may just be a loved one appearing for a few minutes or whispering in one’s ear to give help. Join a club of interests similar to yours. Making friends slowly can benefit you.

Enjoy life and be safe. Happy Halloween!

-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance, and now YA sweet adventure novels too.
susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazon around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Now we wait!

Life Tools: Traditions! By Susan Hanniford Crowley

Jack-o-lanterns and Kitties!

Traditions are powerful Life Tools. They make us social, raise our spirits, and give us common ground with others that share the same traditions.

Above you see a tradition in our family for Halloween. Our cats enjoy posing for photos.

Many people pass on family traditions through religious celebrations, food, the passing down of family stories, and entertainment.

Sometimes traditions change to incorporate new members and/or new places with different food with ways of celebrating.

For example, my family used to be big on everyone getting together, having a feast, and then playing Trivial Pursuit. Over the years, my family members have moved away, so when we gather it’s my husband and me and the children and grandchildren. (Married-into-the-family always counts.) Sometimes friends are added in too. I created the grandchildren’s and friend’s Halloween Scavenger Hunt and Party for Halloween. The games have already changed over time. It is a tradition in flux.

Thinking of traditions as being in flux can be a good thing. In the show “Friends,” a group of friends got together to have a traditional Thanksgiving with all the foods usually prepared in this day and age. Monica wearing a turkey on her head, not so traditional, but what the hey.

The idea of tradition is to bring people together. In the United States, prior to Halloween, we carve pumpkins and put a light inside just because it looks fun and is a tradition. In England, they carved turnips and put a light inside to frighten evil spirits. In Mexico, November 1-2 are The Day of the Dead, where the living invite their dead relatives to a family reunion as it were. They create ofrendas (altars) with yellow marigolds, photos of the deceased, and their favorite food, drink, and things. In Mexico, it is a joyful celebration.

For me, this year in addition to the Halloween party, I’m going trunk and treating with the grandchildren.

Get together with those you love and enjoy a tradition!

Truly,

Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also on Amazon around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available on Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) is available on Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) is available on Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available on Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 is available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Now we wait!

Respite

I’m not going to lie, life has been busy. I’m working, studying for a certification, taking care of a parent, being a mom, a wife… you get the picture and quite frankly this description of life being busy is not so different from what a lot of you all my be experiencing in some form or other.
Still, amidst the chaos and stress, we did find a bit of respite up in the Smoky Mountains, camping beneath a canopy of colors. So for today, I’m going to share some photos and wish you all well. I hope if your lives are feeling busy and stressful, you are finding your respite as well.

Happy writing this week!

Life Tools: Are You Affected by Colors?

Autumn By Susan Hanniford Crowley 2022

An important Life Tool is to benefit from your environment. Soak in the beauty that you see. Right now, I am surrounded by the leaves of trees changing color. It’s a subtle miracle to see.

Are you affected by color? I know I am. I have favorite colors but I know it’s good to change things up sometimes, and I can’t ignore how the yellows and oranges of Autumn make me feel. I feel all warm and relaxed inside and yet inspired and energized too.

While I am hesitant to paint a room orange, I wouldn’t turn down a lovely pale yellow in a room like a living room or office. Laugh. Both those colors would keep me awake in a bedroom. Don’t be afraid to add color. A few toss pillows would do it.

In the meantime, if you live where the trees are changing colors before winter, go out and enjoy it. Sit on a porch and read a book while enjoying and breathing in the natural beauty around you.

Remember this is the Season of Change! Coming soon: the beginning of the Season of Joy.

Get together with those you love! Enjoy your access to plants and nature. We are all part of this fascinating world.

Truly,

Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also on Amazon around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available on Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) is available on Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) is available on Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available on Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 is available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Now we wait!

For The Love Of…Character Questions Part 3 by Artemis Crow

In this last character questions post, I come to characters with superpowers. If you write paranormal or fantasy stories, you’re going to have characters with powers. Not only do you need to know their powers and the magic system that rules them, you need the background, the ethics that help inform who they are and the decisions they make, for good or ill.

I found this list posted on Tumblr by writingmaniaa.

