Thursday, October 31, 2024

The Scots and Witches say SAMHAIN

 

It is the Halloween season and my neighbors have decorated their homes. Me? A sign in my yard and a pumpkin on the porch are my additions. 


In other parts of the world, the night of Halloween is called All Hallow's Eve. In the Celtic world, where many of my books are set, Halloween was called Samhain. (Check out these books: My Honorable Highlander, Dragon Bites, and Smoke). 


Samhain originated in ancient Europe as a Celtic holiday, but today, it is an event that is celebrated worldwide. It's a pagan holiday that acknowledges the end of the harvest and honors the changing of the seasons, with cold weather right around the corner.


Another reason I love the fall season are the colors...orange, pumpkin, amber, gold...colors that will decorate the house until we celebrate Thanksgiving Day (November 28th). 

Sorry...I went off-topic. While Halloween does have roots in Samhain, they are not the same thing. Samhain is still celebrated today by various groups including Wiccans and there are many ways in which the festival is celebrated. There are not only group rituals, but single rituals as well.



Whether you celebrate with kids in costumes that roam the neighborhood, or simply enjoy the changing of the leaves or your neighbors' spooky homes, enjoy the change of seasons (and a little bit of chocolate!)


Nancy Lee Badger 🎃





Friday, October 4, 2024

Fall Ran Over Us With a Bang...

 ...but we are okay here in Raleigh, North Carolina. The tornadoes missed us but those living west of us are devastated. I am still waiting to hear from a relative who texted once to say they were without power and water, plus had a dozen trees down in their yard. We had rain, but the nearby creek is small and downhill from our house.

Anyway, the autumn season is here and the evenings are cooler, but the days are still 'shorts' weather. However, the threats of Hurricane Kirk and whatever is following means we need to check our emergency supplies and be ready. 

Are you ready? Here is what I found at FEMA:

At a minimum, you should have these basic supplies: 

  • Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
  • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
  • Flashlight.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
  • Extra batteries.
  • First aid kit.
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items.
  • Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife.
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
  • Cell phone with charger.
  • Family and emergency contact information.
  • Extra cash (ATMs might be inoperable).
  • Extra fuel for generator and car.

Depending on your family’s requirements, you may need to include: medical-care items, baby supplies, pet supplies and other things, such as extra car and house keys.  

Additional supplies might include towels, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors and work gloves.

I always add... BOOKS! Ebooks are great, but if the electricity goes out and you need to save your phone's power, fill your safe place with some real print books such as...


Please stay safe!

Nancy Lee Badger

Friday, September 27, 2024

Scottish Games, Hurricanes, and a New Book

The annual New Hampshire Highland Games are again a memory, but the weather could not have been better. Last year, the Saturday of the 3-Day festival held in Lincoln, NH was CANCELLED due to a passing hurricane! This cost the committee and its visitors tons of money and misery, so this year's overcast days were welcome.


Yesterday, an hour after we returned home to Raleigh, North Carolina, we received a TORNADO WARNING! Hurricane Helene ran by and the rain has made a mess with a rising creek in our backyard and tree limbs down, but no tornado as yet. The rain is welcome to keep away the drought, but the wind has proved deadly, west of us. 


So, we are safe and dry and this gives me the opportunity to mention that my short story 'A Day at the Beach' and my poem 'Feathered Travel Time' has been released in the TAF Omnibus III. This is a book filled with stories and poems by a multitude of writers donating their work to the Triangle Association of Freelancers which is a Raleigh-based writing group and I am a member. 




Check out the newest book and all the links HERE

Nancy Lee Badger


Friday, September 13, 2024

Why I Love when Friday falls on the 13th

 


I am writing this on a special day to me. You see, I was born on a Friday a LONG, LONG TIME AGO. The saying goes that "Friday's child is loving and giving." Is that true? Maybe so, but I consider myself extra special for having also been born on the 13th of a month that landed on a Friday. (We've had 2 black cats, both named Shadow)

The odds of being born on Friday the 13th is 1 in 214. This means that over the long years (since the 13th lands on a Friday only once or twice a year) 1 in 214 people will be born on my special day.

Yes, I will buy a Lottery ticket, but otherwise I will think of every Friday the 13th as an extension of my original birthday...wait a minute... that will make me REALLY OLD! 

Luckily, only a few of my books are 'eerie.' 



