tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92100608027308494912024-03-06T22:35:57.158-05:00Clarissa JohalBestselling Author of Paranormal & Dark FantasyClarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.comBlogger614125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-81995630253104498112023-07-10T16:30:00.003-04:002023-07-10T16:30:57.148-04:00Re-Release of Voices by Clarissa Johal #paranormal #suspense #darkfantasy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGydQfFBxpc3uzv_V2AIunre5EUTaxSq3fF79bS91eGMeKbU1ykKYHqUluZknjzzEsMfiMtvZi6Su85wM7idA3LjOl6Rb4Hi_8cgHWRUHUhr_AH2XBlY5LJsUMYHcf2afNbg0uMSjrCBzSUm6g8zKE5XxyU8IUE6I8acVO57VCIGeZUBKIKJhTw4Yd7Dd4/s2400/Voices%20new%20ghost%20story%20cover300%20amazon%20final.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1504" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGydQfFBxpc3uzv_V2AIunre5EUTaxSq3fF79bS91eGMeKbU1ykKYHqUluZknjzzEsMfiMtvZi6Su85wM7idA3LjOl6Rb4Hi_8cgHWRUHUhr_AH2XBlY5LJsUMYHcf2afNbg0uMSjrCBzSUm6g8zKE5XxyU8IUE6I8acVO57VCIGeZUBKIKJhTw4Yd7Dd4/w251-h400/Voices%20new%20ghost%20story%20cover300%20amazon%20final.png" width="251" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Sometimes the ghosts from your past...are real</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"She clutched the knife tightly in her hand and lunged. The man fled, his religious pamphlets scattering behind him like afterthoughts.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moira staggered a few steps before she fell to her knees. When her vision finally cleared, she dropped the knife in disbelief."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moira is admitted to a mental hospital after claiming she hears voices. Her psychiatrist is hesitant to diagnose her in spite of the arguments from his colleges. As their meetings progress, Moira confesses that she hears not one but two voices. But they aren't voices in her head, they're the voices of ghosts.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And one of them is determined to drag her into the afterlife with him.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Clarissa-Johal-ebook/dp/B0CBD7LC58">Amazon US</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Voices-Clarissa-Johal-ebook/dp/B0CBD7LC58">Amazon UK</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Voices-Clarissa-Johal/dp/1508652295">Amazon CN</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Voices-Clarissa-Johal-ebook/dp/B0CBD7LC58">Amazon AU</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6451054883">Apple</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940166078421">Barnes and Noble</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1419171">Smashwords</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9798215987599">KOBO</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gardners.com/Search/KeywordAnonymous/eBook?Keyword=9798215987599">Gardners</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://marketplace.odilo.us/opac/?query=9798215987599">Odilo</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9798215987599&language=0">Scribd</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-88823185970701415802023-07-01T08:16:00.000-04:002023-07-01T08:16:24.575-04:00Clarissa Johal - #Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale! #paranormal #DarkFantasy #BookSale <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08r7lYlJEH1N_uORi8maNfh3friKn-IXlsYaj6wdJ_gfTttQTHe42Gi8iTNtBRLinF5U5DUkopmXNIHY1iblK0KU6ObrwSIncfnHM4LSSk7Ajtlecm0o4tkTVXf-PA78sQZnhcYx9U_R5A6ALF_w72TTYAnmTUUFM0KUz9TK0dSED76YIV87XFdrO0U0D/s820/NEW%20FB%20Banner%20no%20Voices.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08r7lYlJEH1N_uORi8maNfh3friKn-IXlsYaj6wdJ_gfTttQTHe42Gi8iTNtBRLinF5U5DUkopmXNIHY1iblK0KU6ObrwSIncfnHM4LSSk7Ajtlecm0o4tkTVXf-PA78sQZnhcYx9U_R5A6ALF_w72TTYAnmTUUFM0KUz9TK0dSED76YIV87XFdrO0U0D/w400-h152/NEW%20FB%20Banner%20no%20Voices.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Grab your sunscreen! Don your parkas! </h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">It MUST be time for the 15th Annual <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ClarissaJohal" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> Summer/Winter Sale! </h2><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ClarissaJohal" target="_blank">Check it out!</a></h2><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-27415430444408704372023-04-03T13:57:00.000-04:002023-04-03T13:57:02.554-04:00Whispers in the Wood #bookcover #paranormal #supernatural #suspense - April #CoverOfTheMonth Contest @allauthor <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">They say not to judge a book by its cover but I need you to do just that! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you liked the cover of my book, <strong>Whispers in the Wood</strong>, please vote for it for the Cover of the Month contest on AllAuthor.com! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/15123/" rel="dofollow" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click to Vote!</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/15123/" rel="dofollow"><img height="698" src="https://allauthor.com/book/big/20200509024046.jpg" width="437" /></a></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">It all began with an acorn.</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are some places you shouldn’t disturb, places where history lingers. When Rowan travels to England, she finds a remote village, hidden in the shadow of an ancient forest. Vague warnings from the local people aren’t enough to stop her from venturing into the trees, or from picking up a single acorn. It seemed a simple action. But when a stranger emerges from the forest claiming the acorn belongs to him, Rowan finds herself pulled into something both centuries old and deadly.</div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Wood-Clarissa-Johal-ebook/dp/B07F9TBTNS/" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-in-the-wood-clarissa-johal/1129112325" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/whispers-in-the-wood/id1573478759" target="_blank">Apple</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/whispers-in-the-wood" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.scribd.com/book/512749920/Whispers-in-the-Wood" target="_blank">Scribd</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1089322" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></div></span><p></p>
Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-60693381893169782442023-03-17T09:33:00.001-04:002023-08-25T11:19:19.378-04:00Excerpt - The Lighthouse by Clarissa Johal #newrelease #paranormal #ghoststory <div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sent to cover the haunting of Pelican Rock lighthouse, Riley Murdock vows to write a historical piece instead. Ghosts aren’t real, and she wouldn’t ruin her reputation as a serious journalist by writing the contrary. Photojournalist Dillon Page loves anything to do with the paranormal. Carefree and open-minded, he’s happy to treat their assignment like a ghost-filled vacation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But there’s more to Pelican Rock than either expected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When night falls, the mood in the dilapidated lighthouse shifts. Unexplained sounds, fleeting shadows, and icy breezes keep them both awake. And when Dillon <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="starts acting" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: acts" data-pwa-id="pwa-5D996D27C280749950DCDBA613F74721" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_712" data-pwa-suggestions="acts"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="starts acting" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: acts" data-pwa-id="pwa-5AC53AAE648B4AF0FE8CE6CF63AD4166" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_712" data-pwa-suggestions="acts">starts acting</pwa></pwa> strangely, Riley fears something is going on that she can’t explain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From the author who brought you bestsellers <i>Poppy</i>, <i>The Island</i>, and <i>Struck</i>; comes a haunting tale that will keep you awake long past lights out.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 106%;">Excerpt from <i>The Lighthouse</i>:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Riley woke to a loud “thump!” resonating across the floor. Followed by several more, the thumps were in succession. <i>The door in the entry room probably blew open. </i>Her tired thoughts began to wander before there was another thump, followed by yet another. Heavy, purposeful footsteps were coming up the lighthouse steps. Riley sat up, instantly awake. It looked like <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Dillon was burrowed" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-35B4D75EC3986AA2E488377436C73F41" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="I burrowed Dillon~they burrowed Dillon~it burrowed Dillon~we burrowed Dillon"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done pwa-mark-ignored" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Dillon was burrowed" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-608E3CEFC10C6C428FC1FF7A04CECA1F" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="I burrowed Dillon~they burrowed Dillon~it burrowed Dillon~we burrowed Dillon"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done pwa-mark-ignored" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Dillon was burrowed" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-394C2737ACD3AF36A67BD2B1B06F1750" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="I burrowed Dillon~they burrowed Dillon~it burrowed Dillon~we burrowed Dillon"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Dillon was burrowed" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-D538C620A83D7D38E25508F99FF6B448" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="I burrowed Dillon~they burrowed Dillon~it burrowed Dillon~we burrowed Dillon"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Dillon was burrowed" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-F0F5705B3BAADF542BC8F5C615685CFD" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="I burrowed Dillon~they burrowed Dillon~it burrowed Dillon~we burrowed Dillon"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Dillon was burrowed" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Passive verbs make your writing less direct. Try to use an active verb instead." data-pwa-id="pwa-D27D456C2F374212FF0A438D5803433F" data-pwa-rule-id="PASSIVE_VOICE" data-pwa-suggestions="I burrowed Dillon~they burrowed Dillon~it burrowed Dillon~we burrowed Dillon">Dillon was burrowed</pwa></pwa></pwa></pwa></pwa></pwa> in his sleeping bag. Weak moonlight traced the rumpled edges. <o:p></o:p><br />
