Tag Archive | daffodils

The Snow was Where???

I’m writing a teasing post about all my Northern friends who have been plagued with snow and flurries and the like and will probably get more before the spring is through. But I saw so many trees and flowers in bloom, I said I’d post about that and show what it’s REALLY doing up north. lol

Then I couldn’t download my pictures from my camera to my Surface. *sigh*

I’m home now, but my camera’s on switch was turned on while it was being jostled in my bag, and so charging up my camera now. Unpack, washing towels from the disaster before I left, and repacking. 🙂 <3

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Daffodils at the zoo in Milwaukee

Daffodils at the zoo in Milwaukee

We went to the zoo in Milwaukee, but didn’t get to see the wolves. I asked someone who works there and she said they’re sixteen years old. They were out in the morning, but sleep most of the day.

But they had peacocks all over. They are truly beautiful.

Milwaukee Zoo

Milwaukee Zoo

And Jaguar Pride cupcakes at Barbara Vey’s Reader’s Luncheon. Lots of fun!!

What a cupcake, eh?

What a cupcake, eh?

Okay, trying to get unpacked and do a million chores, more pictures to come!

We had a blast!

Have a super great Sunday!

Terry

“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”

Connect with Terry Spear: Website: http://www.terryspear.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear

Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

 

Daffodils Survive Ice, Snow, Torrential Rains! Spring has Sprung!

 

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Spring is here in Central Texas. Not that we won’t have more bad weather, but love the hardy daffodils. 🙂

Off to write to reach 25K today. Have a super great TGIF!

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear: Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

She-Wolf–Next….

Okay, so I sell on a plot synopsis. A short synopsis.  A couple of paragraph synopsis. And since I’m nearly finished with A SEAL Wolf Diving for Trouble–one of my beta readers suggested moving a couple of things around, to which I said I had NO TIME. Because I’m due at my daughter’s house soon and then won’t have time to write. I’m afraid I might be keeping dogs from fighting the whole time I’m there, *sigh*, but hope they’ll get along. BUT, I made the time because I want the best book out there, and so she and I were going back and forth on how to fix the issues last night, and I’ve been rewriting this morning. 🙂

And now that it is really nearly done, I’m opening up a file on the next book. I’ve made a start. I opened up a file for the next book. Yes. That’s it. The first step. Without it, no file, no book. And I opened one on the next one because here I thought I had already for  this one and hadn’t. So I’m a step ahead. One thing was finding my blurb to remember what I said I was going to write about. That was like two books ago. And I have 3 more I’m writing.

Then, I typed in the title, which will probably change. And my name. Which most likely won’t. And….yes, Chapter 1. That’s it. The book is started. and I have 80,000 words to go. Well, 79,995 technically. Hey, every word counts. I need to add my bio and that will add a few more words.

But on SEAL Wolf Diving for Trouble, it ended up at 90,000 words and I haven’t even added my bio, acknowledgements or dedication. So I know I can do it.

I just have to take baby steps. I have to get to work on the dreaded taxes, and I still need to put Phantom Fae in print form, and I need to send off SEAL Wolf Diving for Trouble after any other changes are made on Monday. And then it’s nose to the grindstone on working on She-Wolf.

First, since it’s a romance, I have to think of how they’ll meet–hero and heroine. Since it’s a werewolf story, I have to have the wolfishness show early too…one running as a wolf, or some such thing. And I’ll have to show the conflict early on.

That’s my Mission Impossible, and I’m stepping up to the challenge, as soon as I can. This book is due Jun 1, so no time to lose. 🙂

Hope you are having a glorious day! It’s FREEZING here, literally, with more snow showers on the way.

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I look outside at them today, and they look just as pretty as they did before they got frostbite.

Have a happy TGIF!

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear: Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

Christmas in February–Snow in the Heart of Texas!

When I lived in Amarillo, we had snow. A lot. But in Central Texas, years can pass and no snow. The day before we had ice, which has been unusual also of late. So I had taken the puppies out first thing in the morning, hoping that the sidewalk wouldn’t be icy and it wasn’t! But it was raining and we had thunder and lightning, so I was hurrying them along to get back inside.

