Happy Halloween!!!

 Have a great one!!

Terry
“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy is reality.”
Connect with Terry Spear:
Website: http://www.terryspear.com
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Wilde & Woolly Bears: http://www.celticbears
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Happy Halloween!!!!

I was at an literacy tea last weekend in Dallas, so trying to catch up on 4 deadlines. Still have a book due in a couple of days.

But I wanted to wish you a safe and fun Halloween from me to you!

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
Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/u63qP
Follow Me for new releases and book deals: www.bookbub.com/authors/terry-spear

The medieval Italian town of Lucca

Lucca, Italy (in Tuscany) is an ancient, walled town that's dripping in history. It’s been around for at least two thousand years, and Jenna Ives and I had a chance to visit this spectacular place a few weeks ago. (She dragged me to a Rolling Stones concert there, but I mainly went along for the chance to visit relatives I have in Italy…)

Lucca was a Roman colony as far back as 180 B.C. In 56 B.C. Julius Caesar was known to have struck an importance political alliance there. On the site of an old Roman amphitheater (where gladiators fought and wild animals killed each other) is now an oval of shops and apartment buildings, but you can still see the shape of the ancient battlegrounds.

Luckily, Lucca’s earthenware city wall (about 40 feet high and about 20 feet wide) is no longer used for defense. In fact, these days it’s been turned into a pedestrian walkway (which is a lot easier to navigate than the warren of Lucca’s narrow streets).

Lucca is full of historical churches, including the Duomo di San Martino…

And the church of San Michele in Foro…

But maybe the best way to get to know this city is by getting lost in its maze of quaint, tiny streets… You never know what you might see!

Jenna and I only spent three days in Lucca, then it was off to see my relatives in Southern Italy. But Lucca is such a unique and special place that it stays with you long after you’ve said “Arrivederchi, Italia!”

Ciao,

Leigh

www.leighcourt.com

Duncansby Head, Scotland

 

Duncansby Head is known for many things, perhaps most importantly for the gorgeous scenery, which includes the Duncansby Stacks shown here. You have to hike in about a mile (or two), which is a beautiful walk along the shore. But you'll need to spend your time gazing at your feet to avoid the sheep droppings! Can  you see the little hole in the first stack? It's called Thirle Door. Don't ask me why.

Here's another view of the dramatic coastline.

 

Despite the awesome views, including the Hebrides across the way, the land is so undeveloped that it's used for grazing sheep.

 

Duncansby Head is also known for its lighthouse, built by one of the famous Stevenson family lighthouse engineers. The family also includes the author Robert Louis Stevenson.

Finally, this area is known for being the furthest point north on the mainland of Great Britain. Popularly, the actual point is known as John O'Groats, and here's the well-known signpost.

 

Technically, however, the official point is at Dunnet's Head, which we visited in a downpour so I didn't get a great photo. Despite the less than ideal weather, the natural beauty of this area is awesome.

Buns and Roses Tea for Literacy

 Well, I couldn't just go to the book signing, author tea, and reception. I had to see the Dallas Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, Big Cat Reserve, Wetlands, and the Arboretum. Had a lovely time!!

Then it was back to work on deadlines. Hope you have a great time!

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
Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/u63qP
Follow Me for new releases and book deals: www.bookbub.com/authors/terry-spear

Flight of the White Wolf Cover Reveal!

Sexy, hot Arctic wolf, private investigator Gavin, is on a mission:  learn if an heiress's husband is cheating on her, but he doesn't expect to meet up with the woman who tased him some years earlier, who is now...an Arctic wolf like him. Her mission: Keep her secrets from the former cop who could be her undoing...but when the wolf instincts take over, watch out!


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alls-Fair-Love-Wolf-Silver/dp/1492655813
BAM: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Alls-Fair-Love-Wolf/Terry-Spear/9781492655817?id=7079882685730
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alls-fair-in-love-and-wolf-terry-spear/1127125943?ean=9781492655817

 Trying to finish edits for All's Fair in Love and Wolf edits, and Billionaire Wolf Christmas this weekend!!! Have a book signing and reader literacy tea to go to and so won't have any time to write next week.

Have a great one. Sending you some hot loving from Gavin, isn't he a wolf???

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
Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/u63qP
Follow Me for new releases and book deals: www.bookbub.com/authors/terry-spear

The Rolling Stones play Lucca, Italy

Readers of this blog know that I’m obsessed... er... that I’m a big fan, of the Rolling Stones. My parents took me to see a show when I was twelve years old (my very first rock & roll concert!) and since then I’ve seen them play many (many) times, and even traveled to other countries to see them perform.

Like last year, when I dragged my BFF Leigh Court to Argentina to see the Stones play Buenos Aires. (Leigh had discovered some long-lost relatives in Buenos Aires, so she was up for the adventure…)

Same thing happened a couple of weeks ago…  the Stones were playing in Lucca, Italy on September 23, so, since Leigh has relatives in Italy as well, it was time for another girls’ road trip!!

Our Alitalia flight to Italy

 The whole city of Lucca was in the grip of Stones fever, including the airport in Pisa when we landed. This was the first thing we saw…

There were Rolling Stones posters in every shop window and even in our hotel lobby...

And when we went out to dinner, this was on the restaurant’s blackboard (instead of the daily specials)…

I have to admit, it felt weird but strangely good to have found a town as obsessed with the Stones as I am, LOL! Even the drivers were obsessed…

Lucca is a medieval walled city, and the Stones played just outside the wall, in a spectacular setting. The of day of the show, the venue doors opened at 1pm for a 9pm concert, but fans were ready to go…

As darkness fell, the excitement built, and finally, the Stones hit the stage!

After an amazing night like that, I was more than happy to spend some time with Leigh’s relatives. Quid pro quo. I mean, nobody makes lasagna like Leigh’s aunt Francesca!!! 

Until next month,

Jenna

www.jennaives.com

A Baby Highland Cow in Heather

How cute is this???

This is a baby Highland cow. Here's what he'll look like when he's all grown up. Not someone I want to anger.

It was definitely one of my husband's goals on our trip to see one of these cows, so I was happy that we saw several of them on a couple of occasions. These specimens were on the Applecross peninsula.

Also on the same peninsula, we saw our only stag. We felt lucky to encounter this animal, which is not as plentiful as the sheep!

Of course, sheep are everywhere in Scotland. They are cute. And they graze by the most gorgeous scenery anywhere. Ocean view, no less. I don't think they appreciate it, however. Eating is a full-time job for sheep!

Of course, the wildlife has the right of way on every road. Believe me, there is no way to pass until they decide to get off the road.The roads are very narrow!

Last but not least, the birds of prey. Here is a falcon we saw at Dunrobin Castle as part of a fascinating display done by the keeper there.

 

At first, I was not happy to see the birds chained to their roosts. But he explained that he is sent injured birds from all over the UK to rehabilitate them. Before he can do anything, he has to calm them down and keep them secure so they can be healed. After that, they are re-released into the wild. He clearly loved his birds so I hope they're treated well. You can read more about Dunrobin Castle here.

The one category of wildlife which is plentiful in Scotland, but which we did not see, is marine life. We simply ran out of time. Oh well, sounds like a great excuse for another trip!

Which of these animals is your favorite?