#SaharasMusings – Why I’m For and Against The Banning of Tik Tok

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Tik Tok, as a social media platform, has been a hot button topic for many years.  Since it’s partially owned by the Chinese government, there are national security concerns.  Then, Biden’s administration, to make themselves look good, did an 11th hour ban of Tik Tok starting last night.

They are also doing this with cigarettes.

Sorry, but these last minute efforts to look like you really care about the American people just doesn’t work. We see through your mask.

Here are my reasons why I want and don’t want Tik Tok banned.

For The Ban

As stated above, the Chines Communist Party (CCP) partially owns the platform.  As such, they control all media uploaded to Tik Tok.  They also control the algorithms used by the platform to show you videos THEY want you to see.

Have you seen all the craziness on Tik Tok?  Since Tik Tok is considered a young person’s social media platform, the CCP can manipulate and push their Communistic agenda to our younger generation.  And it’s worked.

These brainwashed people sit on Tik Tok moaning and crying to each other and think that’s the world view.  But it’s not.  They ae a drop in the bucket, but when all they see is each other’s videos, they think they are the majority.  Nope, you aren’t.  You’re just screaming into an echo chamber. Get a clue.

But, not only are we allowing the CCP to control our younger generation, we’re giving them access to all our digital data.  We all know people use the same usernames and passwords across different sites.  So, yes, usernames, passwords, and even our credit card information are at risk.  This is a HUGE natural security concern.

Do you know how much money is spent on Tik Tok through all their livestreams?

As of November 2024, the Gross Merchandise Value spent on Tik Tok Shops was 11.09 billon dollars.  What the hell?   😲😲

And of that 11.09 billon dollars, 5% of all that money goes to fees.  That means approximately $550,000,000 is paid in fees to Tik Tok Shop.  And since the CCP partially owns the platform, how much of OUR hard earned money ae we willy-nilly handing over to China?  Why are we funding our worst enemy?  Why are we supporting their Communist agenda?

Against The Ban

But it’s because of those Tik Tok livestreams that I’m still for the platform.  According to Tik Tok Shop, over 500,000 USA businesses made $15 billon in revenue for 2023.  That’s a lot of bananas.

Still, Tik Tok and these USA based shops all knew this was coming.  They should have been prepared for this  Now they’ll have to move to Instagram or Facebook for their livestreams.  Who know.  Maybe a better social media platform will pop up because of the ban.

Though from what I’ve read, when Trump is sworn into office tomorrow, he plans to give the CCP and Tik Top a 90-day extension for the CCP to sell off their share of the platform.  If China had already done this, the ban would never have happened.  But, they don’t want to give up their control over our country.

This also gives Trump leverage against the CCP for the tariffs  he wants to impose on all imports coming in from China’s  slave labor companies.   Hooray for that.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’ll miss Tik Tok too.  That’s where I found my wholesaler for crystals, and I just love all the animal videos.  And fishing too.  Still, national security is more important than keeping ourselves entertained.

And one finally thought.  Did you know that the CCP banned Tak Tok from their own citizens?  Why?  Because they understand the power behind Tik Tok and how it influences viewer’s ideas and opinions.

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My Favorite and Least Favorite Books of 2024

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I didn’t read a lot of books in 2024.  Actually, only 7, but I thought I’d share my favorite and least favorite ones.  I plan to read more for 2025.  Aren’t you lucky? 🤣😂

First off, I seldom give 5 star reviews.  For a book to earn that rating, the story has to keep me on my toes, have surprise twists, and leaves me wanting more. The 7th, and so far, last book in the Burning Tree series fits that bill.

There were other books in the series that also received  5 stars from me.  Even though I had some issues with characters and editing, if the story grips me, I can overlook them and immerse myself into the story.  The series is also in Kindle Unlimited, so Yay for that, as well.

Click HERE to read my review.

My least favorite book of 224 was Changing Tide.  This is the first book in a series and I won’t be reading the rest.  The story had a great premise, but the execution and implausible events that happened just made me shake my head and sigh with frustration.  Yes, I had tears in my eyes at the end, but it didn’t excuse the major plot holes I saw.  Maybe you’d see the story differently.  It does have a lot of 5 star reviews.

Click HERE for my review.

I also read non-fiction books.  Of course, I only read one for 2024, but I gave it 5 stars and I think it’s this review that got me the invitation form Amazon to become a Vine Voice Reviewer.  I had 236 likes on my review.

The book is Government Gangsters by Kesh Patel.