About two hours later, while working on proofing a book, I took them out again. It was still thundering, but to my amazement, it was snowing!!!

Since the puppies are puppies, they’ve never seen ice or snow before. So this has been a new experience for them. And for me? It’s like Christmas. Which means? I’m out there taking pictures, knowing that it’s not going to last and I have to have proof that we really did have snow in February in 2015!

Oh, I know, some of you that are eyeball deep in snowdrifts are going to be shaking your heads. But really, if you had flowers in February, when you’re normally eyeball deep in snowdrifts, wouldn’t you make a big deal of it? Sure.

So here’s our snow day…and an ice picture or two.

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Havanese Paw Prints in Snow

Havanese Paw Prints in Snow

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And there you have it! Christmas in February in Central Texas!

I’m off to work on all the stuff I have neglected while I’ve been trying to finish the book. Need to get to work on 2 teddy bears pronto. Others are stacking up quick. 🙂 <3 And then, have to get started on the She-Wolf book before I get behind on it. It will be the first book I have written where a she-wolf is running a pack. And yes, it’s based off a true wolf pack story. 🙂

Puppies are sleeping on my lap–Max just growled—in his sleep. Wonder what he is dreaming about? He’s started to go into hunting mode–the prey, Tanner. It’s the funniest thing. I really got them for research in canine behavior for my wolf stories. He’s done it twice now that I’ve seen. He’ll crouch down low, head down, tail down, and move cautiously toward Tanner. The first time I saw him do it was in front of the AC guy. We just watched, fascinated. Tanner was standing up to him, tail up, anticipating. Then Max and Tanner started to play, really gentle like. They can get pretty wild, so I was glad with an audience, they were good. So then this next time, Tanner laid down on his belly, head up, anticipating. I wish I could get it on video. But often when I grab my camera, they’ll stop what they’re doing, look at me, and come over for attention. 🙂

And we’ve just finalized Call of the Cougar’s audiobook, so it should be coming out in a couple of weeks.

Have a super great day!

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear: Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

Macro Shots–Daffodils and a Puppy Portrait

Daffodil Ruffles

Daffodil Ruffles

Ready for the ball.

Musical Daffodils

Musical Daffodils

When I looked at these, I thought of a symphony, musical instruments in an orchestra.

Rain Drenched Daffodils

Rain Drenched Daffodils

I had to go out in the rain to get these. It is so cold again!

Mysterious Daffodil

Mysterious Daffodil

Hiding secrets untold.

Max Looking Scruffy

Max Looking Scruffy

I tried to get macro portraits of both puppies, but by the time the camera focuses, they’ve moved. And though I had brushed out his beard, by the time I got the picture, he had tussled with Tanner again. 🙂

Okay, I’m in the final edits of SEAL Wolf Diving for Trouble. Finished editing the mss last night when I had to get the puppies out at 1 am,  and am now making the changes on the book. 🙂 So off to my writing cave.

It’s cold out! The puppies are again asleep, and time to concentrate on the book!

Have a super great Monday!!!

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear: Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

Got Wordcount! White Stuff on the Roof! And the Daffodils are Blooming!

I now officially have wordcount on A SEAL Wolf Diving for Trouble, and then had to turn in the cover sheet specs including the blurb. Now I’m still writing the book, but it’s getting closer to being done. I printed out the first 100 pages, again, and am making more corrections. But I still have to finish writing the book.

Max Rubberbanded in Black and White

Max Rubber Banded in Black and White

I love all his black and silvery tips and hope he gets to keep them as his hair grows out. I was able to pull more of his hair back, but this morning I found Tanner chewing on something, and yep, Max’s rubber band.

When I was coming in from one of my trips outside with the puppies, I saw that the daffodils had bloomed! The day before, I noticed they were getting ready to. It’s amazing how fast they open up when I’m not paying attention. Also, freesia has bloomed!

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And all kinds of weed flowers are popping up! And my rosebushes are leafing out.

And white stuff on the roof. 🙂

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Okay, back to the book. 🙂 Nose to the grindstone and all that sort of thing.

It’s getting closer to being finished! And that’s the main thing!