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“Dillon!” she whispered. <o:p></o:p><br />
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The footsteps became louder and louder before they finally stopped at the door. Riley fastened her gaze on the broken handle, holding her breath. The door slowly swung open. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Dillon!” She shot out of her sleeping bag and made a grab for him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dillon’s sleeping bag was empty. He’d left his sneakers behind, along with a rumpled hoodie, ripped-up jeans, and T-shirt. <i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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</i> <i>What the hell?</i> Riley turned with a frown, ready to tell him off for scaring her. The doorway was also empty. Confused, she crept forward and peered down the stairwell.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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</i> <i>He probably went to the bathroom, </i>she thought with a sigh of relief. <i>I must have heard him going down, not coming up.</i> Her bare foot brushed against something cold and she bent to pick the object up. “You forgot your flashlight, dummy!” Riley waited for him to respond. “For someone who’s afraid of the dark… You<pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="’re going to" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: will" data-pwa-id="pwa-C4FFE60235C90CEBF44BBB26800CEA20" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1482" data-pwa-suggestions=" will"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="’re going to" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: will" data-pwa-id="pwa-539A7110FCECD730FE4E10FCBE35B5B9" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1482" data-pwa-suggestions=" will"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done pwa-mark-ignored" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="’re going to" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: will" data-pwa-id="pwa-3FD1F0B7BE3A53B491E92317E67259CD" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1482" data-pwa-suggestions=" will"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="’re going to" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: will" data-pwa-id="pwa-E609D997F4C2A03310BABE200A4FAB1B" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1482" data-pwa-suggestions=" will">’re going to</pwa></pwa></pwa></pwa> break your neck without your flashlight!” Her voice echoed against the walls of the lighthouse. She turned it on and shone the flickering beam of light down the stairs. The sound of footsteps echoed from below. “Jack-ass.” Riley slipped on her boots and trench coat and went to follow him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The weak beam of light bounced erratically off the brick walls. It was pitch-black, and she grasped the railing to keep herself from tripping. As she rounded the curve, she caught a shadow disappearing around the corner. “Slow down!” When Riley reached the landing, she stopped to catch her breath. The footsteps continued down the stairs before they too stopped. “Dillon?” she called down. The footsteps started again. Angry, she debated whether to leave him on his own. The footsteps faltered. <i>And if he breaks his leg, then what? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word=" Riley" data-pwa-heavy="true" data-pwa-hint="Possible unnecessary space" data-pwa-id="pwa-96A86C703BE7B757D231CD9BC5772C77" data-pwa-rule-id="EXTRA_SPACE_CE" data-pwa-suggestions="Riley">Riley</pwa> descended the second flight of stairs, anger growing with each step.<i> </i>Every time she reached a landing, the shadow slipped down the stairs, just past her. And every time she stopped, the sounds of footsteps also stopped, as if Dillon were goading her on.<i> </i>By the time she reached the bottom, she was sputtering with white-hot anger.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The front door to the lighthouse stood open. Muted moonlight fell across an empty beach like an afterthought. Confused, she shone the flashlight in the outhouse’s direction. <i>There’s no way he could have run that fast. I would have seen him. </i>Riley scanned the rocks, expecting to see Dillon crouched beside one, laughing at her. Nothing but normal shadows lurked in the crevices.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She started towards the outhouse when she caught movement at the cottage. Anger again pricked at her insides. She marched toward the doorway, shining the flashlight needlessly on her path. The moonlight was enough to see <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word="by" data-pwa-heavy="true" data-pwa-hint="Missing comma before coordinating conjunction when it separates two independent clauses" data-pwa-id="pwa-6005F03E7C6447A5E7DED92B0F2226C9" data-pwa-rule-id="COORDCONJIC_MISSING-COMMA_CE" data-pwa-suggestions="by,">by</pwa> but she felt better holding the flashlight in front of her, like a club. <i>I’ll clobber him over his dear little head when I catch up with him. </i>She stopped and pointed the beam of light inside, like an accusing finger. Dillon’s quiet singing sounded from the bedroom. Continuing inside with a scowl, she found him sitting beside the cradle, rocking it slowly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“What are you doing?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dillon paused, his attention still focused on the cradle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="grammar" data-pwa-dictionary-word=" “It’s" data-pwa-heavy="true" data-pwa-hint="Possible unnecessary space" data-pwa-id="pwa-0E5ABADDC8C9D53A10248543FBAD7A22" data-pwa-rule-id="EXTRA_SPACE_CE" data-pwa-suggestions="“It’s">“It’s</pwa> the middle of the damn night.” Unbridled anger washed away threads of fear. “You woke me up stomping down the stairs like that—”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Shh,” he interrupted. “I’m singing to my baby.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“This isn’t funny, Dillon! You could have broken your neck running down the stairs like that! Worse, I could have broken <i>my</i> neck running after you.” She waited for him to explain himself, her heart thudding in her chest. Instead, he continued to sing quietly, as if it was perfectly normal to sing to an empty cradle. A sudden realization dawned on her. <i>Oh, my god, he’s sleepwalking</i>. She inwardly rolled her eyes. <i><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Of course, he" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: He" data-pwa-id="pwa-3A06E52E0DC2AA37D4BA8F135183BF3C" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_242" data-pwa-suggestions="He"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done pwa-mark-ignored" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Of course, he" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: He" data-pwa-id="pwa-5322A527571525CB4A135A18D9C28FA9" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_242" data-pwa-suggestions="He"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Of course, he" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: He" data-pwa-id="pwa-411DB33A430136796EA8657BE74A8815" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_242" data-pwa-suggestions="He"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Of course, he" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: He" data-pwa-id="pwa-325D5CD85997A8E172A328F7C97DB79E" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_242" data-pwa-suggestions="He"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="Of course, he" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: He" data-pwa-id="pwa-B916E73A3283A07A6149F5CF33393D7D" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_242" data-pwa-suggestions="He">Of course, he</pwa></pwa></pwa></pwa></pwa> is.</i> She felt the muscles in her neck relax a fraction as her anger dwindled. “Dillon, it’s time to go to bed. I<pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="’m going to" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: will" data-pwa-id="pwa-BE082189BF22942897C7F586F90A544B" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1482" data-pwa-suggestions=" will"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done pwa-mark-ignored" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="’m going to" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: will" data-pwa-id="pwa-90FFF9CB0F4FF67F93604BD94674D321" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1482" data-pwa-suggestions=" will"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="’m going to" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: will" data-pwa-id="pwa-5558BE7DD3868E59416D2BA2B2EA7037" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1482" data-pwa-suggestions=" will"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="’m going to" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: will" data-pwa-id="pwa-137A228C46099D34C2AFBC73D1506DBC" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1482" data-pwa-suggestions=" will"><pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="’m going to" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: will" data-pwa-id="pwa-E8F7EEA5C8A8C8079639F53F59A9A9D6" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_1482" data-pwa-suggestions=" will">’m going to</pwa></pwa></pwa></pwa></pwa> take your arm and we’ll walk back together—” She made a move towards him and his gaze snapped to hers. There was something in his expression that made her stomach lurch. For a moment, he didn’t look like himself at all. His features were too soft, too feminine. And his eyes… They didn’t even look blue in this light. Riley took an involuntary step away. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081B9QWQP/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Amazon US </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B081B9QWQP/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Amazon CN </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B081B9QWQP/">Amazon AU</a></span><br />