I think every American, whether Democrat or Republican, or in-between, should read this book.  Kesh has uncovered the corruption that has infiltrated our government and why we MUST stop it before we lose our country.

Click HERE to read my review.

On to more reading for 2025.

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The Dream Rider Saga Trilogy Book Tour & Giveaway – 1/7 to 2/7

Will Dreycott is a superhero. In his dreams…and in yours.

The Hollow Boys

The Dream Rider Saga Book 1

by Douglas Smith

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

WINNER OF THE 2023 AURORA AWARD FOR BEST YA NOVEL
WINNER OF THE 2023 JURIED IAP AWARD FOR BEST YA NOVEL

“Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)
“A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review)
“Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books

Vanishing street kids. An ancient evil. The end of the world.
Our only hope? A hero who can’t leave home.

At seventeen, Will Dreycott is a superhero…in his dreams. And in yours.

Eight years ago, Will’s parents, shady dealers in ancient artifacts, disappeared on a jungle expedition. Will, the sole survivor, returned home with no memory of what happened, bringing a gift…and a curse.

The gift? Will can walk in our dreams. At night in Dream, Will hunts for criminals—and his parents. During the day, his Dream Rider comic, about a superhero no one knows is real, has made Will rich.

The curse? Severe agoraphobia. Will can’t go outside. So he makes his home a skyscraper with everything he needs in life—everything but the freedom to walk the streets of his city.

Case, an orphan Will’s age, survives on those streets with her younger brother, Fader. Survives because she too has a gift. She hears voices warning her of danger. And Fader? Well, he fades.

When street kids start vanishing, the Dream Rider joins the hunt. Will’s search becomes personal when Case breaks into his tower to escape her own abduction. Fader isn’t so lucky.

As Will and Case search for Fader and the missing kids, an unlikely romance grows between the boy with everything and the girl with nothing except the freedom Will longs for.

But as they push deeper into the mystery, they confront an ancient power feeding on these forgotten kids to restore itself. And once restored, no one in the world will be safe.

To defeat this creature, Will must do the impossible.

Go outside.

Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).

Praise for The Hollow Boys:

“This arresting series kickoff grips from the start as it introduces its inventive milieu, its flawed but fantastically powered hero, its playful worldbuilding, and a host of tantalizing mysteries. … [A] vigorously imaginative scenario. … Takeaway: Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)

“An assured, confident novel … A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review)

“Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books “A fun supernatural tale with well-developed characters and a touch of romance.” —Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Douglas Smith:

“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner

“His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

**On Sale Until Jan 11!**

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The Crystal Key

The Dream Rider Saga Book 2

Sequel to the AURORA AWARD WINNER and the Juried IAP AWARD WINNER, The Hollow Boys

“Give me the Crystal Key!”

Will Dreycott is the Dream Rider, the agoraphobic teenage superhero who can walk in our dreams but never in the streets of his city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices that warn her of danger. Fader is her brother, who is very good at disappearing. Together, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world (The Hollow Boys).

Now, Case battles guilt over living sheltered in Will’s tower home while her street friends still struggle. Blaming his affliction for Case’s sadness, Will searches for a way to live a normal life with the girl he loves—a way to go outside.

But his efforts draw the attention of dark forces. Sinister figures hunt Will in Dream. Intruders scour the vast warehouse of antiquities “acquired” by Will’s missing parents. And a masked swordswoman attacks Will, demanding “the Crystal Key” before disappearing into thin air.

Are they all searching for the same thing? Something from Will’s parents’ shady past? For the swordswoman leaves behind a flowery scent, Will’s only memory from the lost expedition eight years ago that gave him powers in Dream but cost him his parents and his freedom.

A trail of dark secrets leads Will, Case, and Fader to a mysterious world. Trapped between warring cults willing to kill for the Crystal Key, the three friends must master strange new powers that grow stronger and wilder the closer they draw to the truth.

This time it’s not just the fate of the world at stake…but the multiverse.

~ ~ ~

Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).

