Friday, October 22, 2021

What Inspires you? Interesting Thoughts From a Fine American By Tena Stetler

 

Interesting Thoughts From a Fine American. No, he wasn’t a paranormal, but a person who inspired others and got things done.  What inspires you?

Okay, this is a blog a bit different for me, in fact it’s way out of my wheelhouse. I hope you’ll bear with me….

I was saddened on Monday to hear that General Colin Powell passed away. He was respected by military and political leaders of both parties. Not many if any can lay claim to that statement.(Maybe he was paranormal after all) LOL He wasn’t perfect, but none of us are. “General Powell was one of the finest Americans never to be president.” I read that headline this morning and had to smile. He served his country on his terms and did it to the best of his ability. Many of our current politicians could learn a thing or thirteen from him. Okay, jumping down off my soapbox and shoving it under the bed…for now.  Still I think the Thirteen Rules Powell lived his life by is something we as writers, as well as ordinary people can benefit from. What do you think?   

     1. It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.

2. Get mad, then get over it.

3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.

4. It can be done!

5. Be careful what you choose. You may just get it.

6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.

7. You can’t make someone else’s choices.

8. Check small things.

9. Share credit.

10. Remain calm. Be kind.

11. Have a vision.

12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.


That being said I intend to use my perpetual optimism to tell you about A WITCH’SJOURNEY, first book in the series with the same name. On sale for 99 cents in celebration of Halloween my favorite holiday! Download a copy today and join the magical, fantasy, mystery adventure!

Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.

Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?

A peek between the pages of A WITCH'S JOURNEY - Lathen put his hand on her shoulder. “Where’d you go? Been sitting there, knife extended above the pumpkin, for fifteen minutes. Are you going to carve it or just threaten it?” He guffawed and wrapped his large callused hand around hers holding the knife, brought it to the pumpkin, and made carving motions, then tried to hand her an erasable marker. “Try using this first.”

She pushed his hand away and frowned at him. “Oh, stop it. I was thinking about this evening after the celebration. I don’t want anything to go wrong.”

“It won’t. We have a solid plan and several powerful witches to bring it to fruition. So relax and enjoy the festivities of your favorite holiday. But the decorations will be lacking if you don’t get to carving. We need twenty-five jack-o-lanterns, by your own count, for the gazebo and surrounding area tables in the town square. I have the candles and holders for each right here.” As he swung the bag in front of Pepper, the tinkling sound of glass clinking together had her frowning.

                                        ****

Thanks for bearing with me this month. Happy Halloween!! Until next time, don’t take yourself too seriously and have fun.

9 comments:

Nancy Gideon said...

I adored Colin Powell. Such a strong man of reason and compassion. He's 13 Rules are a wake up call to all the pettiness we get caught up in. Also love your except! Feel a holiday read coming on . . .

Diane Burton said...

I've always admired Colin Powell. Indeed, a fine American. Our politicians should heed all of his principles, esp. #3. As you say, Tena, a list we all could live by. Thanks for sharing. A Witch's Journey sounds so good. Got my copy.

Mary Morgan said...

I was extremely sad to hear of his passing, Tena. A great man and American! Thanks for sharing.

Tena Stetler said...

Thank you for taking the time to check out my post Nancy, Diane and Mary! We are all in agreement on Colin and his 13 rules. Wish the rest of the world would get on board. So glad you stopped by!

Tena Stetler said...

OH, by the way A Witch's Journey is a great Halloween read! I think you'd enjoy it. Thanks all!

Maureen said...

Great rules to live by!

David Leonhardt said...

Those are 13 superb rules. I am sure they are part of the basis on which he built his success.

Nightingale said...

Good rules, Tena. I might adopt some of them!

Jessica E. Subject said...

Being from Canada, I didn't know much about Colin Powell, but those sound like great life rules. And your book sounds fun!