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Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-783918860974351862021-07-06T09:15:00.002-04:002021-08-07T09:42:16.522-04:00July Charity Event! #books #paranormal #nonprofit #cats #shelter @SafeHaven4Cats <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">July Charity Event</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNSVgvr-OEgXexboDl-VbMKxooeCJcptnUnzwArRMzLSLsaoy0NXZnxvLrkUDItX1c_lXavsDNmvyMhWtlDeNhVhRsNJTvknL5kAv_GrG4ooVZYVzLAgS0AK_M0ZYBJ6kswGAMxSHlqpb/s1600/safe+haven+logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="78" data-original-width="250" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNSVgvr-OEgXexboDl-VbMKxooeCJcptnUnzwArRMzLSLsaoy0NXZnxvLrkUDItX1c_lXavsDNmvyMhWtlDeNhVhRsNJTvknL5kAv_GrG4ooVZYVzLAgS0AK_M0ZYBJ6kswGAMxSHlqpb/s400/safe+haven+logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">My birthday month has crept up on me...again!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">This marks the 8th year I'll be donating 100% of July royalties.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's my way of giving back to causes I care about.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This year, I will donate all royalties from the sales of my books to <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.safehavenforcats.org/" href="https://www.safehavenforcats.org/" target="_blank">Safe Haven for Cats</a>, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a non-profit, no-kill rescue organization.<br />Please check them out, they do amazing work.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy Reading!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You can find my books on:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Johal/e/B003KVTMPK/" target="_blank">Amazon </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ClarissaJohal" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Clarissa%20Johal%22" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Barnes & Noble</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/author/clarissa-johal/id592472930" target="_blank">Apple</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We adopted Dusty from Safe Haven in November. <br />He's my constant writing companion! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">____________________________</span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">UPDATE</span></span></span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to everyone who bought one of my books this month! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All royalties were used to sponsor <a href="https://www.safehavenforcats.org/adopt/meet-the-cats/adopt-me/?animal_id=11304" target="_blank">Winni</a>. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">UPDATE to my UPDATE 😜 - Winni has been adopted!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjmjG9OUlyYqbWG7qTcKbojQJOjcuU5TYFUPhpOENBHdztln_uyx1mJgj3fUbl1CLK1COLRpTbPuIZbWsGGS6ecOZwfVdswi4IY2sEDz76g3Z3omp7OZSvqrD_A9Hr6Hu2ICnlTMK_qfU/s1024/Winni.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjmjG9OUlyYqbWG7qTcKbojQJOjcuU5TYFUPhpOENBHdztln_uyx1mJgj3fUbl1CLK1COLRpTbPuIZbWsGGS6ecOZwfVdswi4IY2sEDz76g3Z3omp7OZSvqrD_A9Hr6Hu2ICnlTMK_qfU/w400-h266/Winni.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Winni has been at <a href="https://www.safehavenforcats.org/" target="_blank">Safe Haven for Cats</a> for 100 days — I have a soft spot for black kitties and especially ones who are "looked over" because they take a while to trust people. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Winni will be an excellent companion once she finds her special someone. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Could it be you?</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-90484385638532605592021-07-01T12:59:00.005-04:002021-07-01T13:02:48.731-04:00#Smashwords 13th Annual Summer/Winter #Sale #paranormal #bestsellers #books<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Readers! It's summer in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere. That means it's time for the <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/shelves/promos" target="_blank">Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale</a>, their largest sale of the year! Whether you're looking for a great summer beach read or something to warm your heart in front of a crackling fireplace, you'll find it here!"<br />The 13th annual Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale has begun, running now through July 31."</span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My following bestsellers are on SALE at 50%<br />Happy reading!</span></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C02n1G6ExYauDjjVsgVrILxDIjsvj_3ofCyMkK-zdiIJXfHXhaHWtkDry_o5IxTdaJKzP14o3qaireMdqOUoIM7dY0S1LgjMuD9zrCAV8MOh99RuEE1dXM4q6a21nAqoOWLOkjGULvWJ/s2048/Whispers+Cover+FINAL+300+DPI.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1283" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C02n1G6ExYauDjjVsgVrILxDIjsvj_3ofCyMkK-zdiIJXfHXhaHWtkDry_o5IxTdaJKzP14o3qaireMdqOUoIM7dY0S1LgjMuD9zrCAV8MOh99RuEE1dXM4q6a21nAqoOWLOkjGULvWJ/s320/Whispers+Cover+FINAL+300+DPI.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://tinyurl.com/4tpfkjvh" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whispers in the Wood via Smashwords</span></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It all began with an acorn.<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">There are some places you shouldn’t disturb, and where
history lingers. When Rowan travels to England, she discovers a remote village,
hidden in the shadow of an ancient forest. Vague warnings from the local people
aren’t enough to stop her from venturing into the trees, or from picking up a
single acorn. It seemed a simple action. But when a stranger emerges from the
forest claiming the acorn belongs to him, Rowan finds herself pulled into
something both centuries-old and deadly.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm22BF7Hdco5bVrIHXU7eresBE2EfXpLyvEqGPwU5YBHaaQZTRy19XykbEKB1FFxBO5cqGpLrLNs1uzxdIVUZDJBiubBcNN4AucddL6_yjs7h6kqjX_nH7ojgo2umhxZHuihP0mb77Rl16/s2048/Poppy_Clarissa+Johal_ebookcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm22BF7Hdco5bVrIHXU7eresBE2EfXpLyvEqGPwU5YBHaaQZTRy19XykbEKB1FFxBO5cqGpLrLNs1uzxdIVUZDJBiubBcNN4AucddL6_yjs7h6kqjX_nH7ojgo2umhxZHuihP0mb77Rl16/s320/Poppy_Clarissa+Johal_ebookcover.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://tinyurl.com/57hejcn2" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Poppy via Smashwords</span></a><div><br /></div><div>A red-headed, pink-loving mortician who speaks to the dead.<br />A moody, unsociable funeral director.<br />Poppy and Dante from <i>Struck</i> are back. <br /><br />Something is lingering around Skyview Funeral Home, and it's stealing the souls of the dead. With Dante in tow, Poppy is determined to put a stop to it. Can she protect those who are trying to cross over, or will her soul be next?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zQFf_Z_6AEVf6KFWqyZ_imKYVXK_z__mlALEe_4A2KyZ3cPXvZz-gNmFmUjyyM3VKdkEJPNiNxPg3WQv2TbCNlSM4DLaHWYmZ_H0hfQTzgqBftB3-d34AU5jSMtdvhefKjBCBi3D5pVA/s2048/The+Island+cover+art.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1328" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zQFf_Z_6AEVf6KFWqyZ_imKYVXK_z__mlALEe_4A2KyZ3cPXvZz-gNmFmUjyyM3VKdkEJPNiNxPg3WQv2TbCNlSM4DLaHWYmZ_H0hfQTzgqBftB3-d34AU5jSMtdvhefKjBCBi3D5pVA/s320/The+Island+cover+art.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://tinyurl.com/zwczxtes" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Island via Smashwords</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Exploring a remote island can sometimes get you into trouble.<br />Especially when you stumble upon a cave and awaken two demons. <br /><br />Rumours and superstition.<br />That’s what Emma thinks about local gossip concerning her family's “cursed” private island. After the death of her grandmother, Emma journeys to the island to ready it for sale. While out exploring, she unearths a hidden cave that holds answers to the island’s dark past.<br />There may be more to the rumours than she thought.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDe6VXHeTZlsqV_Jw93C9P0hVVmsQsqPf3qkuXA0CkB1piLeOiptzawwwkFa1sOX1RSouf4PmOlVHt6REIzM9rGXs-pdGpWyJ6NB7A_A2OhU4otvF28QQt-fVnnH3kchaNJ9U5gh7_QOM/s2048/NEW+Struck+cover+2021+resized.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDe6VXHeTZlsqV_Jw93C9P0hVVmsQsqPf3qkuXA0CkB1piLeOiptzawwwkFa1sOX1RSouf4PmOlVHt6REIzM9rGXs-pdGpWyJ6NB7A_A2OhU4otvF28QQt-fVnnH3kchaNJ9U5gh7_QOM/s320/NEW+Struck+cover+2021+resized.jpg" /></a></div><a href=" https://tinyurl.com/vjfhbd38 " style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Struck via Smashwords</span></a></div><div><br /></div>Struck by lightning, claimed by shadows.<div><br />Caught in a terrible storm, Gwynneth is struck by lightning. She wakes in the hospital with a vague memory of a mysterious stranger. Following her release, the stranger visits her at will and offers Gwynneth a gift. One that will stay the hands of death. She is uncertain whether Julian is a saviour or something sinister, for as he shares more of this gift, his price becomes deadly.</div><div><br /></div><div> <br /></div>Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-51828095199698489952021-06-11T01:00:00.003-04:002021-06-11T09:36:37.553-04:00Frightening Friday - The Devil's Tramping Ground of #NorthCarolina #haunted <p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="Photo by Jason Horne" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeHNHLLaZUKWUh6nk-WiKhUtvXW5AvWBtqYh3bJ3DGUbjJq6uF-bUwXq9CQ5SFZVUTlz9Qo1uBCxi6tX-hNkiMwkR4Sdq0aqyr7drC3tGFLBcJN8Z0vPX3EK96OXh-aqZj0qWLk0q6rVn/w400-h266/800px-DevilsTrampingGround.jdh.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/drjason/489327902/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Jason Horne</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table>The Devil's Tramping Ground is a camping spot located 10-miles from Siler City in western Chatham County, North Carolina. A circle 40-feet in diameter, the "tramping ground" has been the subject of legends and lore pre-dating the American Revolution. The lore alleges the Devil walks in circles on certain nights, thinking of ways to bring evil into the world. Despite being within a forest, only wiry grass grows inside this circle, and no plant life of any kind grow on the path leading to it. Locals have been unsuccessful in trying to transplant the wiry grass to other soil types. <p></p>It is rumoured that objects left overnight within the ring disappear, animals won't go near the area and those who spend the night within the circle experience strange events. Numerous theories have arisen which try and explain the phenomena. One theory states the circle was originally a Native American meeting ground, another theory states the area is part of Croatan, named for a fallen tribal chief who may be buried there. In both stories, the tribal gods purportedly preserved the barren circle as a memorial to their followers' loyalty. <div><br /></div><div>Scientific explanations exist as well. Soil samples show the circle contains higher sodium, copper, zinc and pH levels than the soil from a few yards away. However, the difference isn't enough to make the circle soil toxic to plant life. Another interesting observation is that at certain points within the circle, a compass will move by about five degrees. Only soils with a high iron content would cause this to happen, which the soil does not have. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Devil's Tramping Ground remains a mystery...</div><div><br /></div>Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-65586273413640135022021-06-10T01:00:00.005-04:002021-06-10T11:00:52.425-04:00#FolkloreThursday - Brown Mountain Lights of #NorthCarolina #unexplainedphenomena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxFU_GTKsrN_saoUExyrN7IINHfoYtOzFGRlopzMMbPhNcxBQH3Rlob70zeOb-d6-pNjbfifc0iOBy-smA2m936lZsOdSXN_nJtQmOzciZBBh6QOkfNRfg5FjLQGKMydKwVf3XRXzFnUg/s1024/Brown_Mountain%252C_North_Carolina_viewed_from_Beacon_Heights%252C_October_2016.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="1024" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxFU_GTKsrN_saoUExyrN7IINHfoYtOzFGRlopzMMbPhNcxBQH3Rlob70zeOb-d6-pNjbfifc0iOBy-smA2m936lZsOdSXN_nJtQmOzciZBBh6QOkfNRfg5FjLQGKMydKwVf3XRXzFnUg/w400-h228/Brown_Mountain%252C_North_Carolina_viewed_from_Beacon_Heights%252C_October_2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>My husband and youngest are looking into university apartments around Boone, North Carolina. I've done a couple of writing retreats in the vicinity; the mountains are both mysterious and beautiful. Because of that, I'm going to venture into unexplained phenomena "in that general area." Today, I'm exploring the Brown Mountain Lights of Morganton, North Carolina.</p>For hundreds of years, people have seen ghostly lights moving throughout the Brown Mountain in the Linville Gorge area near Morganton, North Carolina. Witnesses have reported the Brown Mountain lights as being white, red, yellow, orange and blue. They've described the lights as large balls of fire, or even small as candle lights; floating near the ground before rising high into the sky. This unexplained phenomenon has baffled scientists, government researchers, and residents alike. <div><br /></div><div>Local folklore suggests the lights are paranormal in nature, citing tales of tragedy for early settlers and Native Americans. According to Cherokee legend, a great battle was fought in 1200 A.D. between the Cherokee and Catawba Indians. The mysterious lights are the women left behind, still searching for the men who died in battle. Another legend says the lights are the ghostly echoes of lights that appeared during a search for a murdered woman in the 19th century.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Local paranormal investigator Joshua Warren camped frequently at Brown Mountain as a kid. On one such camping trip, he claims to have seen a ball of light rise through the trees and ascend into the sky. Another local story recounts that Morganton resident Tommie Hunter actually touched the lights. He claims to have looked over the Hwy.181 overlook to see a hovering ball of light. Tommie said it felt like he had stuck his finger in a light socket when he touched it. Six other people were with him, and all corroborated his story. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>Scientists suggest natural gasses have caused the phenomena, or even car or train lights (others have debunked the suggestion of car/train lights). While there are many theories, including those of UFOs, no one truly knows the cause, and no evidence has been collected. </div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-58987143709133605042021-06-08T01:00:00.001-04:002021-06-08T07:30:36.209-04:00Tangled Tuesday - Hoarding Butterflies #etsygifts #etsyjewelry #beading <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today I want to give a shout-out to one of my artistic friends! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;">If you like beautiful beaded earrings, necklaces and chains, please hop over and check out <a href="HoardingButterflies's shop on Etsy https://etsy.me/3jxNFkQ" target="_blank">Hoarding Butterflies </a>on Etsy. She uses beading as therapy for anxiety, which is awesome! Art is a wonderful tool for that. ❤️</p><p style="text-align: center;">She shared her two of her favorite pieces to showcase in my blog.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQ8etC5GmAZo7lqaX4la6AUWxmnidLftsz0kIgPbAaoGjjfF17HwMMcdpjwqvnzqZ04DHFrSqYdWfYzxc_PbERI2HYTj77GyQnfx3BpMqWN4OlKsjnUGAeQT5gNkFQpRPftaDKjJuf7G7/s1104/A78EA576-67A4-4289-80C5-858AC510684C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQ8etC5GmAZo7lqaX4la6AUWxmnidLftsz0kIgPbAaoGjjfF17HwMMcdpjwqvnzqZ04DHFrSqYdWfYzxc_PbERI2HYTj77GyQnfx3BpMqWN4OlKsjnUGAeQT5gNkFQpRPftaDKjJuf7G7/s320/A78EA576-67A4-4289-80C5-858AC510684C.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The one above is inspired by <i>Shadow and Bone </i>by Leigh Bardugo. <i>Shadow and Bone</i> was recently adapted into a show via Netflix. One of the main characters, Alina, is a sun summoner.</div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQO4muZUSPCznECJTD3F7fq18oWz6OZfz8l_9e2g1xJl8ZiOsIj_ql65f7U9XnNmV7S5uhW6hE2QWw_5TpMxT7ZlG5_CsQ0MhD00iR89cJAhvOn_4iN3_BtrzrSbXfL0xtPDCkjHG2mXJ/s1104/AEB8B71D-130E-47EC-980B-34FE8CD13379.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQO4muZUSPCznECJTD3F7fq18oWz6OZfz8l_9e2g1xJl8ZiOsIj_ql65f7U9XnNmV7S5uhW6hE2QWw_5TpMxT7ZlG5_CsQ0MhD00iR89cJAhvOn_4iN3_BtrzrSbXfL0xtPDCkjHG2mXJ/s320/AEB8B71D-130E-47EC-980B-34FE8CD13379.jpeg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The second is butterfly inspired & the colors are gorgeous. I can see this necklace looking fabulous with a lavender or white summer dress, or even jeans and a t-shirt. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Check out some of her other pieces - there are a lot to choose from. My personal favorite are these green heart earrings you can find right <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/969883371/green-heart-hook-earrings-st-patricks" target="_blank">HERE</a>. In fact, I think I’ll treat myself right now.😉</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdBDeDIb9ybb1tbraI3dYJog-nB2CwrXEBuWqojyCyhchXIk6lL7JuTGnXlkNGybWR011PE6R0AFRSFkvOXBtdBxDCJw3-yWZPxnlQCZXmmGPalEBAu0yqZHv08XtLl-c8ObpBeswqxFk/s1059/hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdBDeDIb9ybb1tbraI3dYJog-nB2CwrXEBuWqojyCyhchXIk6lL7JuTGnXlkNGybWR011PE6R0AFRSFkvOXBtdBxDCJw3-yWZPxnlQCZXmmGPalEBAu0yqZHv08XtLl-c8ObpBeswqxFk/s320/hearts.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">If you have a special occasion to buy for (or want to treat yourself) </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="HoardingButterflies's shop on Etsy https://etsy.me/3jxNFkQ" target="_blank">Hoarding Butterflies</a> is the perfect choice for a unique, one of a kind gift!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-35311497491025941392021-06-07T16:16:00.001-04:002021-06-07T16:16:40.167-04:00#MeatlessMonday - Spinach Calzones #vegetarian <p>Hello readers! The past few months I've been working super-hard but done little writing. Such is life, gotta pay the bills. 😜 In retrospect, I wasted valuable time and energy trying to make something work out. Have you ever felt like that? If so, I'm sending you a hug. Anyway, it's time to move onward & upward from a very frustrating and negative space and "cleanse" myself with some writing. </p><p>I'm going to start the week by sharing one of my favorite "go to's" when I'm feeling pressed for time but still want something satisfying for dinner. If you want to make your own pizza dough and sauce, go for it!</p><p><b><span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b><span><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spinach Calzone</span></b></span></b></div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMZvYh9Q-TFdeQJULoMJqLpWUMyHeZ4W-hJtAEFtkzdL4oiTt7bMkqcfAYenoGsImKQ36mI2zXx0wDwEebt4OGlexA4ml7MjbuWskZb4SrjQdTSxcSg978KWmT-6OiE5mw0whi23G4a-p/s2048/IMG_8445+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMZvYh9Q-TFdeQJULoMJqLpWUMyHeZ4W-hJtAEFtkzdL4oiTt7bMkqcfAYenoGsImKQ36mI2zXx0wDwEebt4OGlexA4ml7MjbuWskZb4SrjQdTSxcSg978KWmT-6OiE5mw0whi23G4a-p/s320/IMG_8445+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />1/2 ball of pre-made pizza dough <p></p><p>Pizza sauce (jarred)</p><p>1 cup fresh spinach, chopped</p><p>1/2 cup ricotta</p><p>1/2 cup shredded cheddar & mozzarella cheese</p><p>1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes</p><p>1/4 cup chopped mushrooms</p><p>1/8 cup sliced olives</p><p>Garlic pepper </p><p><br /></p><p>On a surface coated with olive oil, roll out pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thick.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqAo-6T2jWaR27YmiEzauQAhwT64QvtOZcUEZuL5_nvniJq1MElNK34cgK0yTn1iJ78rzJXWp2pfWeF_qOg1FmDlgs5rHzVsVy45omNND9kxjqnADiH8Lslq1vpdNmU1pJS8RBCaVaNN8/s2048/IMG_8448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqAo-6T2jWaR27YmiEzauQAhwT64QvtOZcUEZuL5_nvniJq1MElNK34cgK0yTn1iJ78rzJXWp2pfWeF_qOg1FmDlgs5rHzVsVy45omNND9kxjqnADiH8Lslq1vpdNmU1pJS8RBCaVaNN8/s320/IMG_8448.jpg" /></a></div>Mix together chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta, mushrooms, olives, and cheeses. <p></p><p>Spread pizza sauce evenly over dough. Spread spinach mixture evenly on half of the pizza. Fold dough over the mixture and pinch edges to seal. (It will look "stuffed" but the spinach will cook down.) </p><p>Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic pepper. Cut three 1/2 inch slashes on top to vent. </p><p>Place calzone on an oiled baking sheet or pizza slab and bake at 450-degrees for 15 minutes or until the top is browned. Remove and let sit for 5 minutes before slicing. </p><p>Enjoy!</p>Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-16240671483432214702021-01-31T11:56:00.000-05:002021-01-31T11:56:40.052-05:00February is the Month of Love - Charity Event @oldfriendssds #seniordog #nonprofit #adoptdontshop <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMp7syJ53FJlZ6jU2seiNJ3BOxsVPeiG4VjS8hVKmrLR2I5Z6EXbmdLAXp8m6Ou0l5Iz_rFduBM8XczQljtNYiO68qkukfKWWEgaNGEauXyYLVCQ_uu2RuU_ZaJPFwVq8-93P4cmArKlD/s960/Zeus+flowers.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMp7syJ53FJlZ6jU2seiNJ3BOxsVPeiG4VjS8hVKmrLR2I5Z6EXbmdLAXp8m6Ou0l5Iz_rFduBM8XczQljtNYiO68qkukfKWWEgaNGEauXyYLVCQ_uu2RuU_ZaJPFwVq8-93P4cmArKlD/w300-h400/Zeus+flowers.