Praise for The Crystal Key:

“The richly inventive Dream Rider adventure continues in this second appealing entry…with an exciting plot… always enlivened by the Smith hallmarks of crack dialogue, fun sleuthing and puzzle-solving, a strong throughline of emotion, a swift pace…and a principled refusal to settle for the familiar. Takeaway: This thrilling superpowered urban fantasy series continues to grip.” (New readers should start with book one.) —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)

“The engrossing second installment of Douglas Smith’s Dream Rider Saga trilogy. … Smith continues to demonstrate an ability to expertly weave multiple complex fantasy elements into a cohesive whole. … This fast-paced story delivers in a big way—and Smith has all his ducks lined up for an explosive conclusion [to the series] that readers won’t want to miss.” —Blueink Review ( Starred review)

Praise for Douglas Smith:

“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner

“His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“Stories you can’t forget, even years later.” —Julie Czerneda, multi-award-winning author and editor

 

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The Lost Expedition

The Dream Rider Saga Book 3

The Thrilling Conclusion to the Multi-Award-Winning Trilogy

Will is the Dream Rider, the superhero who walks in our dreams but never in the streets of his own city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices warning her of danger. Fader, her brother, is very good at disappearing.

In The Hollow Boys, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world. In The Crystal Key, they battled warring cults to protect an ancient artifact tied to Will’s affliction.

The Chakana. The Crystal Key. But the key to what? To finding answers, they hope, to the questions that rule their lives.

What caused their strange powers? And Will’s crippling agoraphobia? Can he be cured? Why did their parents travel to the jungles of Peru eight years ago? Are they still alive?

Behind every question is the Chakana. What is the mysterious relic? Why will people kill to possess it? What hold does it have on Will?

As creatures from Inca myths haunt the three friends, another attack on the Chakana threatens Will’s life. To save him and solve the mystery of the lost expedition, only one choice remains.

Return to Peru. With the Chakana.

There, they find friends and foes, both old and new. And behind it all, an unseen enemy moving them like pieces on a chessboard.

To win this deadly game, Will, Case, and Fader must master new powers to defeat the most dangerous adversary they’ve ever faced—a god.

At stake this time? Every life, every world, every universe. Everything.

Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).

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Douglas Smith is a five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction.”

His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga. Other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections, Chimerascope and Impossibilia; and the writer’s guide Playing the Short Game.

His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, and many others.

He is a 4-time winner of Canada’s Aurora Award as well as the juried IAP Award. He’s been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC’s Bookies Award, Canada’s juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France’s juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane.

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon gift card – 1 winner,

eBook  of The Hollow Boys – 2 winners!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Staff of Beckoning Book Tour & Giveaway – 1/6 to 2/6

When the world is not what it seems, what will Adir do when his identity collides with the destiny existence has in store for him?

The Staff of Beckoning

A Symphony of Spheres Book 1

by Praneet Menon

Genre: Epic Fantasy

“Menon’s storytelling is sharp and deliberate, blending high-stakes action with introspective moments … Addictively readable!” —BookView Review

The more we know, the less we understand …

Adir Nathar craved more than what he was born into. And existence obliged.

A mysterious death … an act of revenge! Adir flees Marafel, abandoning friends and family for safety and a fresh start. But, unbeknownst to him, he is pursued by the Khasmia Shadow, a secret society charged with a sole divine purpose—eliminate the destructive venna with the sacred Staff of Beckoning. The world of Leakarha itself is undergoing a seismic shift. Rakhor, terrible demonspawn, are emerging farther south from the Precipice than ever before.

Caught in the middle of it all, Adir is driven deeper into his own shadows, forced to face truths he never knew existed.

But this isn’t just Adir’s story.

From Naven to Ostarium to Cayan, this story unfolds through the eyes of a troubled father, a ruler fighting to secure her legacy, an heiress obsessed with knowledge, a woman torn by love, an archer chasing glory, a man harboring a hidden past, and a noblewoman caught between two worlds—each holding a piece of a greater truth waiting to be uncovered.

The Staff of Beckoning, the first book in the series A Symphony of Spheres, is an epic fantasy tale of identity, destiny, and purpose. Blending elements from science fiction, mythology, and dark fantasy, this gripping narrative is perfect for readers who enjoy complex characters, intricate world-building, and expansive sagas. If you’ve enjoyed series like The Wheel of TimeThe Kingkiller Chronicle, and The Prince of Nothing, then this book is for you.

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Born and raised in India, Praneet’s life began immersed in a medley of cultural, linguistic, and spiritual traditions that sparked his passion for storytelling. Then, he moved to the United States and has now spent more than half his life there. The two cultural backgrounds have led him to embrace a fusion of Eastern and Western philosophies that deeply influence his writing.

 Praneet also spent the better part of two decades working as an engineer and flight instructor, which instilled in him a precision that he brings to his existence-building, pursuing that perfect blend of reality and fantasy. His exploration of philosophy and psychology at an early age allows him to imbue his stories with age-old themes of identity, purpose, and destiny. These themes play a central role in his debut novel, The Staff of Beckoning, Book 1 of the series A Symphony of Spheres.

