Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 75

For The Love Of…Spring

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by Artemis Crow

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I live in southern New Hampshire so my spring really only started a few weeks ago. We even had a light snow in May, twice in one day. That’s not the norm, but in my town we don’t start our garden until around May 15th. I am an author and I’m very fortunate to be able to do it full time. I already worked from home before the pandemic, so that didn’t change, other than I pool all my errands into one run every 2-3 weeks rather than the impulsive dash out the door I used to do.

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A secondary benefit to being home all the time is I get to watch the change that happens between early spring where we’re still getting snow and freezing temperatures, and later spring when Mother Nature is waking up and sharing her glory.

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So today’s post is less about me blathering on about a topic and more about sharing the beauty I get to see out the picture window and in my backyard.

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When we moved to our town we had four big dogs: one German Shepherd boy, and three Doberman girlies. They needed room to run, so in my months long effort to find a home for us, I stumbled across a ranch home (yay!), in town (amenities and infrastructure, double yay!), and on a little over two acres (holy beautiful upkeep, Batman!). We were fortunate to get it and we fenced in an acre for the dogs, while leaving the back acre open for the deer and turkeys and all the other wildlife flying and running around back there. And it’s beautiful.

The photos above are not found in my yard but they’re so beautiful I had to share them. Below are images I found that are representative of what we’re getting to enjoy now. I hope by sharing this, you also find joy in this time of fear and sorrow and stress.

The yard has a mix of grassy areas and stand of trees. The back acre actually has two stands of trees between two grassy areas. One plant I’ve really enjoyed seeing flourish are the ferns. Since moving here they’ve gone from struggling to thriving in patches here and there among the trees.

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The hickory trees, mostly shagbark hickory, are just now opening up. We have worked hard to give them room to grow, as well as the oaks, to give wildlife a source of nuts in the fall and over the winter.

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And the oak leaves are opening up, too.

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This year the maples saplings are going gangbusters. Seriously, they’re everywhere. But I have learned that the wildlife will eat them, which is fine since we have plenty of maples already. Look at that baby though!

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The large maple trees have just leaved out and they’re the beautiful pale green so indicative of spring.

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We also have some huge, and I mean huge, pine trees, so we see a lot of these babies (and the moss) as well.

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Last year we tried to start a garden and lost most everything to a late freeze. This time we started the seeds a little later and we have lift off! If all goes well (and the rascally rabbits don’t gorge out), we’ll have broccoli, brussels sprouts, eggplant, tomatoes, peas, arugula, romaine lettuce, butter crisp and honeydew melon.

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I hope you’ve found a little pleasure exploring spring with me. We all need a chance to reengage our sense of wonder and get lost in it.

Have you wandered out to see spring’s wonders? Did you plant a garden this year? I’d love to hear your stories and see your pictures.

May your words flow freely,

Artemis

Artemis Crow

www.artemiscrow.com

The Zodiac Assassins series

Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

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Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IB




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Leona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjW




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Libra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNg




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Leona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

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

 

Ride the Wave

As I sit here and type this, there is a brisk breeze outside and heavy, thick drops of rain. The air feels more like that of an early fall day than late spring, but the intense green all around me gives it away. The room I’m in is dark and quiet. As I type, my mind tells me this should all be a bit depressing but that isn’t the way I feel. Sure, there are lots of reasons to be down—the world is going through a global pandemic, people are interacting less in person and there aren’t many “risk free” places to go. I have a hair appointment next month and today they sent me a reminder to fill out their waiver on their website that I won’t hold them at fault if I contract Covid-19 while at their salon. I wouldn’t really think to hold them at fault anyway but I understand why they would feel the need to have a waiver. After all, even with all the precautions they plan to take, there is no guarantee that I would stay Covid-19 free. But I digress… bottom line, I don’t feel depressed, I feel calm.

Our world is going through a lot of change right now (I realize this is a bit of an understatement) and some of us are also going through a lot of change—forced or chosen. Some of this is painful—no one likes to be sick or forced into the position of being unable to pay bills. And some of this is strangely rewarding like spending more time with those we love. The first type of change we may be asking why we even need to go through this or at the very least thinking this is all unfair. The second, we may be grateful for. Either way, I’m not saying the feelings are right or wrong—they just are and that’s okay. We are moving in a new direction. We always are, these recent events just seem to be pushing this speed along a bit faster than some of us are used to and it is hard to go with the flow when you don’t know where you’re going. My thought is just let it happen and ride the wave. Everything has a solution, it just takes some time to get there.