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This past year, I've had to accept the fact that my dog is getting older. We look after my daughter's puppy while she's at work, which makes Zeus's age even more apparent. Though he loves his doggy friend, he struggles some days to keep up with the puppy's energy. *sigh* It seems like only yesterday <i>he</i> was the one tearing around the house like a mad thing. I remember we'd hike for miles, run 5K's together—Zeus would be happy to pace me whatever the plan was. But now, our walks are short (though no less enjoyed!), and running is out of the question. In spite of this, I can't imagine my life without my dog. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I wanted to do something special to celebrate senior dogs. During the month of February, I will donate all royalties from the sale of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Johal/e/B003KVTMPK" target="_blank">my books</a> to Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. You can read about their non-profit organization <a href="https://ofsds.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. If you're looking to adopt, <i>please</i> consider a senior dog—they have so much love to give and are usually the last to get adopted. They deserve better. Check out your local shelter or rescue organization. I guarantee you, there will be a senior dog waiting for a forever home. </p><p>*If you're a cat person, I donate book royalty sales during July (my birthday month) to <a href="https://www.safehavenforcats.org/" target="_blank">Safe Haven for Cats</a>. They work very hard to find homes for homeless kitties.</p><p><br /></p>Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-74337281110784473122020-11-25T18:00:00.003-05:002020-11-25T18:00:32.129-05:00Open the Window #paranormal #ghosts #book #author <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSayAB065AIlEYzvyXhhhGZnTEZBB0yhkw46NmjRMbuwSHGt3cHUJKxl0MMF3RL48DcV70zhZr4e8OMRembl_Ji8ILt_LVvHXy5Y0_mRbt14ckgJIkMtwB7hUBI1IRA4f7dmnspkQ099xq/s2048/Butter+Butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1371" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSayAB065AIlEYzvyXhhhGZnTEZBB0yhkw46NmjRMbuwSHGt3cHUJKxl0MMF3RL48DcV70zhZr4e8OMRembl_Ji8ILt_LVvHXy5Y0_mRbt14ckgJIkMtwB7hUBI1IRA4f7dmnspkQ099xq/s320/Butter+Butterfly.jpg" /></a></div>It's been a long while since I've posted. My writing has been in fits-and-starts due to *everything* (plus a few personal things thrown on top, just for fun). The past eight months, I've done a lot of hiking just to keep my sanity. <p></p><p>I sense a new chapter is beginning, though. Not only for the world, but for myself. My characters have been waking up one by one. They're whispering in my ear at night while I'm sleeping. They're scratching at the glass to escape their own quarantines. If only that Auther person would get on it and open the damn window...</p><p>That said, I've promised to release them and I always keep my promises. Stay with me, readers. Don't forget I'm here. The sequel to <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FW9QP8E/" target="_blank">Poppy </a></i>will be coming in 2021. </p><p>While you're waiting for that sequel, why don't you pick up another one of my books to pass the time (if you haven't already)? They're available via <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Johal/e/B003KVTMPK/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. </p><p>Go on, don't be shy. It would honestly make my day. ;)</p>Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-84576559012111684732020-03-11T11:27:00.001-04:002020-03-11T11:27:25.962-04:00#Paranormal Sequels.... #book #amwriting I haven't posted for a while and thought I'd update readers on what I've been up to! I'm working on a sequel to Poppy. When the title comes to me, I will let you know. As of now, it's saved on my computer as "Sequel to Poppy," so there you go...<br />
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If you haven't read Poppy, take a moment to check it out!</div>
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A red-headed, pink-loving mortician who speaks to the dead. </div>
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A moody, unsociable funeral director. </div>
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Poppy and Dante from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Struck-Clarissa-Johal-ebook/dp/B01GG2H8RS" target="_blank">Struck</a> are back. </div>
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Something is lingering around Skyview Funeral Home, and it's stealing souls of the dead. </div>
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With Dante in tow, Poppy is determined to put a stop to it. </div>
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Can she protect those who are trying to cross over, or will her soul be next?</div>
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*Poppy is a standalone novel</div>
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Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-1735498965496405502019-11-12T07:56:00.001-05:002023-08-25T11:20:02.820-04:00The Lighthouse by Clarissa Johal #paranormal #ghoststory #newrelease<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B081B9QWQP&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_NXQYDbAA56M0M" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sent to cover the haunting of Pelican Rock lighthouse, Riley
Murdock vows to write a historical piece instead. Ghosts aren’t real, and she
wouldn’t ruin her reputation as a serious journalist by writing the contrary.
Photojournalist Dillon Page loves anything to do with the paranormal. Carefree
and open-minded, he’s happy to treat their assignment like a ghost-filled
vacation.<br />
<br />
But there’s more to Pelican Rock than either expected.<br />
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When night falls, the mood in the dilapidated lighthouse shifts. Unexplained
sounds, fleeting shadows, and icy breezes keep them both awake. And when
Dillon <pwa class="pwa-mark pwa-mark-done" data-pwa-category="style" data-pwa-dictionary-word="starts acting" data-pwa-heavy="false" data-pwa-hint="Readability may be enhanced by using: acts" data-pwa-id="pwa-CD544E6AE8901342392DD2D2BAB3B57F" data-pwa-rule-id="READABILITY_712" data-pwa-suggestions="acts">starts acting</pwa> strangely, Riley fears something is going on
that she can’t explain.</span><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the author who brought you bestsellers <i>Poppy</i>, <i>The Island</i>, and <i>Struck</i>; comes a haunting tale that will keep you awake long past lights out.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081B9QWQP/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Amazon US </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081B9QWQP/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Amazon UK </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B081B9QWQP/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Amazon CN </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B081B9QWQP/">Amazon AU</a></span><br />
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Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-17613068838446783142019-07-09T09:48:00.000-04:002019-07-27T11:19:35.830-04:00July Charity Event! #books #paranormal #nonprofit #cats #shelter @SafeHaven4Cats <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">July Charity Event</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNSVgvr-OEgXexboDl-VbMKxooeCJcptnUnzwArRMzLSLsaoy0NXZnxvLrkUDItX1c_lXavsDNmvyMhWtlDeNhVhRsNJTvknL5kAv_GrG4ooVZYVzLAgS0AK_M0ZYBJ6kswGAMxSHlqpb/s1600/safe+haven+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="78" data-original-width="250" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNSVgvr-OEgXexboDl-VbMKxooeCJcptnUnzwArRMzLSLsaoy0NXZnxvLrkUDItX1c_lXavsDNmvyMhWtlDeNhVhRsNJTvknL5kAv_GrG4ooVZYVzLAgS0AK_M0ZYBJ6kswGAMxSHlqpb/s400/safe+haven+logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">My birthday month has crept up on me!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">This marks the 7th year I'll be donating 100% of July royalties.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's my way of giving back to causes I care about.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This year, all royalties from the sales of my books will be donated to <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.safehavenforcats.org/" href="https://www.safehavenforcats.org/" target="_blank">Safe Haven for Cats</a>, </span></span>a non-profit, no-kill rescue organization.<br />Please check them out, they do amazing work.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Johal/e/B003KVTMPK/" href="https://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Johal/e/B003KVTMPK/" target="_blank">Happy reading!</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">_______________________________________</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQXCNPn93TwVpbiLHRglk6jKK5kFV4L9kHcHkSNuhXE2KMrhM5t3ANpvdv4NxVfA2_BSCEa7P1VcVtTUMpcWr-tkEQ1qL-mM5PBCxlGKGa-JuIQk9mdfac8eYzfywh6F_aFS4J4jDcW22/s1600/Dusty+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQXCNPn93TwVpbiLHRglk6jKK5kFV4L9kHcHkSNuhXE2KMrhM5t3ANpvdv4NxVfA2_BSCEa7P1VcVtTUMpcWr-tkEQ1qL-mM5PBCxlGKGa-JuIQk9mdfac8eYzfywh6F_aFS4J4jDcW22/s320/Dusty+blanket.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We adopted Dusty from Safe Haven in November. <br />He's my constant writing companion! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">____________________________ </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This year I've decided to donate my royalties to sponsor </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.safehavenforcats.org/adopt/meet-the-cats/adopt-me/?animal_id=7111" target="_blank">Nurse Jackie</a> who has been at Safe Haven for Cats 1130 days (as of July 27, 2019). </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDB6ZS_rzkinYCALYpW_lnCY53H9afQWWSCnzPkyGtmxrSNmLeVvAN10TKHVnIbki-5Bi9OfSmYOXbXKcrCKWlTi88lNZhyphenhyphenpY_ukRpS8xKbLwYdgJYsOxOZDUcFHslmE6KH9uReKp7UJO/s1600/Nurse+jackie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDB6ZS_rzkinYCALYpW_lnCY53H9afQWWSCnzPkyGtmxrSNmLeVvAN10TKHVnIbki-5Bi9OfSmYOXbXKcrCKWlTi88lNZhyphenhyphenpY_ukRpS8xKbLwYdgJYsOxOZDUcFHslmE6KH9uReKp7UJO/s320/Nurse+jackie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you are looking to adopt, please consider checking out </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the cats waiting for a forever home at <a href="https://www.safehavenforcats.org/" target="_blank">Safe Haven for Cats</a>.</span></span></span></div>
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Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-88953781351023408072019-05-13T12:28:00.000-04:002019-05-13T12:28:43.282-04:00#MeatlessMonday - Spiced Cupcakes with Chai Frosting #dessert<h3>