 Praneet lives in Vermont, embracing a homesteading lifestyle, community involvement, and writing while pursuing a master’s in counseling.

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$ 20 Amazon

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The Harlequin’s Legacy Book Tour & Giveaway – 1/7 to 2/7

Dare to dream. Dare to believe. Dare to embrace your legacy.

Orphan Pascal and his friends Paloma and Pierrot dive into the mystery of children disappearing in the enchanting land of The Vale.

The Harlequin’s Legacy

Book 1

by Andrés Rosas Hott

Genre: YA Fantasy

Dare to dream. Dare to believe. Dare to embrace your legacy.

In the enchanting land of The Vale, the grand city of Pivot stands as a beacon of innovation where scientific progress clashes with the now-dwindling beliefs in magic that the place once held.

Just outside of Pivot, 17-year-old Pascal has spent his life at The Skystead Home for Orphaned Children. Life outside the orphanage seems ceaselessly interesting, and shielded from the rest of the world, he wants nothing more than to explore. Already puzzled by unanswered questions about his past, Pascal’s concern deepens as he learns about a grim mystery of local children’s disappearances.

In pursuit of finding his place in life, Pascal is joined by Paloma—a street-savvy girl and former gang leader with a tragic past—and Pierrot—a silent, enigmatic companion. Together, the unlikely trio begins to sneak out of the orphanage to experience the one place that still embraces magic: the welcoming carnival.

As secrets begin to unravel, the truth unveils hidden powers within each of these three young adventurers. Their friendships are challenged as they overcome demons, both inside and outside themselves. Yet, each step brings them closer to the truth: a sinister plot that threatens the very fabric of their world.

Before they know it, the fate of the missing children has become inextricably intertwined with their own.

The Harlequin’s Legacy is a gripping tale of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery. Pascal, Paloma, and Pierrot trust in their inner courage and resilience to reach their true potential despite trials and tribulations. This story encourages everyone to dare to dream, to believe in themselves, and embrace the legacy that awaits them.

Adventure, magic, and self-discovery await! Are you ready to join Pascal and his friends as they uncover hidden secrets and embrace a timeless legacy? Witness the journey firsthand—grab your copy of The Harlequin’s Legacy today and become part of the story!

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Meet Andrés Rosas Hott, an emerging voice in literature and the author of The Harlequin’s Legacy. With a master’s in Graphic Design and Illustration from Konstfack University and a background as a commercial director, Andrés blends creativity and storytelling in captivating ways.

His debut novel, inspired by his favorite character, The Harlequin, combines fantasy with themes of courage, identity, and personal growth. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Andrés balances his creative pursuits with family life, finding inspiration in both the imagination and his loved ones. The Harlequin’s Legacy is just the beginning of an exciting journey into fantasy and self-discovery.

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$ 30 Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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January 2025 Free eBooks – 16th to 31st

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The early part of Summer, we were informed that the property owner of my apartment complex would be residing our buildings.  It’s been long overdue.  They were even having problems with getting people to rent since there was bare wood everywhere and it looked like a slum.  #slumlord 

So, we were told that we had to clear off our patios and balconies when the time came.  I even threw out my flowers early because I didn’t want to bring them into my apartment.  Months passed, and they still hadn’t even started on my side of the complex. 

Then, in October, we got the notice.  Yeah, So, into my apartment came 3 tables and all my planters.  Then, we waited some more.  Ugh.  

Seems the buildings were in worse shape then the owner realized with rotten wood, so the workers had to replace a lot of under structure before putting up the new siding.  Still, here it is January and they are  just starting to work on our building, which is the last one. 

Thankfully, winter has held off with the snow, but it has been bitter cold.  I do feel for the workers, but, man, I just want it done. Hurry up!! 

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My Book Review of Accidental Magic: A Snarky Paranormal Romance (Modern Magic Book 1)

MY REVIEW:

This book had been on my kindle since July 2022, and since I love magic and paranormal tales, I was looking forward to reading it. 

When Sera’s grandmother dies, she inherits the house she had fond memories of, but also the one she ran away from as a teenager when life got too tough.  Now, she’s back and it turns out her life wasn’t what she thought. Nor, who she was told she was. 

I enjoyed this story with it’s simmering romance, which didn’t stay simmering for long, and all the Fae and witchy stuff.  Sera’s character is relatable and believable along with her ex-boyfriend, Jake.  We should all have a Jake in our lives.  