Were they born with powers or did they get them later in life? If they did, how and when did they get these powers?Do other people in their world have superpowers or is this character unique?Are they praised or bullied for having superpowers? Do other people see them as a gift or a danger to the world?How did they learn to use their powers? Did someone teach them or did they figure it out by themself?What repercussions come with using their powers? Does it make the character tired? Is it dangerous or life threatening?Is it possible for the character to lose their powers or for them to become weaker?Do they use their powers for good or evil? Are they viewed as a hero or a villain by others?Who knows about their superpowers? Is it a secret or do they use their powers openly?Does this character like their powers or not? Do they wish they had a different power? Do they wish they had no power at all?How has having superpowers impacted this character’s daily life? Their job or education?Does their superpower modify their body? Does it change them mentally?Can this character lose control of their powers? If so, what causes this and what are the consequences?Do certain conditions have to be met in order for the character it use their powers? (i.e. it must be raining, they have to be well-rested, their powers can only be used on a full moon, etc.)Does this character look up to others with superpowers?Do they look down on others for having weaker powers/no powers at all?Do they feel inferior to people with stronger powers?Has having superpowers positively or negatively impacted their life?Have people tried to take advantage of this character due to their superpowers?

I hope the character questions I’ve gathered for you help guide you!

May Your Words Flow Freely,

Artemis

The Zodiac Assassins series
Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IBLeona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjWLibra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNgLeona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

Gemini Asunder – https://amzn.to/2PyNUig

Good Luck Plants Paranormal-Scope

Stand behind me for good luck!

While the Jack-o-Lantern was originally made from a turnip, it was lit to ward off evil spirits. There are other plants that some people believe will bring good fortune. I believe you make your own luck.

While I am not qualified to read either stars or planets I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment and is not meant to guide your life.

Aries:
Orange trees can provide fruit and a fragrant scent to brighten every day but they are tricky to grow.
Growth will be tricky for you with all the changes coming up. Hang in there. You will find yourself.

Taurus:
The Ginseng Ficus has been proven by NASA to purify the air. Collaborations may be easier for you this week and more productive.

Gemini:
The Peepal Bonsai is sacred in Buddhism and Hinduism. It was by sitting underneath this type of tree that Buddha found enlightenment. Opportunities will come your way. Remember to maintain your fitness regimen. Keep all things in balance.

Cancer:
The Rubber Tree is a symbol of happiness and wealth. Don’t rub the leaves though, as you might irritate your skin. Go out and indulge your love of fun and the season.

Leo:
The Adenium is considered the wealth plant in Chinese culture. Self-care is your focus this week. Concentrate on making your home cozy.

Virgo:
The Eucalyptus has a soothing scent. Schedule the doctor appointments you’ve been avoiding. Get it done and then relax.

Libra
The Golden Pothos can reduce negative energy if kept in a bathroom. You’re coming into your money zone. Time to save, plan for a big purchase, and reduce overall spending.

Scorpio:
Jade Plants need specific care. Study up before you bring one home. Study what you need too. Be bold and adventurous. Network during the holidays.

Sagittarius:
Lucky Bamboo is not a friendly plant for cats and dogs. If you love your furry family, pass the bamboo by. This is the time to set boundaries and keep your private life private.

Capricorn:
Lavender is used in aromatherapy because of its soothing and relaxing qualities. This week will begin making weeks of building your network both for opportunities and making friends.

Aquarius:
The Orchid symbolizes beauty, strength, and prosperity. Opportunities for growth will present themselves. Your attention on networking will be an important piece.

Pisces:
Peonies represent good fortune, compassion, and honor. Traveling is a possibility for you. New friends are waiting to meet you.

Enjoy life and be safe.

-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance, and now YA sweet adventure novels too.
susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazon around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Now we wait!

Life Tools: A Halloween Party or Togetherness By Susan Hanniford Crowley

The Scavenger Hunt

Social interaction or the lack of it harmed people across the globe during the pandemic. We grew lonely and in many cases became recluses. It was more than wearing a mask. No hugging. No gathering. All of this was to save lives. I believe it did, once we knew how the coronavirus was spread. Still, we had to find a way to be together again.

Right now where I am the weather is perfect for an outdoor party. We’ve been doing this almost every year. We have the Halloween party and then in the spring the Easter Egg Hunt in our yard for the grandkids and a friend. This year our friend couldn’t come. We packed a large goodie bag for him to receive later.

We started with our traditional Scavenger Hunt. You are seeing Soccer Player, Rapunzel, and Batman seeking their hidden treasures. Behind the signs were little brown paper bags with goodies and each child had to collect only the bags with their first initial on them. It’s more methodical and slows down the hunt. They are also carrying large tote bags.

When everything is collected, they go through everything at the big table. Each paper bag is like unwrapping a present. Fun!

