Friday, November 9, 2012

Autumn Harvest Blog Hop - Win Prizes!

Welcome to my Hop Stop in the Autumn Harvest Blog Hop!



To me, Autumn is...

A wonderful fall vacation in the Colorado Rockies.

My kids carving pumpkins

Having fun in the leaves

Autumn is my favorite time of year. Crisp apples. Pumpkin pie. I like wearing jeans and a sweatshirt while being outside. I love the smell of wood smoke in the air from our outdoor wood burner and the crunch of dry leaves underfoot. I even enjoy the rainy, gloomy days - as long as I'm tucked away in my warm house with a steaming mug of tea.

I've set a few of my books in the Fall of the year. Most recently is my story in the TALES FROM THE MIST Anthology.

BENEATH STILL WATERS (Part One)


An old legend tells of a beautiful witch unjustly persecuted who became a ghost bent on revenge.
The danger lies in not believing.

On a sorority camping trip in the Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park, Becca scoffs at the story of the Ghost of Still Waters, despite the convictions of her fellow campers, Liz and Shane. When Liz challenges her to summon the witch’s spirit, will Ali’s disbelief seal her fate?

EXCERPT:

“Back in the eighteen hundreds, there was a young witch who lived in these mountains. In fact...” Ted paused and looked around. “What remains of her cabin isn’t too far from here.”

Megan gave a little moan, as if the long-dead woman would suddenly appear right behind her.

“The townspeople were all scared of her, but since she kept to herself mostly, they left her alone. Then one day—”

“Does this witch have a name? And why were they scared of her?” Becca fired off the questions as Megan glanced uneasily over Johnny’s shoulder.

“Shh,” Liz said with annoyance.

“The legend warns against speaking her name.”

“Don’t encourage him,” Shane added.

“Why not?” The fearful question came from Megan.

“She practiced black magic,” Ted explained. “They say if you speak her name it could awaken her spirit.”

The fire popped, throwing a shower of sparks skyward. Becca noticed Megan and Liz both jerk in reaction, as if the witch had sent a sign.

She didn’t believe there was an ounce of truth to the story. “You guys probably don’t even know it.”

Ted met her gaze with a solemn nod.

“Are you chicken?” she challenged him and Shane. Now she was starting to have fun.

“Some things are better left unspoken,” Shane warned.

“Just tell us.”

Despite Liz’s urging, Ted hesitated. Becca guessed it was part of their presentation.

“Her name is ... ”

“Don’t say it,” Shane breathed, closing his eyes. “Please don’t say—”

“Alianna.”

A burst of rustling leaves preceded a loud clatter in the forest behind them. 


Get your copy of TALES FROM THE MIST 

Amazon, Amazon UK, BN, ARe, Kobo, SW, Goodreads


~*~

RISING ABOVE (Still Waters Part Two) is also available:




Imagine you’ve lived before, but don’t remember or believe it’s even possible. Therein lies the danger. For in not believing and learning from your pasts, the power shifts to the one who would see you dead. Again.

Ryan James never gave much thought to ghosts or the idea of reincarnation—until the appearance of the beautiful Ali Whitman triggers terrifying visions that feel like real life. As he pieces together their past lives, he discovers they aren’t the only players. Worse, if he can’t convince Ali to believe before their past adversary makes the next move, he’ll lose her all over again.




MY PRIZE for the Hop and how to win it:

PartyLite Trick or Treat Fragrance Warmer w/melts

Now, if you're visiting all the hop stops, I'm going to guess you've answered what your favorite part of autumn is about a hundred times, so my question is:


What's the most creative pumpkin you've ever carved?
(Remember--comments here also enter you into the overall Blog Hop grand prizes)



And don't forget to visit all the other blog stops to win more fabulous prizes!


1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains 10+ paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!


130 comments:

  1. Most creative pumpkin was cat. We attached a body, tail, ears, & paws. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Sue B

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm not very creative about pumpkin carving. Just a plain old jack-o-lantern here. I know...boring!