Have a safe week and happy writing!

 

Spring is Blooming Paranormal-Scope

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Photo Courtesy by Yoksel

Focusing on the Good in Our Lives By Susan Hanniford Crowley

You have it in your power to turn off the news, especially if you are under home quarantine. I know that the state may partially open but I am in the group who should stay home, and I will. I have some family with me to be grateful for.

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Buffy is one of the sacred guardians of the family and here she is bright-eyed and watching. She is fun too and will still play games but likes to keep that a secret. We wouldn’t want to hurt the Buff’s rep now would we!

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We have video chats. There’s me the grandmother up in the corner. There are some funny cartoons you can put on yourself. Or just be yourself.

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Believe it or not, but it snowed last week in May in Connecticut. Fortunately, it melted quickly and my lilacs are starting to bloom.

I am thankful for all the things I have now: family, food, a roof over my head, tv, computers, and heat and air conditioning. I’ve been blessed with many experiences. I’m elated that I finished my next book and after a quick run-through again, it will go out to beta readers. While I was fighting breast cancer, I met amazing and wonderful people.  They were a true blessing. I’m excited about the experiences yet to come.

Stay safe and believe.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

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Fur Babies Paranormal-Scope

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Photo Courtesy by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

Fur Babies have a magic all their own. Today we celebrate them and their human parents. They can heal hearts and make the world more beautiful.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

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

Aries:

Eaglets are excited to make that first leap. Before jumping into anything new, check out the terrain and realize what you really want. Heal from any past injury and plan. Let yourself dream.

Taurus:

Baby Seahorses follow Dad everywhere. Send emails, direct messages, and make some phone calls to those people you care about.

Colts love to run. Freedom is in the nature of horses.  If you need a new resume, this is the time to write it. Check out Indeed for jobs.  If retired, make a plan of fun things to do. Maybe take an online course.

Cancer:

Baby whales love to sing. Time to check out YouTube and enjoy some new music.

Leo:

Lion cubs are busy like crazy. Take your schedule down a notch, and build in time to breathe and restore.

Virgo:

Bear cubs sometimes play too rough. Give yourself time to heal both in mind and body.

Libra:

Tiger cubs love to roll in the sunlight. This is your time for some home spa indulgence. You deserve to cherish your calm.

Scorpio:

Puppies love to travel new pathways. You are going to make new friends. Build relationships slowly through social distancing.

Sagittarius:

Kittens follow mom everywhere. She is taking a new path and leaving the past behind.  An old friend may need loose ends tied up.

Capricorn:

Baby Chipmunks have been practicing social distancing around the bird feeders. They each get a turn to eat. Practice social distance too and stay safe.

Aquarius:

Baby Ferrets organize their play like a team. All your hard work is about to bear fruit. Stay connected to your team.

Pisces:

Owlets are wide awake with excitement. Your creative juices are roaring. Start a project dear to your heart.

Thank you for visiting us on the paranormal-scope and stay safe. May the 4th be with you!

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New Release: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

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Happy Mother’s Day By Susan Hanniford Crowley

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers out there!
And to the Grandmothers!
And Great-Great Grandmothers!
May your day be filled with joy and memories you can smile at.
Every child is a sacred gift from God.
You and your children are a blessing.
Happy Mother’s Day!

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Thank you to my husband, and my daughter, my son-in-law, and grandchildren, and my other daughter to0, for making Mother’s Day memorable for me.

True hearts are never distant.

Stay safe and believe.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

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For the Love of…Writing Resources, Part 3

by Artemis Crow

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I hope you and yours are well and staying sane in these crazy times! Here we are with my third installment of writing resources. I hope you aren’t tiring of these posts because there are many books that I have read and use often. So here we go with another list of amazing teachers!

These are listed in no particular order of importance. FYI I don’t know the authors personally, nor do I get any money for mentioning their books. And remember: take what works for you and discard the rest.

Onward Ho!

Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story by K. M. Weiland

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Structuring Your Novel Workbook: Hands-On Help for Building Strong and Successful Stories by K. M. Weiland

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Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success by K. M. Weiland

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Outlining Your Novel Workbook: Step-by-Step Exercises for Planning Your Best Book by K. M. Weiland

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Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author’s Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development by K. M. Weiland

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Character Arcs: Founding, forming and finishing your character’s internal journey byJordan McCollum

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On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King

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Any of the Elements of Fiction WritingBooks – various authors

Self-Editing for Fiction Writersby Renni Brown and Dave King

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Any of the Write Great Fiction series – various authors

Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwritingby Robert McKee

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The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storytellerby John Truby

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Bullies, Bastards And Bitches: How To Write The Bad Guys Of Fiction by Jessica Morrell

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The Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes and Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden

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Do you have a favorite writing resource? I’d love to hear about it!

May your words flow freely,

Artemis

 

Artemis Crow

www.artemiscrow.com

The Zodiac Assassins series

Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

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Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IB




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Leona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjW




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Libra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNg




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Leona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

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

 

Waterfall Paranormal-Scope

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Photo Courtesy by Robert Lukeman on Unsplash of the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Waterfalls teach us that all things will pass. When the darkness surrounds you, think of the waterfall washing it away.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

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

Aries:

Pixies enjoy the fresh spray of water. It awakens them like the dew of each morning with joy. Open yourself to kindness.

Taurus:

Sprites love to skip stones and then dance on the stones that they’ve skipped. A project of yours will soon bear fruit.

Gemini:

Faeries dance in the curtain of water and send out blessings to all that take a shower. Close your eyes and enjoy your life more. Gifts abound. You just have to see them.

Cancer:

Mermaids are singing a soft song in the night air that continues into the days ahead. Sweet happenings in our lives are infrequent but there to be cherished.

Leo:

Pegasus flies in the new air bringing with it new energy. You will fill motivated to get a lot done. Enjoy it.

Virgo:

Unicorns purify with its horn and have a big job ahead of it. When confronted with a big job, organize it into manageable bites.

Libra:

Gnomes are baking like crazy. They are such homebodies. Be sure to freeze most of your baking.

Scorpio:

Elves are reading books and books and books. They are enjoying the solitude of humanity. Why not do some reading, too? My author page is: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/e/B004YXOGXG

Sagittarius:

Angels have been spending a lot of time on Earth. Smile at everyone. You never know who you will meet. Angels can see a smile behind a mask.

Capricorn:

An Arnhem Knight is walking the streets of a tortured city. These vampires will help where they can and won’t take a bite. If you can, be safe and stay home.

Aquarius:

Dragons are homebodies big time and love a roomy cave with elegant but minimal decor.  Rearrange and make your home more feng shui.

Pisces:

Aslan walks the ground bringing many blessings. Your past has given you the skills to achieve your dreams. Don’t doubt yourself.

Thank you for visiting us on the paranormal-scope and stay safe. May the 4th be with you!

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New Release: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

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Bluets and A Mystery By Susan Hanniford Crowley

 

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It never ceases to amaze me how something so tiny can be so beautiful. God gives us gifts every day.

My camera failed to accurately capture these tiny pale blue beauties with golden hearts. They are bluer. Bluets are wildflowers that grow from April to June grow in forests, thickets, and lawns. My lawn is crazy with Bluets.

I also have many of these dark blue-purple flowers. They are so tiny. Anyone know what kind of wildflower this is?

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Stay safe and believe.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

New: The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print!

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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

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Little Gratitudes

At this point I really do feel like I’ve lost track of time, like I’m in some endless Groundhog Day flick. I know I’m not alone and truth is I feel that these days, I’m quite fortunate to have the routine I do. My family and I are safe and healthy and for now, we can pay the bills. I realize this isn’t the same for many folks and that more than likely this surreal “normal” will not go away any time soon.

So now what? Well, if you’ve read my posts before, I tend to look at the bright side and considering our current environment, I think it best I stick to this tendency as I’m sure we all need it. So for now I am going to focus on what has been great over the past few weeks…

1) I am getting in a ton of family time. This of course has its ups and downs. The balance of work and my kids’ school is hard but I love seeing them so much and my kindergartener almost has riding a bike down.

2) The garden looks great. We’ve been treating weeds and planting vegetables left and right. After all, we have much more time to tend to them.

3) We have been eating healthier- having more time to cook allows us to to make better choices

4) Lastly, I’ve actually had a chance to write! I’m not sure if anything will come from it but it sure does feel good doing it.

I know there are other positives I can think of but this is a start. What about you all? Any gratitudes lately?

Happy writing this week!