Next, we played pin the wing and tail on one of Donkey’s flying donkey babies. There were prizes for the closest tail, wing, and participation! We played Paper Airplane Distance Game, Halloween Picture Bingo, and made bubbles with the big bubble wands. There were lots of prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Fun was had by all.

Last week I talked about the Season of Change and how it is the beginning of the Season of Joy. There is such a thing as making your joy where you find it. If your weather is good, have an outside gathering and play some games. Adults can play games too. Find your inner child again. Look around you at a world that is beautiful and amazing.

Have some seasonal fun! Adults can have fun too. Get together and play cards. Go on a wine or cider tasting. Take in a hayride. What is traditional and fun for your family and friends? On the weekends, cities and towns advertise their events. Pick one or several.

The idea is to have fun. Life isn’t only about working. We live our lives outside the workplace. We are more than our job title.

We are more than our hobbies that we may be doing alone. There are clubs to join and friends to make out there. I have tea with friends every Tuesday. Hanging out with others adds that special sparkle to our lives.

Get together with those you love! If it’s a great day go outside and enjoy!

Truly,

Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also on Amazon around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available on Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) is available on Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) is available on Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available on Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 is available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Now we wait!

Seeking Sanity in Truth

I’ve always been a curious child, asking why a lot and hanging onto each and every explanation. As an adult, I remain curious and I don’t always accept the answers I’m given. Still, I realize that with time I have had to learn to choose my battles. Otherwise, we’d all expire from exhaustion.

I love the world of fantasy with its fantastical creatures and yet I look at the world around me through a practical lense. I ask questions. I have been pondering this approach a lot lately and have come to the conclusion that this is what keeps me grounded in this crazy world.

Day in and day out we are bombarded by information and it is hard to know where to turn to, but if you pause and think through a situation logically you can begin to make sense of the mess. It may not be a truth we want to come to, but it is the truth nonetheless.

The important thing to ask ourselves is the motivation behind all the information we sit through on a daily basis. I spend my day working with people I truly care about and the advice I give to my friends and family and those around me comes from a good place. This is not always the case when we turn on the TV or read articles on the Internet. Sometimes it is all about what will sell. This is certainly something to think about when we consider the power of a writer.

Happy writing this week!

The Forest Paranormal-Scope

Beware!

There is more in the forest than you know. Trees look cheerful with their array of fall foliage that sparkles in the light. Plants appear to be just plants. At night, it’s different. Beware!

While I am not qualified to read either stars or planets I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment and is not meant to guide your life.

Aries:
Love is in the air. You may find someone special or recharge the energy with your partner. You may find a bundle of fluff you take home. Love is as diversified as the trees and plants in a forest.

Taurus:
Japanese Bloodgrass looks great but is easily flammable. Tempers may arise with colleagues so be kind and cautious when working together.

Gemini:
Strangleweed lacks chlorophyll so it feeds off of other plants. Other people may lack something they need and turn to you. This is not the week to network. Keep a positive outlook.

Cancer:
Belladonna is poisonous, so best not to touch it. You might be feeling dead on your feet, so don’t do too many things.

Leo:
The Carrion Plant smells like rotting flesh. Stay away from the stink of overanalyzing everything this week.

Virgo:
The Cobra Lily eats bugs and lives in bogs. Just as insects are lured into the Cobra Lily, you might be tempted into overspending your budget. Save up for the coming big expenses.

Libra
Albino Redwoods absorb metals out of the groundwater that would hurt other trees. Do something for someone else without thought of reward.

Scorpio:
Tree demons like to pose as ordinary trees. Keep your secrets to yourself. People are not necessarily who they pretend to be.

Sagittarius:
In Madagascar, people leave gifts beneath Baobab trees. They believe the spirits of their ancestors dwell there. This is a great time to get together with family and friends.

Capricorn:
Tanzlinde or dance tree was used by the Romans as a court. When the Roman Empire fell, the early Christians viewed the tree as a symbol of justice and security. Good things are happening this week for you!

Aquarius:
You might feel that you alone in the world like the Lone Cyprus Tree growing on a rock overlooking the sea near Pebble Beach, California. You are not. You will have the opportunity to meet people from various places and backgrounds.

Pisces:
The Bristlecone Pine tree life for over 5,000 years. They survive harsh climate and high attitudes. When stuff get tough, you keep going. Be proud of that.

As we get closer to the holidays, be safe.

-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance, and now YA sweet adventure novels too.
susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazon around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Now we wait!