    Barbara
    bbsbooknook@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not boring, Barbara--Classic. And classic never goes out of style! :)

      Delete
  3. Yes, fall is my fav time of year here in New England. Every year for the past 14 years my hubby and I have gone apple picking. now that we have children we take them too. Nothing better than homemade apple crisp.

    Great pics

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We haven't done this yet, but we should. It sounds fun!

      Delete
  4. I haven't carved a pumpkin in several years, but my children (my son, 23, my daughter-in-law 22, my daughter 19 and my youngest daughter 15) all carve some pretty interesting jack o'lanterns. This year I'd have to say that my favorite out of them all was my sons. He carved the "pi" symbol in his...so pumpkin "pi"..lol My youngest daughters was a hoot...she carved the word "fur" with the circle and line across it to symbolize "no fur". What made it so funny was that we had no more than put the pumpkins out on display, then the youngest of our three dogs walked up, sniffed over all six and promptly began to EAT hers! LOL

    S.D.
    AnnieBancroft08@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I LOVE this! Not sure which is funnier, pumpkin pi or the dog eating the no fur. Thanks for sharing!

      Delete
  5. When my kids were younger we used to go to a Halloween weekend at a campground. The imaginative pumpkin carving always intrigued me.

    It's not something I thought they'd miss when they got older..but I do.

    phillips[.]connie[@]gmail[.]com

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like fun, Constance! Someday maybe you can go again. :)

      Delete
  6. I cannot carve a pumpkin if my life depended on it. I'm horrible at it. But this year my lovely husband carved a pumpkin for each of our 3 girls. There was a cat, a ghost, and a flower on our front porch. :)

    Thanks for sharing!
    jinni_james@yahoo.com

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  7. I live in SW Colorado! Fall here is great! I'd love to win!
    horses5@frontier.net

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  8. I love your photo of your daughter in the leaves. Aren't kids great, they make fall extra fun. My best memories of fall are with my kids. And as for carving pumpkins, well, I'm not so good at that. My daughter is the one who makes lovely scrolled work like the Nightmare Before Christmas. Her pumpkins are works of art. Me, I buy the plastic ones with the face on them and and light inside. Happy Harvest Time!
    I'm raising a mug of Apple Cider to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Raising my tea back at you! Make sure you take pics of your daughters pumpkins.

      Delete
  9. Stacey! I'm doing this hop, too. Small world. :) Loved your post - and your kids are adorable!
    ~Cate

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  10. I am not really a very creative person but we painted pumpkins one year and I painted one to look like a bat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love Halloween bats--and I can see the benefits to painting. So much less messy.

      Delete
  11. I wish I was creative but it always turns out lopsided or worse!

    ehaney578 at aol dot com

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  12. fortunately for me, my husband is the artist in our family, i take photos. i guess i will just go with this years since it is fresh in my mind.

    honey boo boo

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  13. I did a haunted house once but it didn't turn out very well...I'm not so very artistic :(

    aligingerread@gmail.com

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  14. There's never been a creative one I've done but for this past Halloween my cousin did Cinderella's carriage :)
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
    cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love this time of year as well! I think this year was one the most challenging pumpkins I have ever tried to do:), my # year old loves nick jrs bubble guppies and wanted a bubble puppy pumpkin, so we tried;)! But he also got something from his teacher that I thought was cute, it pumpkin tattoos, turned out very cute! I can't wait to read Tales of the Mist on my TBR list! Enjoy your weekend!
    allysonbrann06@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. bubble guppy pumpkin and pumpkin tattoos--sounds great! A great weekend to you, too. Enjoy the book. :)

      Delete
  16. I've never done a creative one honestly -- I like the ways to not carve them like decorating them with paint -- easier and less messy!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. booksconsidered[at]gmail[dot]com

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    2. I do like the less messy aspect of painting. I'll have to have my artist daughter try that next year.

      Delete
  17. I am not a great pumpkin carver sadly. My Dad was so creative when we were little and he could literally create anything. There's no way I could possibly choose.