Have a lovely day. I realized that I have the termite guy coming to do his annual inspection this morning and you know what that means? More puppy training! 🙂

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear: Website: http://www.terryspear.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/421434.Terry_Spear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySpearParanormalRomantics
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerrySpear
Wilde & Woolly Bears http://www.celticbears.com

6 Degrees Cold–Freezing Rain

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Ice on the suet bird feeder

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I caught the cardinal below the window, the blinds were open, couldn’t pull them up without scaring him off, but he’s even got ice on his tail feathers and their bird feeder has a layer of frozen water on top.

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I finished two of the bears and have them and books to ship, but we’re going to have freezing rain all day today and it’s only 6 degrees out for now. Soooo…

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Campbell Clan bear and MacPherson Clan bear are ready to go to Australia!

The Matheson Clan Bears are nearly ready. Just need some more clan fabric from Scotland.

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And I’m off to work on taxes, a student’s lesson, and getting books and bears ready to ship.

But, no matter what, I can’t quit thinking of books. Two days away from the STORY, or STORIES, was way more than a break that I needed.

So last night I was mulling over A SEAL Wolf for Sale, which is the next deadline book I have. And The Viking’s Highland Lass, which I have written 14,000 words on, but am not sure I’m going in the right direction on it. So more pondering on that. However, I have come up with the way I will begin SEAL. I want fun, excitement, adventure, the usual. 🙂 And I think I have the right scenario in mind.

I have ice on the inside of my kitchen window. Which means I need to replace it!!!

Have a lovely Monday! Hope you are not having icy weather like me. 🙂

I often forget to include a link to my bears when I’m posting about them, but here ’tis: www.celticbears.com

And just a reminder, Silence of the Wolf is available online and at stores tomorrow. Actually online, the orders are already shipped. 🙂

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SILENCE OF THE WOLF BY TERRY SPEAR – IN STORES MARCH 2014

Life For the Silver Pack Just Got Wilder…

Elizabeth Wildwood has been a longer all her life, ostracized because of her “mixed” half-wolf, half-coyote blood. When she ventures into gray wolf territory on a dangerous quest of her own and his thrown together with the sexiest shifter she’s ever met she begins to wish for the first time that she could be part of a family.

When this unusual shifter female comes into his pack’s territory, it’s Tom Silver’s job to protect her—if only she would let him.

Praise for Silence of the Wolf:

“The outstanding and gripping plot of Spear’s latest installment in the Heart of the Wolf series will appeal to paranormal fans, and romance junkies will take delight in the red-hot love story embedded within.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear has written over fifty paranormal romance novels and five medieval Highland historical romances. Her 2008 novel, Heart of the Wolf, was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year (romance category). A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry creates award-winning teddy bears that have found homes all over the world. She lives in Texas. For more information, please visit http://terryspear.com/

To purchase Silence of the Wolf:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-a-Million

Chapters/Indigo

Indiebound

iBooks

Sourcebooks

Yes! Tom Silver! 🙂

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male!”
www.terryspear.com

Mission: Fog

That was my mission. Take pictures of the fog. I love fog. It reminds me of vampires. And ghosts. And the mystery beyond.

So when I see a fun, foggy day, I take pictures. Only this time I thought I’d try to capture the fog and then do a black and white version of it. Some of the photographers’ sites I visit have the most gorgeous black and white photos. Total novice here, but I thought it was interesting, nonetheless.

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It’s a bit cluttered with telephone pole, wires, a fence post, hose roped around it, a picture of the bare field in between my property framed by trimmed hedges and then my neighbors of his trimmed peach orchard, and beyond, trees in the distance. It’s also interesting to see the fog layers and how deep it is the further out you get. It shows a country life where wildflowers can grow with abandon.

And this was taken on my other neighbor’s side where the fog was even more pronounced. Actually, it was getting thicker by the time I moved to the backyard.

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But I was thwarted on my mission to take pictures of the fog.

Because of him.