Thinking young,                    

Nancy Lee Badger

p.s. the Next 13th to fall on a Friday is December 2024!

Friday, August 30, 2024

Author Donna Steele Has Been Writing up a Storm


Donna Steele stopped by my blog to share that she has reached a major goal in her writing life... Publishing her 50th Book!

We met Lori and Mark, and Barry and Megan, but what about the rest of those sent here? Alien Embraces, sequel to Alien Embrace continues the story of the Vestilans sent to Earth to ensure the demise of their planet doesn’t become ours. 

Meet Ashley, Ross, Connie and Larry and learn their part in the tale because Donna wants yu to!



Blurb Blurb for Alien Embraces–

Julie was only on campus to have brunch with a friend. This summer was to finish up her dissertation, she wasn’t even lecturing. But she didn’t expect to nearly be knocked over by the most gorgeous engineering professor she’d ever seen. Ross was on campus to try to get his bearings—everything was different, new and appealing, especially the grad student he nearly knocked over.

Phillip was ready to walk out on a job if they didn’t get their act together. He’d already visualized the woman he’d be working with, then she walked out. Nope, not what he expected. Ashley had a new assignment she’d gotten only this morning. She was finally getting used to her new and unfamiliar surroundings but a new twist being thrown in had her scrambling, then she saw him 

Excerpt:

Roson opened his eyes slightly wary of moving. He must have arrived. He should be on Terra, or Earth as they called it. His hands shook but he opened his eyes fully and looked around.

He was startled to find himself inside a structure. He shouldn’t have been surprised. He needed to remain hidden and appearing in the middle of a crowded area would have been stupid. His teachers hadn’t been stupid.

The room he stood in was large, larger that his parents’ apartment at first glance. Well, nearly the same size. Had he ever stood in a room this large alone before? No, he was Roson Fourteen Cleman, he’d never seen anything like this place.

He been trained the last two cycles away from his family and everyone else, but the room he’d lived it would fit easily in the corner of this room. It had held his bed, a desk and one chair. This room held a large sofa, three easy chairs, a piece of furniture that had a glass front and held small things he didn’t immediately recognize.

Instead of exploring, he eased himself down on the couch and just sat. He was on a different planet. He was as far away from his family as he could possibly get. That reality was hitting him now. When he’d been recruited, he now realized, he hadn’t fully comprehended that. Excitement at an unheard-of challenge had clouded his thinking, then he’d been studying and hadn’t had the time to contemplate it all. He would never see any of his family again. That was beginning to solidify as real.

Now he was on the planet Earth, trained and ready to help the Terrans protect their planet. It had sounded better in his head when he’d been in that little room. It had been scary then. It was terrifying now.

As far as he knew he was alone. The instructors had hinted that others from Vestila might also be sent, but who and to where? There was no one in his mind. No one. There had been fewer during his studies, due to his isolation, but he’d never been completely alone before.

He’d craved that at one time. He was rethinking it now.

No, he had work to do.

Roson rose from the couch and looked around. This must be a palace of some kind. Did the rulers of Earth have places like this? The colors caught his attention, the couch was a rust color, but pretty and the chairs had that rust as well along with a dark blue. He moved closer to the piece of furniture that had caught his eye. The little things in it were glass, globes, some clear, some with shapes within. As far as he could tell it was completely decorative. There was space here for decorations. Fantastic!

He moved toward the arched opening and saw a table. Six chairs sat around it but it was easily big enough for his whole family, except that the chairs were too large. Another glass fronted piece was in here and it held dishes and trays. Was that silver?

There was another smaller table to the side with a tray on it as well. The next door had no knob, so he pushed, and it swung open. Ross let it swing back toward him and smiled. At home they had no doors, only cloth that separated rooms when privacy was a must, like for his parents’ area of sleep. The rest of them slept together in the other part of their apartment.

Rosson pushed the door again and went through it. The room confused him at first, then it dawned on him. This was for meal preparation. Was there food here? He opened a cabinet but found glasses. Continuing around the room he found dishes in the next cabinet. Why were there dishes in here as well as the other room?

He came to what he realized was a spice cabinet, the aromas stopping him in his tracks for a long moment. His studies had mentioned this, that Terrans changed the taste of their food on occasion for the sheer pleasure of it. He would now have the opportunity to see if that was true.