    Sassychassy333@gmail.com

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  18. Autumn is my favorite season! I like all the beautiful colors outside and the weather is not that hot anymore but not freezing cold either. It's just perfect! Thank you for the giveaway!

    verusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com

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  19. My kids do some great pumpkins every year. This year the favorite was from Transformers. My son did the Autobot Transformer face. It was pretty cool and he was very excited about it. I love the ears on your pumpkin! Very cute! danao.b7(at)gmail(dot)com'
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another picture I'd love to see! (Glad you like our pumpkin ears)

      Delete
  20. We have never been too creative when it comes to pumpkin carving, but last year we needed to carve a pumpkin quick to return for a preschool project so we got out my hubby's power drill and bits and made a Polka DOt PUmpkin :)

    kissyjensen at gmail dot com

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  21. I've never carved a pumpkin. :) I'm from Brazil and we don't have Halloween.
    Your kids are adorable!

    morebooksthanlivros@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometime, if you get a chance, maybe give it a try just because. :) Thanks for the compliment about my kids and for stopping by, Isabelle.

      Delete
  22. I carved a ultra- conservative pumpkin with three triangles and a jagged mouth. That one was my favorite.

    brendurbanist at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Said it before, will say it again: Classic never goes out of style. :) As long as it's your favorite, it's perfect!

      Delete
  23. I haven't carved any pumpkins yet. I'm more into pies.
    bituin76 (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As long as I get to eat the pies, I can get on board with that. :)

      Delete
  24. We carved the words Happy Halloween!
    sqwalker2@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now that's ambitious to me. Lots of detail work in all those letters!

      Delete
  25. It’s hard to say what exactly would be my Go-To Autumn Romance book. When I think real hard about it, I would have to say it has a sexy, strong, determined male that when it comes to love is just lost. Then there has to be a woman who is usually in need of help or needs to know what love and family is. Together they heal each other and love turns out to be their greatest gift. I also love a happy ending at this time of year, usually where the epilogue has them starting their own family to love and cherish. Oh….and definitely HOT loving too!

    Angelheart618@gmail.com

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  26. My kids love to use the stencils to do the pumpkins, one year my son sat and drew his own stencil..for the Broncos, his fav football team. He was so proud, and still mentions that pumpkin now at age 18.

    thanks for the blog hop fun !

    Kym
    flwrs4ever(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kids getting creative is the best! And so cool he still mentions it. :)

      Delete
  27. Is it cheating if I didn't carve it, but painted it? I had a line of evil pumpkins, complete with wicked eyes, fangs and witch hats. :)

    Michelle

    chellesy.clay(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Not at all, Michelle! Again, another picture I wish I could see.

      Delete
  28. I'm tragically bad at carving pumpkins. Seriously, I'm lucky if it has a distinguishable face when I'm finished. The carved pumpkin in your picture is amazing!

    JYL22075 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, that's about as creative as I get these days, and that was years ago. :)

      Delete
  29. AUTUMN HARVEST BLOG HOP

    Thank you the opportunity to get acquainted with all these new books!

    I love autumn with all the brilliant colors: oranges, yellows and reds of leaves. I love crisp, cool mornings where the sky is so blue it looks endless and the air is so fresh in your lungs. I love snuggling up in a warm throw on a cold autumn day with a good book. Of course, I love snuggling up with a good book about anytime of the year. I love Thanksgiving because it is a time to remember all the many blessings in my life and express thanks. I love baking spicy pumpkin pies with dollops of cream.

    The last book I finished was “Unravel Me” by Kendall Ryan. I liked it because the hot story line was so unexpected. I also love the steamy passion along the likes of Sylvia Day and Sylvain Reynard, but I hate mentioning favorite authors because the list is long. I appreciate the many styles authors use to weave stories of mystery, love, intrigue, preternatural and inspiration. I love reading because I can go anywhere, any time in my mind and imagine indescribable things.

    Thank you for doing the Autumn Blog giveaway.

    Gail djgandyfan@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gail, I agree with you on the joys of autumn! And you're right, hard to mention favorites when the list is so long.

      Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  30. I am not a great pumpkin carver, but I did a ghost once.
    mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe I'll try a ghost next year. I like that idea. Thanks!

