"By acting as if I was not afraid, I gradually ceased to be afraid."
Grrrrreetings from State 49! This past week the OH and I began our much-anticipated, northern journey along the coast of Alaska. We stayed in Anchorage for a few days before setting sail on the Viking Ocean Cruise ship, the Orion, on Saturday.
This is such an amazing part of the country--spectacular scenery, colorful carvings, friendly folk (love their pioneering spirit and humorous takes on life), trembling grounds (re; earthquakes--big ones, courtesy of the North American and Pacific tectonic plates), and wildlife of the humongous kind (have I mentioned the bears...).
This taxidermized polar bear stands 9 ft tall!
Love the blue moose! 😍
Clouds against the mountain tops were amazing to see...
Inuit art carvings reflect primitive grace...
Low tide exposes deadly mud--a mix of volcanic ash, granite shards, and muck--if you step into it, your foot will become encased--no exit. Best hope the rescue crews get to you before the tide comes in... (Hint: they pump water into/under the deadly mud with a hose to loosen it up and pull you out) 👀🥴 #DunDunDun
On board, the ice/snow room and aft infinity pool are favs. #Brrrr
I am loving the cold weather, thick, wicked mists, and rain--I know it's not for everyone, but this gal is happy!🥰 More pics in the next post, it's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Thanks for all the Wicked Mist love!
Bibiana Krall and I want to thank you again for all the incredible support and enthusiasm we've received for the launch of Wicked Mist! Truly, our readers are incredible, and we are so grateful to everyone who has bought and read our latest collaboration. Our first drawing for Wicked Mist SWAG will be this Friday! #StayTuned
Life in the VampWitch lane this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Kathleen Harryman, Hunted, a VampWitch Novel, Book 1, 5 ⭐
Family secrets emerge sending former human, Alice Quinn, into a tizzy. She's not only reeling from her mother's grisly death by a murderous, fire demon, but Alice now is grappling with the knowledge she's a mixed breed, both witch and vampire. To make matters worse, there are beings from the other worlds who don't look kindly at her hybrid roots.
As she deals with her emerging powers, she's emotionally torn. Will she be able to accept her new lot in life and forgive the family members she feels abandoned her? Will the entities from the kingdoms of the wolves, vampires, and fae assist or hinder her acceptance? As ferocious forces close in, she will need all her newfound powers and alliances to fight them off.
Author Harryman weaves an original tale of a woman's emotion-filled journey as she transitions through to the other world in this story of dark fantasy and family drama---sprinkled with dry, witty banter. I found the mix of characters a quirky and delightful bunch, and the warring of the dark species from the other worlds a clever spin. Hunted is an exciting read, most fitting for this season of scary!
Next up in the reading queue:
Anniversary celebration at the Club Paris!
The OH and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary in State 49 at the Club Paris in Anchorage. This historic eatery is known for their steaks---all I can say is #Yummeaux! Our evening there was a delight, and we enjoyed the humorous chit chat with our charming server, Bernadette. She filled us in on all the local Alaskan G2!
Welcome to my world. Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. It's been a sad week with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. I've choked up more than once watching some of the footage of her in her younger years and seeing her family members deal with her passing. The pic below is from the Gatwick airport as you enter the international terminal to go to passport control. If you zoom in on this, you'll see the composite image of the young queen is made up from pictures of folks from all around the UK. I thought this was a brilliant piece of artwork, simply stunning. God Bless the Queen... 💖👑