Spiced Cupcakes with Chai Frosting</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7zL-VZO7Ov3woYXmW48ZUVfkb_-Ovx8QEhuypcD9xso8rrjzf6K58hSMU6YTwYwEnrpfUEBHP6XK9H1YU7eFQ-lVR0ONgOKpH2gCM4eUtbZ_JQppFhOQXHBYZv7JpmCGpvLLBQyJryDz/s1600/Cupcake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1350" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7zL-VZO7Ov3woYXmW48ZUVfkb_-Ovx8QEhuypcD9xso8rrjzf6K58hSMU6YTwYwEnrpfUEBHP6XK9H1YU7eFQ-lVR0ONgOKpH2gCM4eUtbZ_JQppFhOQXHBYZv7JpmCGpvLLBQyJryDz/s400/Cupcake.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
Ingredients:<br />
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1/2 teaspoon each ground ginger, cinnamon and allspice<br />
1/8 teaspoon pepper<br />
1/2 cup butter, softened<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1-1/2 cups cake flour<br />
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
2/3 cup buttermilk<br />
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Frosting:<br />
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6 tablespoons butter, softened<br />
3 cups confectioners' sugar<br />
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
3-4 tablespoons half & half<br />
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Directions<br />
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1. In a small bowl, combine the ginger, cinnamon, allspice and pepper; set aside.<br />
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and 1-1/2 teaspoons spice mixture. Gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.<br />
3. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.<br />
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Bake at 350° for 24-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.<br />
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Frosting:<br />
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In a large bowl, beat butter until fluffy; beat in the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and remaining spice mixture until smooth. Add enough half & half to reach desired consistency.<br />
Pipe frosting over cupcakes and decorate as desired.<br />
Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-17941767936381710482019-01-30T09:16:00.003-05:002023-03-21T09:55:17.648-04:00#Paranormal Wednesday - #Haunted Theatre #ghosts<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedTRVnmIb-Et_eoRxetsDX5dJpmKcgG7lXYTzmQ3RL1bi8chmmcq6mOXB41l6G46rnbBTxutnHJfaIrqBBJOGp9PVB_7yOm0bBzJJKKFReX98TnV6ipcVvpv_Lo0GMkLFHIkpzDxbVgVL/s1600/Victoria+High.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="736" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedTRVnmIb-Et_eoRxetsDX5dJpmKcgG7lXYTzmQ3RL1bi8chmmcq6mOXB41l6G46rnbBTxutnHJfaIrqBBJOGp9PVB_7yOm0bBzJJKKFReX98TnV6ipcVvpv_Lo0GMkLFHIkpzDxbVgVL/s320/Victoria+High.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victoria High School of the Arts, 1962</td></tr>
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This week I'm going to share my story of a haunted theatre (cue in scary over-the-top theatre music). Specifically, a school theatre in the <a href="http://victoria.epsb.ca/">Victoria School of the Arts</a> located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I graduated from this high school in 1982. Back then, the school was known as Victoria Composite High School and was just that; a school divided in half.<br />
The newer half of the building was dedicated to vocational students, while the other half, aka the "old" building, was where the theatre students were relegated. We didn't mind. The old half of the building was cool and we loved it.<br />
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Our theatre arts department housed not one, but two stages; a main stage and smaller "black box" theatre. The main stage basement housed the make-up, costume and dressing rooms, plus several storage rooms for props. Spooky? You bet. Especially if you had to go down there alone.<br />
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The main theatre and basement were notoriously haunted, and rumors abounded as to whom the ghost might be. One rumor said a student was killed in an accident involving a stage light, another said they hung themselves in one of the dressing rooms, and yet another said they'd slit their wrists in the bathroom. Regardless, there were several incidents that fueled these rumors.<br />
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Early one Saturday morning, our cast was rehearsing and the only ones in the school. And yes, we were <i>that </i>dedicated. While standing at the back of the theatre to see how the stage lights looked, we saw the stage trap-door rise and fall with a bang. We ran downstairs to see if someone was in the basement. With only one set of stairs down and no other way out, we would have come face-to-face with someone had they tried to leave. There was nobody down there. All the prop, costume and dressing room doors were locked, including the door with access to the stage trap-door. Needless to say, any treks into the basement that Saturday were put off until later. Not that we were scared or anything... <img src="https://s.yimg.com/ok/u/assets/img/emoticons/emo17.gif" /><br />
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Even though the basement held a spooky vibe, we'd often hang out in the dressing rooms during lunch. We were "supposed" to be rehearsing and we were...80% of the time. The other 20% we were doing what high school kids do - talking, napping, sometimes we'd even catch up on homework. Once, we smuggled an <a href="http://clarissajohal.blogspot.com/2018/09/frightening-friday-collecting-ouija.html">Ouija Board</a> past our teacher and spent the afternoon trying to contact whatever would listen. Yeah, we were that dumb.<br />
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The girls dressing room and adjoining bathroom seemed to be the hub of activity in the basement. The bathroom shower would turn on-and-off by itself (the first time this happened, I ran to catch the culprit, but the water turned off as soon as I entered). While studying lines in the dressing room and out of the corner of my eye, I'd see someone behind me, floating about two feet off the ground. I'd find out later that this same experience happened to <i>many </i>of the students. Because of that, I always felt the rumor of someone hanging themselves in the dressing room was plausible.<br />
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On-stage during rehearsals, I'd see someone sitting in the back right corner in the audience. If I stepped to the apron to get a better look, the person would disappear. It wasn't a shadow due to stage lights because I'd see the same when house lights were on during non-dress rehearsals. Several other students experienced the same phenomena.<br />
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There was a brick hallway where students as far back as the early-1900s had signed their names with quotes from plays they'd been in. It was a genuine piece of history and, not to be forgotten, I signed mine too. But if I stood for any length of time to read the other signatures, I'd always feel someone standing behind me. It would become so uncomfortable; I'd have to leave. Again, I found out later I wasn't the only person who'd experienced this.<br />
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The school has gone through many changes and by what I see on their website, been upgraded to a performing arts school only. Maybe someday I'll visit the school again, just to check it out. If any current students come across this blog post, leave a comment! I'd love to hear if the ghost/s stuck around. <img src="https://s.yimg.com/ok/u/assets/img/emoticons/emo3.gif" /><br />
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<br />Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-22940424335054998252019-01-28T09:45:00.001-05:002019-01-28T18:04:08.962-05:00#MeatlessMonday - Butternut Squash with Mushroom Gravy #vegetarian <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVc_R_Y_Y4HXpC5ySX0imW1LrVNmDkYRDfdHNOMblCE46oOpeG1d0_puxrKSRj8CPH5Uu6sxzwUU87KBwfSrtEwLhv4ilbXExEDDbyj_qHeAtucx9JxwdrdZzWyHLLZH4wj0p-Gne_W00/s1600/butternut-squash-3597762_960_720.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVc_R_Y_Y4HXpC5ySX0imW1LrVNmDkYRDfdHNOMblCE46oOpeG1d0_puxrKSRj8CPH5Uu6sxzwUU87KBwfSrtEwLhv4ilbXExEDDbyj_qHeAtucx9JxwdrdZzWyHLLZH4wj0p-Gne_W00/s320/butternut-squash-3597762_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Butternut Squash with Mushroom Gravy</h3>
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<i>Ingredients </i><br />
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1 large butternut squash, about 3 lb.<br />
4 tablespoons of clarified butter<br />
6 garlic cloves, minced<br />
1 cup coconut milk<br />
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16 oz. mushrooms, sliced<br />
2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast<br />
½ tablespoon of fresh rosemary, finely chopped<br />
1 tablespoon flour<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
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Instructions<br />
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Halve an unpeeled butternut squash, remove seeds and place both halves face down on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking oil. Roast in a 450-degree oven until soft, about 35-40 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Vmx8AQkfuIaR_oRF5NlRIrrppV585eWvrPeXU1NXMGp18n5XczIYCXzv0nOPxTrfp_KoO6-57g1n2DN8YP9a948kbxE1cdZlhMDFvxF71H7BhuipPEx5-lSFp8ZEmn4OaJRqJ-isK85D/s1600/mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Vmx8AQkfuIaR_oRF5NlRIrrppV585eWvrPeXU1NXMGp18n5XczIYCXzv0nOPxTrfp_KoO6-57g1n2DN8YP9a948kbxE1cdZlhMDFvxF71H7BhuipPEx5-lSFp8ZEmn4OaJRqJ-isK85D/s320/mushrooms.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
In a large skillet on medium high heat add 2 tablespoons of the clarified butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until lightly browned. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until they are soft and begin releasing their juices. Add the rosemary and nutritional yeast. Stir in ¾ cup of the coconut milk. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove about 3 tablespoons of broth and whisk in the one tablespoon of flour. Whisk mixture back into gravy. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened.<br />
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Once the squash is cooked, carefully remove the skin. In a bowl, mash squash with 2 tablespoons of clarified butter and leftover 1/4 cup of coconut milk. Salt and pepper to taste.<br />
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Serve the mashed squash with mushroom gravy on top.<br />