The fantastical world Sera finds herself a part of adds to the enjoyment.  We have an ex-husband who’s a real scumbag, and a Fae who wants to take over the world.  And the ‘good’ Fae aren’t really as cutesy as we imagine them.  They never do anything for free.  As we’re always told, magic comes with a price.

As time ticks down to the destruction of the town, secrets are revealed, and Sera has a new reality to deal with.  There was a lot of action and the story was paced just enough to keep my interest. 

I did want to know what happened to Will, the ex-husband, but that wasn’t addressed in this book.  Maybe the next?  However,  it seems the second book will be about the Fae leader and Jake’s friend.  We shall see.

If you love paranormal romance, action and adventure, some snark and misadventure, you might enjoy this tale.  I give it 4 stars.

 

DESCRIPTION:

Magic is real, fairies are obnoxious, and everyone knew the truth but me…

Sera Allen needs a change. The family house she inherits is the perfect place for a fresh start, except for the sexy neighbor she’d ditched years before and the surprise fairies living across the street. Before long, she’s neck-deep in magic, Fae, and zombie bunnies, and her tenuous connection to her powers relies on the one man she wants to avoid.

Jake Thomas is happy in his mundane life. Magic is for other people. Until the girl who’d broken his heart moves back home and he finds himself drawn into the world of the Fae. She needs his help, but can he trust her to stick around this time when things get rough?

With a dark force threatening the town, they’ll have to face their pasts and overcome their distrust to have any chance at a future. Together they can make magic, but will it be enough?

 

Accidental Magic is a full-length paranormal romance novel featuring a feisty heroine with a sarcastic response to everything and a snarky hero who gives as good as he gets.

 

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#Crystals101 – My Personal Collection #1 (Smoky & Clear Quartz Free Forms with Inclusions)

Hello, my name is Pam.  And I’m a crystal addict.  Nice to meet you.  😂🤣

We in the crystal community joke about our addiction, but it’s a very real thing.  Once you feel the vibrations and energy of a high quality crystal, you’re hooked.  There’s no turning back. 

Over the past two years, I’ve spent way too much money on crystals that I just had to have.  That’s why I opened my Etsy shop, PJsCrystalBliss, and started a NEWLETTER .  I would be grateful if you subscribed to my newsletter.  🤗

In fact, a lot of crystal collectors end up doing the same thing, either on Etsy or eBay.  Sadly, some of them don’t know anything about crystals.  Not that I’m an expert, but I do do my research. 

I enjoy finding really unique, one-of-a kind type of stones.  I mean, they all are, really.  Mother Nature doesn’t make them identical, just like our fingerprints.  Still, some crystals form with very similar patterns, so they can kinda look the same.  

Anyway I thought I’d share with you the crystals I have in my own personal stash that will never be sold.  Unless I die or get a jaw-dropping offer.  🤣😂

This is a Clear Quartz free form with Fire Quartz and Golden Healer inclusions.  It is so yummy.  I actually had this piece for sale on my Etsy shop. But when a customer bought most of my really high quality crystals, I had second thoughts and took it down.  I’m glad I did.  Below is a video of me unboxing this gorgeous stone.  It’s at timestamp 8.05 minutes. 

My Unboxing of this Amazing Clear Quart Double Point is at 8:05

And for those who don’t like looking at videos, here are some pictures of this amazing stone.  It could be called a double point since there’s a point on each end.  And, it’s full of rainbows.

But my biggest prize in the Quartz free forms, is this huge 5 lb. 15 oz. Smoky Quartz.  It is truly stunning and it sits on the floor next to my recliner in the living room.  It has a streak of Fire Quartz running through it and lots of white rutiles.  When I look at them, they remind me of small twigs that got swallowed up by the quartz.  And talk about rainbows.  WOW. 

Here are pictures I took of this Lady Gaga stone and, below that, a video.  Enjoy.

By the way, let me know in the comments which type of crystal is your favorite.  Mine are Citrine and Carnelian Agate.  Oh, and Black Agate, and …  

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Brewing Up a Bad Boy Release Tour & Giveaway – 1/1 to 1/31

A tea shop owner good girl and a reformed microbrewer bad boy reunite in this wonderfully wicked love story.

Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.

Brewing Up a Bad Boy

WiCKed Sisters Book 3

By Katherine Garbera

Genre: Small Town Cozy Romantic Comedy

A tea shop owner good girl and a reformed microbrewer bad boy reunite in this wonderfully wicked love story.