Here I was happily looking for fun fog shots and he was in the backyard, looking at me when I must have taken the 2nd fog picture. I turned to take one of my back acreage, and there he was. The farmer was actually getting ready to sow his crops so was making a racket right next to my yard, yet Wiley, the Road Runner, just watched me and let me take several pictures of him surrounded by henbit, the wild purple flowers around him.

And then I worked on bears for one bear order, 3 Matheson Clan bears. They have their tams/bonnets on, but are bear chested, needing their sashes still, and waiting on the fabric to come from Scotland.
And then I have to finish up the Campbell and MacPherson Clan bears for another order.
So that’s my mission today.
And our nice warm weather dropped in temperature, because it’s March! Prediction of ice on Tuesday.
Do your plans ever go asunder?
Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male!”
www.terryspear.com

Cougar’s Mate and the Near Catastrophe

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Doesn’t that sound like the title of a book?

If I just told you that I wrote the story and then it was ready to go and then it was ready to read, that wouldn’t be any fun at all, would it? Stories need conflict.

So I put ten hours into proofing it one more time, and then… get an error message when I saved it. Now, I’ve gotten them before, no problem. Not this time. I saved it under a couple of different files I would need and then went to send a copy to myself, just as a precaution, and guess what? Instead of 526K of story, I had 0K. Nothing. Zero. Nada.

I don’t have panic attacks except over losing a book I just wrote!!! I can lose half a page I’ve written and be upset. Fire in the kitchen? I can deal with it. First snake in the house, no problem. Second snake in the house…it was biting at me, so, okay, that was giving me a slight amount of angst.

But lose a book I’ve just written? That’s the reason to have a panic attack. And I had lost an entire book, years ago when I had nothing else to save on but a CD disk, and I still wish I had a way to get it back!

After a couple of hours of searching on the internet for a solution, not wanting to shut down Word or the computer,  I had planned on uploading the finished manuscript to bookselling sites right after saving it, I hadn’t figured out the problem.

I called my daughter, but I’d already tried everything she suggested. And my mss was sitting there, right before my eyes. And yet? I couldn’t save it. I have to say that I did have earlier copies of it, but not the one I just spent 10 hours working on.

Well, she suggested I save the mss on a thumb drive and then try it on my laptop. I did. And it opened fine. Then I emailed myself a copy.

And then with a whole lot of trepidation, I was going to turn off my computer and restart it. So I began shutting everything down, including Word and it said there was some kind of glitch. Did I want to restart it?

So I was like, yes!!!

And once Word restarted, all my work was there. Plus, like 10 copies of the mss in various forms of distress. I had copy and pasted some into notepad which makes them lose all their formatting.

The happily ever after is that, the mss was fine, uploaded to the sites last night, and I have it saved everywhere! If you ever have trouble with something you’ve written and you save it and it shows you have 0K, maybe you can do what I did to recover it. At least for me and for this time, it worked.

But I just thought you should know that sometimes what seems like a smooth process can be anything but, and that’s perfect for a story, don’t you think?

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I had to take another picture of the daffodils as they’re doing a beautiful job of blooming, and though I didn’t think it would ever happen here, they are multiplying! So I’m excited about that!

I’m taking the weekend off from writing to catch up on working on bear orders and such. 3 Matheson Clan bears, 1 Campbell Clan bear, and 1 MacPherson Clan bear. See? Even Highland bears are hot! 🙂

Are you having a fun weekend?

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male!”
www.terryspear.com

Daffodils of Winter

Yes, they’re supposed to be spring flowers. But this is Texas. What do you expect???

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The above pictures were taken in the morning when it was foggy out. The last two at night. More flowers had popped out and I wanted to see what a difference early morning light would have on the pictures compared to low night light. And actually, the pictures below were taken with a regular lenses, and yet they’re very clear compared to the ones I shot in the morning. The ones above were shot with a macro lenses.

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And with the coming of spring to Texas, the bugs are starting to really come out too. As you can see, I captured a spider on this daffodil.

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So if you’re buried under several feet of snow–remember, spring really, truly is coming!

Do you have any flowers that will be appearing in the spring that brighten your days?

As for me, I’m back to A Highland Wolf Christmas edits. 🙂 Have a super great Monday!

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male!”
www.terryspear.com