<br />Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-5056836901098030402019-01-25T07:11:00.000-05:002019-01-28T10:29:41.770-05:00Frightening Friday -- Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnD6jzxYapU6PT5BWd2C0pqnGFtoiE6XRU-FCH7IP0H5vICLq5kKnSECw0Fbnb9tUQ15HO3UfN5WELZSj3ThIJdWwrkxCk1kxlvGro4mB10tlEQjq_uIfybmtYD6pIu3CIONOwbKk26Ve/s1600/Dolls.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnD6jzxYapU6PT5BWd2C0pqnGFtoiE6XRU-FCH7IP0H5vICLq5kKnSECw0Fbnb9tUQ15HO3UfN5WELZSj3ThIJdWwrkxCk1kxlvGro4mB10tlEQjq_uIfybmtYD6pIu3CIONOwbKk26Ve/s1600/Dolls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/esparta/" target="_blank">Esparta </a>via Flickr</td></tr>
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Dolls. I've never been a big fan of dolls because I think they're creepy. Their blank stares, frozen expressions, predatory smiles...yeah, it's creepy.<br />
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Just south of Mexico City and between the canals of Xochimilco, there is a small island known as <i>Isla de las Munecas</i> (Island of the Dolls). As if one doll wasn't creepy enough, here you have a whole island of decapitated doll heads, arms and bodies; weathered by the elements and home to spiders and everything else. Oh, and did I mention? The dolls that populate the island have been put there to appease the spirit of a dead little girl and are reputedly haunted.<br />
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Don Julian Santana Barrera was a hermit who lived on the island. The story goes that he witnessed a little girl who drowned and was unable to save her. Seeing a doll floating in the canal, he hung it in a tree as a way of showing respect for her spirit. Shortly thereafter, Don Julian claimed he was haunted by the little girl and began hanging more dolls in an attempt to appease her. After 50 years of collecting dolls and hanging them around the island, Julian was found dead, drowned in the same spot where he found the little girl. </div>
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After Don Julian’s death in 2001, the island became a tourist attraction run by members of his family. Local legend says that the dolls move their arms, heads and open their eyes. Some witnesses claim to hear the dolls whispering to one another. There are even those who claim the dolls have lured them to visit the island. </div>
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Here's a short video to get an idea what the island looks like now. A trip to<span class="st"> </span>the<i> Isla de las Muñecas</i> is not on a regular tourist route. If you want to visit, you'll have to hire a private boat and the trip takes about two hours. Any takers?</div>
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Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-2692209996827654392019-01-21T09:03:00.004-05:002019-01-21T09:03:54.585-05:00#MeatlessMonday - Tofu Burritos #vegetarian #vegan<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s a recipe you can start several days ahead of time and pop in the oven when you’re ready. This recipe can be vegan, just omit the sour cream and use vegan cheese for topping. Easy-peasy. Enjoy!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <span data-v-42910abc=""><a data-v-42910abc="" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/83738663@N00">Zlatko Unger</a> via Flickr</span></td></tr>
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
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1 package of extra-firm tofu</div>
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Marinade:</div>
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¼ c. soy sauce</div>
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¼ c. apple cider vinegar</div>
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2T. brown sugar</div>
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4 tsp. sesame oil</div>
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½ tsp. ginger</div>
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½ tsp. cayenne</div>
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½ tsp garlic</div>
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½ tsp. cardamom</div>
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½ tsp. coriander</div>
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½ tsp. cumin</div>
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Mix ingredients together to make the marinade. Drain and rinse tofu. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Marinate tofu for 2-3 days.</div>
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When ready to bake, pour off marinade. Lay tofu on an aluminium foil-lined baking sheet.</div>
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Bake at 375F for 30 minutes or so, turning with a spatula a couple of times.</div>
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Wrap tofu in warmed tortillas with rice for a complete protein. Add tomatoes, fresh spinach, and top with avocado, grated cheese and sour cream. </div>
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Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-77827080113643644492019-01-20T19:17:00.002-05:002019-01-21T07:58:31.460-05:00Hello #NewOrleans <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently took a trip to New Orleans and fell in love with the city. Their history is fascinating, there are lots of things to see and do, and the people are wonderful. The city has a definite "live and let live" vibe. 💓<br />
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We stayed in the French Quarter.- there's nothing better than waking to the sound of live jazz and tugboats. I felt more than a little guilty I was there to have fun, though. Homelessness is a huge problem in New Orleans, as it is in most cities. There’s a distinct demarcation between frivolous tourists and those trying to eke out a living. This year, I'm going to donate my July birthday royalties to a New Orleans homeless shelter rather than my usual animal-related charity. My thoughts keep going back to the people I saw on the streets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOe8CYIftUvJp5CbFTMggIql7LuL11TujRH1Cda3V-0lzIMxWKDKAdIWsQhN_QKGF0orp4L570pA35FPJEdpwgSzNkBVUTxrGDyrupKdVzpJYM58qeU739GW-V-mA-WYTwCq5hXiySUMHP/s1600/New+orleans+Jazz.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOe8CYIftUvJp5CbFTMggIql7LuL11TujRH1Cda3V-0lzIMxWKDKAdIWsQhN_QKGF0orp4L570pA35FPJEdpwgSzNkBVUTxrGDyrupKdVzpJYM58qeU739GW-V-mA-WYTwCq5hXiySUMHP/s320/New+orleans+Jazz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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You could literally spend an entire weekend shopping in the French Quarter but what I found more intriguing was the vibrant street art & music community. Every morning, they'd set up along the streets. Every night, they'd pack their wares and walk back to their homes. Art is never easy - in any form. It was obvious these artists were busting their butts just to make a living. One morning, we left our hotel at 6am and walked through Saint Louis Cathedral Square. There weren't many tourists out yet but a street performer was already playing his guitar and singing his heart out. When we walked back to our hotel around 7:30pm, he was still there. Kudos to this guy and the rest. Following your dream is never easy.</div>
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If you're wondering about the Voodoo Scene there are plenty of voodoo shops for the tourists, much like Salem and its "witch" shops. My advice is to do a bit of research so you don't embarrass yourself. Don't be "that" tourist and go crazy stocking up on voodoo dolls and <i>gris-gris</i> bags without knowing what they are. I saw too many tourists making asses of themselves and being flat-out disrespectful. It was weird. Voodoo is a polytheistic ancestral religion. A <i>religion</i> - not something to make fun of or screw around with because you think it's "spooky." Just my two-cents. <img src="https://s.yimg.com/ok/u/assets/img/emoticons/emo3.gif" /></div>
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The cemeteries are a photographers dream. There are many photo opportunities but again, don't be "that" tourist. Be respectful of the deceased and their families if you go tromping around. In the Garden District's Lafayette Cemetery there were plenty of tourists climbing the headstones and oddly, a street vendor selling Ouija boards to contact the dead. <img src="https://s.yimg.com/ok/u/assets/img/emoticons/emo18.gif" /> (I get everyone is trying to make a buck but it made me wonder who would buy one!)<br />
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Cemeteries aside, let’s talk ghosts. New Orleans is noted for its hauntings and given its history, including Hurricane Katrina, I can understand why. From a paranormal writer's perspective, this leaves the door open to all sorts of writing inspiration. This wasn't a writing trip, however, it was my daughter’s birthday. She doesn't like ghosts. I know, I know. Go figure. I honestly made an effort to book a hotel in the French Quarter that wasn’t haunted. In a city that prides itself on hauntings, it was almost impossible.<br />
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We stayed at the <a href="https://www.frenchmarketinn.com/">French Market Inn</a>. I’m reasonably sure the landing where this photo was taken (above) was occupied by the ghost of a dead soldier. Every time I walked past this particular area, it felt like I'd walked through someone. I felt light-headed and got an image of a man wearing a military uniform. At night, I woke to the sound of someone pacing our <i>very small</i> room. There was no living person, of course, and the hotel grounds were silent. Another thing - I usually don't have nightmares but, yikes! I had several in which I was drowning and a very intense one where I lost my memory. That particular one still haunts me.<br />
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Walking the streets of the French Quarter, there were only two places that gave me pause for thought. After exiting the Voodoo Museum, my phone battery was completely dead (it was charged before we went in). In the Pharmaceutical Museum, there was an old bed that felt "off" to both my daughter and myself. In my mind's eye, all I could see were bloodied sheets and as you can see by my photo, the sheets were clean.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1548020377524_2278">Photo courtesy of Darjeelingtea at English Wikipedia </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1548020377524_2278">[Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</span></span></td></tr>