Another door, smaller was in front of him and he pulled it open. His heart stuttered at the sight. Food. He had thought until this moment that the instructors were exaggerating, if not outright lying. There was food for his family for half a cycle stored in this little room and it wasn’t the calorie cakes. This was food the likes of which he’d only seen on vids or in his studies.

His da and three of his older brothers worked to manufacture the calorie cakes. They would never see bounty such as this. Roson dragged his hand across his face to wipe away the tears. Overwhelmed he shut the door and sank into a chair at a small eating area.

This was so much more than he’d ever imagined. Could he do this? Could he fulfill his mission? The arrogance of his youth had vanished when he’d opened that small door.

He was completely alone for the first time in his life.

Find out where it all started with


Alien Embrace - Book 1

Amazon        B&N       Apple      Kobo       Smashwords

Then, complete the journey with


Alien Embraces - Book 2

Amazon      B&N      Apple      Kobo       Smashwords

...and find out about ALL the other title she has published in her successful journey! 

https://www.steelestories.com/




Friday, August 23, 2024

Can Autumn be Far Behind?


As the days shorten and the heat slowly dissipates, family vacations are being squeezed into the last sunny days of summer. Labor Day in America is Monday September 2nd, this year. This holiday dedicated to America's tireless workers is considered the official end of summer and the beginning of 'the fall.' Nights get cooler even if the days still remain hot, but the promise of being able to open windows and rely less on our A/C units is something to look forward to.

Do not fret! There are plenty of days to take a moment and smell whatever flowers made it through the heat__drought__hurricane (circle whichever makes sense.) Go to the beach, wear sandals, eat ice cream, and READ A BOOK. May I suggest these romance novels?




Remember, you can find all Buy Links

on my Website's Book Page HERE

Friday, August 9, 2024

Enjoying the Dog Days of Summer?


I do not own a dog. Love dogs, don't get me wrong, but we plan to travel a lot in the coming years. I will leave the care and feeding of all pets to the younger folks! Instead, I want to share my love of dragons. Scottish dragons, to be specific. I have written many short stories and full-length books and even a series where a shape-shifting dragon is the star.

A dragon is not quite a dog, but my characters are characters that find romance in the most difficult situations. Romance is what I write and I want to share my writings with you. 

Please check out Dragon Bites


The print book is also available


For all Buy Links HERE

...and be sure to check out my other books that star dragons!

Friday, July 26, 2024

Summer Reading at the Beach

Are you fortunate enough to be able to spend time at the beach, a lake, a river, or a pool? Lucky you! Our last home was on a pond that connected via a canal to Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire. We enjoyed trips on our boat or swimming at our community's sandy beach.

We decided to move to Raleigh, North Carolina and are three hours from the ocean. A little too far for a day trip, so we will enjoy our front yard where rabbits stop by for a carrot, or sit under an umbrella on our recently fixed up back deck. 


Lately, back yard visitors are deer, which still amazes me since we live in the capital of North Carolina! Chain link fence? No problem for these beauties. Reading keeps me occupied every month of the year but there is something about July that makes the mornings special. 

Whether I have a print book in my hands or an audio book speaking into my ears, reading is the best. I am a writer. Some medical issues have slowed me down, but I am writing. 

Don't forget...the 2024 Olympics ARE ON! If you like sports, check out my tennis-star character, hoping to be on the U.S. Olympic Team in ...
WITH EVERY HEARTBEAT

I want to remind folks of the 30+ books (written by me) available from many sources. (26 in print) My ebooks start at $.99 (US). Find all BUY LINKS HERE







Friday, July 5, 2024

Christmas in July is Heating Up!


Weather around the world changes constantly. Here in North Carolina, we have had a record number of days above 90F (32c) with one that was a melting 103F. Some folks go to the beach while others travel to cooler climates. Me? I am staying home and praying that the air conditioner keeps chugging away. 

Very early each morning, you can find me reading a book outside in my front yard. I wave to neighbors as they walk their dogs or push a stroller. I feed the chipmunks, birds, and rabbits that come by to say 'Hi.' The baby rabbits are getting bigger and growing bolder, so I sip coffee while they munch on carrots.

Reading is my joy. Writing has been a part of my life for many years. July has been a month each year that I share my work with readers.  

I gave away the following Prizes to 4 lucky people!


The Rogue's Ring Autographed PRINT  

Heaven-Sent Warrior Autographed PRINT


With Every Heartbeat AUDIO

Dragon Bites EBOOK

Head over to my CONTEST page to see the winners!