Sometimes the second sip is sweetest.

In the cozy town of Birch Lake, tea shop owner Poppy Kitchener thought she’d left her mistakes, and her failed marriage, in the past. But when her ex-husband, Alistair Miller, turns up—as charming and irritatingly handsome as ever—those old feelings float to the surface. To top it off, he has a puzzling proposition: pretend they’re still married for his cousin’s wedding in exchange for a lucrative business deal with his family.

Easy enough, right? After all, this could be Poppy’s last chance to get closure, grow her business and use Alistair’s knowledge of microbrewing to help her finish that winning recipe for the tea competition.

But even after all this time, he still knows how to make her laugh. And he’s changed in ways that make Poppy wonder about the man he’s become… Can she trust this new Alistair with her heart, or will a second chance brew up disaster?

From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…

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How To Charm a Nerd

WiCKed Sisters Book 2

She’s kind of a witch. He’s definitely a nerd. And this Halloween they’re letting their geek flags fly in this playful romantic comedy from USA TODAY bestselling author Katherine Garbera.

Dungeons and dragons and nerds, oh my…

The spooky season is almost here, and occultist and tarot reader Liberty Wakefield is already feelin’ it. But ever since her sick nan muttered the name of Liberty’s mysterious biological father, nothing feels normal. Not her friends, her family, nor the quirky shop she runs with her besties. So maybe it’s time for Liberty to track down the father she’s never met. Of course, that means getting a little help from the sexy nerd she’s been not-so-secretly vibing since last summer…

Merle Rutland hasn’t met anyone like the vivacious, bubbly Liberty. Part of him wishes he was more like her—instead of hiding his geekery from his hyper-athletic family. The other part just wants to pull the curvy redhead close, steal a kiss and hope he doesn’t roll a critical fail.

Only, somewhere between Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, pumpkins and a few ridiculously hot sexy-times, Liberty and Merle discover their respective weirds might be a match. Yet as Halloween draws closer, it seems everyone has skeletons in the closet…and nothing spells disaster quite like being haunted by the past…

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The Bookbinder’s Guide to Love

WiCKed Sisters Book 1

A witchy, witty, wickedly sexy romance about love, books, friendship and the unexpected connections that bind us together…

Bookbinding (verb): the art of creating something magical out of fabric, leather and paper.

As a lonely foster kid, Serafina Conte sought refuge in handmaking journals—and writing her wishes within their pages. Now, in the quirky new age store she shares with her two best friends, Sera’s intentions have paid off. Her journals are in the spotlight—and rumored to manifest great things. Whether it’s witchy skills, real magic or not, Sera’s finally ready to be the leading lady of her life story…

Until her plot hits a twist.

After the death of her mentor, Ford Sitwell, all the loneliness and insecurity of her past returns. The only balm is the box of antique books he left to her. But Ford’s suspicious brooding grandson, Wes, is ready to think the worst of her—and get his grandfather’s books back! The first part doesn’t bother her. The second? Forget it. Sera won’t give Wes the books so easily. But it’s clear he’s seeking something more, an emotional connection no book can replace. So she offers a deal—work in her store for six weeks, and in return, she’ll help him get closure by sharing memories of his late grandfather.

Yes, Wes seems grumpy, but actually he’s hot…and maybe kind? Deep down? And when desire and vulnerability work their charms, Sera begins to wonder if the best stories aren’t the ones you intend, but the ones that take you where you least expected…

From showing up to glowing up, these characters are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way.

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Katherine Garbera is bestselling author of more than 100 novels which have been translated into over two dozen languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. A strong believer in happy endings, her love of books led her to her dream career writing novels.  She is the mother of two incredibly creative and snarky grown children, Katherine enjoys champagne, reading, walking, and travels with her husband. A Florida native, Katherine now lives in the UK.

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Signed Copy of Brewing Up a Bad Boy + Swag – 5 winners,

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Speculative Biology and Fantasy Races

Searching for your next favorite story about fantasy/sci-fi creatures?

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The Revenge of Excalibur by Sahara Foley

REBORN by Charles A Cornell      The Hunter and the Knight by Brett Lurie      Feral by Cathy Smith

Brain Meets The Mes by Menesh Patel      Shifter by Joanna White      Folktales from the Endless Frontier by Brett Lurie

Keeping With Destiny by Tarian P.S.      Sapient Farm by Querus Abuttu (Horror/Spec Fic/Sci-Fi)      Chai and Cat-tales by Lynn Strong

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