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To end on a (lighter) foodie note - 'cause New Orleans is known for its cuisine - it was difficult to find vegetarian eats! Lots of seafood but I don't eat fishies. C’est la vie. I lived off grits and pasta. I tried King Cake for the first time and loved it. I’m not a cake person but omg, I’m going to have to try and make it myself. What’s not to love about a rainbow-iced cinnamon cake with sugar sprinkles? Laissez les bon temps rouler!<br />
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Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-38306139045795244272018-11-29T08:52:00.000-05:002018-11-29T08:52:30.267-05:00Happy Holiday #Book #SALE - #awardwinning #paranormal #darkfantasy #99cents #bestseller<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Holiday SALE</h2>
My award-winning books are 99 cents until the end of December!<br />
Happy reading! <br />
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Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-243256186477475172018-11-15T12:38:00.001-05:002018-11-15T15:35:23.560-05:00#FolkloreThursday - #Scandinavian Water SpiritsThis is Part Two of Folklore Thursday - Scandinavian Water Spirits.<br />
You can read Part One <a href="https://clarissajohal.blogspot.com/2018/11/folklorethursday-trolls-hulder-and.html" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1541722885062_3458">Bjørn som Tegner <a href="http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1541722885062_3434" target="_blank">GFDL</a> </span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1541722885062_3458">CC BY-SA 3.0 via<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1541722885062_3435" target="_blank"> Wikimedia Commons</a></span></div>
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<b>Fossegrim</b><br />
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<i>Fossegrim</i> is a troll or water spirit who plays the fiddle. An exceptionally talented fiddler, he is often willing to teach his skills in exchange for food offerings. Many stories tell of travelers who have tried to offer something less than acceptable, resulting in the traveler being taught to tune rather than play his instrument. <i>Fossegrim</i> can also lure travelers into lakes and streams in order to drown them.<br />
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Theodor Kittelsen [Public domain],</div>
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via Wikimedia Commons</div>
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<b>Nøkken</b><br />
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The <i>nøkken</i> is a fresh water relative of <span class="mw-headline" id="Nøkken"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Fossegrim</i>. The <i>nøkken</i> is especially attracted to women and children and will play the violin to lure them onto thin ice where he is waiting for them. </span></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Nøkken"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Nøkken</i></span></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Nøkken"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> can shapeshift into a horse or a man. In their horse form, they will try and make the victim touch their long tail. If they do, the victim will often become stuck and dragged under the ice into the depths of the lake. The</span></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Nøkken"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i> nøkken</i></span></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Nøkken"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> are particularly dangerous after sunset. Swimmers can protect themselves </span></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Nøkken"><span style="font-weight: normal;">by throwing steel into the water. The </span></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Nøkken"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>nøkken</i></span></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Nøkken"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> may also be defeated by calling out their name, which causes them to lose power. </span></span><br />
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<b>Draugen</b><br />
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A <i>draugen</i> is the spirit of someone who died at sea. Always evil, they exist only to guard undersea treasure and drown the living. They wear fisherman's clothing, have sharp teeth, skin made of rotting fish scales and a tangle of seaweed where their head should be. The<i> draugen</i> also have magical abilities. They can affect your dreams, shapeshift, control the weather, and walk through stone. They sail the seas in half of a boat with weathered sails. If a traveler spots a <i>draugen</i>, they are in mortal danger unless they can race the <i>draugen</i> and win.<br />
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<br />Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-59807096376571341782018-11-12T07:14:00.000-05:002018-11-13T21:21:17.412-05:00#MeatlessMonday - Grandmother's Apple Dumplings #British #dessert #recipe My British grandmother was a wonderful cook, especially when it came to desserts. Before she emigrated to America, she worked as a housekeeper for a well-to-do manor house in Sheffield, England. She would tell me many stories about England and how much she missed it. I loved hearing them and found myself pining for the green hills of Yorkshire with her. Many years after her death I was able to travel to her birthplace and saw why she missed it so. My latest paranormal novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F9TBTNS/" target="_blank">Whispers in the Wood</a>, is a nod to her as it takes place in England.<br />
This was one of my favorite childhood recipes she taught me how to make. If you don't wish to venture into homemade pastry, frozen sheet pastry will do (buy enough for two pies). Enjoy!<br />
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<b>Ingredients </b><br />
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<i>Pastry </i><br />
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2 cups flour<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
2/3 cup vegetable shortening<br />
5-7 T cold water<br />
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Cut shortening into flour and salt mixture until it resembles small peas. Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until pastry sticks together. Roll out into a thin sheet and cut into 4 squares.<br />
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<i>Apples </i><br />
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4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored<br />
Fill each core with a pat of butter, a teaspoon of sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon<br />
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*Wrap each apple with pastry, closing the top like a drawstring purse, and set in a baking pan.<br />
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<i>Sauce</i><br />
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Mix:<br />
1-3/4 cup water<br />
3/4 cup white sugar<br />
3T butter<br />
1/4 tsp cinnamon<br />
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Boil mixture for 3 minutes and pour over pastry wrapped apples.<br />
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Bake uncovered at 500F for 5-7 minutes.<br />
Reduce heat to 350F and bake for 35-40 minutes more. Enjoy with tea (of course!) and a good <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Johal/e/B003KVTMPK/" target="_blank">book</a>.<br />
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<br />Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9210060802730849491.post-33450652011282184462018-11-08T10:46:00.001-05:002018-11-15T15:33:04.621-05:00#FolkloreThursday - Trolls, Hulder, and Nattmara - #Scandinavian Mythological Beings<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theodor Kittelsen [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</td></tr>
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Part One - Scandinavian Mythological Beings<br />
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In Scandinavian folklore, there are several kinds of mythological beings. Trolls (<i>jotnar)</i>, <i>hulder </i>and <i>n</i><i>attmara, </i>to name a few.<i> </i><br />
Trolls (<i>jotnar) </i>are said to dwell in isolated rocks, mountains, or caves. They often live together in small family units but are rarely helpful to humans. They are towering, stone-like creatures with colossal limbs. Some of them are so unkempt that plants will root in their skin. The ugliest<i> jotnar </i>can have single eyes or multiple heads. It is said they turn into stone when exposed to sunlight. Trolls are traditionally dim-witted creatures, boasting brute strength and a connection with nature.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernard Evans Ward [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</td></tr>
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The <i>hulder</i> are seductive creatures and can easily be mistaken for attractive humans. They have beautiful voices that mimic wind or water. It is said they can lure men into caves or forests in order to suck the life from them. The only giveaway to their deceptive form is they have a cow or fox-like tail, which they usually keep hidden. If a <i>hulder</i> can convince a man to marry them in a church, that tail falls off and they will become human. However, their beauty will also be lost and the<i> hulder </i>transforms into an ugly creature.<br />
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<i>Nattmara </i>(nightmares) are a race of female werewolves. They appear as a pale, skinny woman with long black hair and talon-like fingernails. They have the ability to turn themselves into sand and slip through the smallest crack. Once they've breached the home, they straddle the victim's chest at night to cause nightmares. <i>Nattmara</i> could also tangle one's hair so that the knots would have to be cut out. In some tales, they are similar to the <i>banshee</i> in that they are a death omen. The <i>nattmara</i> would leave a dirty poppet behind to cause a member of the family to contract tuberculosis. To avoid being targeted by a <i>nattmara</i>, a person could leave shoes (or nail a horseshoe) at/to the foot of the bed. Supposedly, the <i>nattmara </i>would see this are being an uncrossable boundary or find them distracting. They would then leave that person alone.<br />
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Stop by next Thursday for Part Two: <a href="https://clarissajohal.blogspot.com/2018/11/folklorethiursday-scandinavian-water.html">Scandinavian Water Spirits</a><br />
<br />Clarissa Johal, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13964562809187386341noreply@blogger.com0