Thank you to all who entered!


Good reading!

Nancy Lee Badger



Thursday, July 4, 2024

Happy Birthday America!

Yes, I know. The United states of America is a young country, only 248 years young. Hubby and I actually arranged our Canadian Honeymoon to make sure we were back home and able to celebrate the 200th Bicentennial! Fireworks lit the sky. This year will be a scorcher, so take care and drink water.

As the children of a Navy Man and an Air force Lt. Colonel as well as the parents of a former Army Drill Sergeant, we proudly fly the flag EVERYDAY!






Friday, June 14, 2024

June Important Dates - to Me

Let us start off with Flag Day, June 14th. American's commemorate this day because in 1777, we adopted the 'stars and stripes' as our brand new country's national flag. Here at our home in Raleigh, North Carolina we fly a flag every day.

June 16th is father's Day which is when fathers are particularly honored by their children. It is a movable holiday, landing on the third Sunday in June.  For an extra special gift in our family, it is also our youngest son's birthday. This is doubly special this year since our son was born on Father's Day a long, long time ago. 

June 19th is Juneteenth National Independence Day and is now a federal holiday that started in 2021 in the United States. It commemorates the ending of slavery in America.  For my husband and I, it has been the anniversary of our wedding for much longer! 

June 20th is the first day of summer, also called the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere. This also means it is the shortest night of the year. From that day on, the days get shorter as we head toward fall and winter. 

If any of these dates mean anything special to you, enjoy them and the weather that, for me this week, has seen lovely cool mornings. I can be found sitting in a lawn chair in the front yard. I read and feed the rabbits and chipmunks. I listen to the birds and wave at the neighbors that walk by with their dogs. Afternoons get much too hot, so mornings are the key.

Enjoy the weather wherever you are. Read a book or two. If you need a book, check out my book links HERE and enjoy the summer. 

 




Friday, May 24, 2024

On Memorial Day, Never Forget!


Sacrifices in war in order to bring peace might seem like a far off notion to many of you, but when it hits home...

My late dad enlisted in the United States Navy during World War 2. He got rheumatic fever that damaged his heart. He died in 2019 as a 100% disabled Veteran.

My late Father-in-Law was a Lt. Colonel for 20+ years in the Air Force, having served in WW2, the Korean Conflict, and worked at SAC (Strategic Air Command). He died bedridden with a bad back, damaged when he jumped from a plane.

My youngest son joined the United States Army while still in high school, before the war in Iraq began. He served 4 years overseas in Germany and Iraq, and another 4+ years in North Carolina in the Army Reserves. He arrived home fairly unaffected, though he has a story about 'burn pits.' 

*Eric is on the left

Doing genealogy, my husband and I can count a long list of patriots back to the Mayflower landing in 1620. We recently traveled around New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey seeking graves and planting flags for our various ancestors who fought to keep their homeland safe. 

Keeping these folks who gave without asking 'What's in it for me?' alive in our hearts and minds is how we never forget.

Enjoy the Memorial Day long weekend, but do not forget.

Nancy Lee Badger

Friday, May 17, 2024

May Flowers bring Hurricanes!

 


Are you ready for bad weather? Hurricanes are no joke. My elderly aunt was forced out of her water-damaged home in Cape Coral Florida for many months. Thank goodness for insurance. We lost a huge tree during one storm that took out our chain link fence and damaged the neighbor's shed. Getting rid of that and repairing the fence cost over $1500 and was NOT covered by home insurance. 

When the power goes out, we have a propane grill for cooking and bottles of water to assist the toilets. Camp lanterns allow us to catch up on our reading. Make sure you have books to get you through the tough times. 


I write Scottish themed romance, contemporary, paranormal, and more, Many available in Ebook and Print. A few are Audio Books. Check them all out HERE


Be safe, 

Nancy Lee Badger

Friday, May 10, 2024

Celebrate Mothers Everywhere with BOOKS!


I have been blessed with two children so Mother's Day means a lot to me. While they have their own lives and distance keeps us apart most of the time, we are very close. So, I keep writing and working on my stories while reading, reading, and reading. 

Celebrate Mom with a book. Print, or Ebook, or Audio book. Many are available easily HERE so give my books a try such as ... PRINT 


Or, how about an ... EBOOK



The latest release is an ... AUDIO BOOK 


Find all Buy Links HERE

Happy Mother's Day!