      Delete
  31. 8m a very creative person myself your little girl is so cute with the pumpkin she just steals my heart away thanks for the chance to win angelwolfmystic@yahoo.com

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  32. ops i forgot about what is is the most creative pumpkin i did i sparyed painted with gold and silver to make it prety my husband onced craved a apumpkin one year and he said never again cause he couldnt stand the guts but yet he dont mind gutting fish oh well i guess thats a man for you i hope you dont mind that i commented again my cat is getting in my viewing way i guess she wants to be apart of the fun angleowolfmystic@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Too funny about your husband. Thanks for the extra comment and if you do win, then give your kitty a treat,too. :)

      Delete
  33. I carved a drunken ghost! It was funny. I messed up the eyes so I had to improvise. The kids loved it! LOL.

    I love the family photos!

    Thanks for the opportunity to share and know you better. Take care.

    Belinda G
    belgre@comcast.net


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    1. I'd have loved to see the drunken ghost. Thanks for stopping by, Belinda. :) You take care, too.

      Delete
  34. Hey Stacey, I love the autumn, too! And I miss Halloween celebrated by all as it is in the States. It's not so prevalent here, although some have started the tradition of trick or treating in certain neighborhoods.

    I love the pictures of your kids. They are so cute! And so are you and hubby :).

    angelaguillaume@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At least there's a little bit of Halloween-sorry you don't get more. Thanks about the pics. Hope you're having a great weekend!

      Delete
  35. This year we did a kitten sitting on a pumpkin design on our pumpkin. Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Sounds very cute! My daughter is such an artist-I look forward to hers as she gets older. Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  36. I am sorry to say that I have never carved a pumpkin,as, in Australia, Halloween is not a big thing.annpa@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. I said the same for another Australian--someday, just do it for fun! :)

      Delete
  37. Most creative would have been carving a witch.....though it didn't quite turn out the way I wanted...lol.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    molly at reviewsbymolly dot com

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    Replies
    1. I've run into that more than once, too, Molly. :) Have a good weekend!

      Delete
  38. I've never carved a pumpkin. I'm in Australia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary--try it just for fun--if you think it sounds fun. :) And if you're following the comments, reply with your email address so you can be entered into the contest for the grand prize!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  39. A witch! Simple but yeah......
    Thanks for the giveaway! I LOVE your books!
    tobihelton at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Tobi! And simple is good if it makes you happy. I like simple, too.

      Delete
  40. I haven't been terribly creative with my jack-o'lanterns mostly because my daughter never wants to do a scary face. My sister, however, always carves super neat ones, all freehand.

    jochibi AT yahoo DOT com

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    Replies
    1. Yep, I can see my daughter like your sister in a few years. Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  41. I'm not very creative at all Thank you for the great giveaway and fun blog hop!
    tishajean@ charter.net

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    Replies
    1. No problem, LatishaJean, and you're welcome! Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  42. hmmm, probably just a creative face. Not much time for teh complex designs.


    zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom

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    Replies
    1. I hear you on the complex designs. I don't have the patience no matter how much I love seeing them. :)

      Delete
  43. I'm not a creative individual. My husband usually helps the kids with carving. Usually it's creepy face.


    Thanks for the giveaway!

    aprilnu2003@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay for hubbys willing to help! :) Have a good weekend!

      Delete
  44. I can't really do the whole "carving" thing. Instead, my kids and I paint pumpkins. One year, my husband and daughter entered a pumpkin painting contest at her school and she won 2nd place. Her father and her took a plain orange pumpkin, painted it all green and gathered the right materials and made it into her favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (just the head). It was very cool. Last year my youngest daughter and I made a black cat out of a small pumpkin.
    Thank you for this giveaway!!

    ~Julie K
    kornhsl@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very cool on the painting! Others have mentioned and I think we'll have to do this soon to avoid the mess. But I do like the roasted seeds...

      Delete
  45. Hi Stacey - Great excerpt and what fun pictures! My son carved a Alien ( a grey) pumpkin - you know the large eyes and tiny mouth

    ReplyDelete
  46. I must confess never craving a pumpkin.
    Unfortunately, I can't win the prize of the blog; I'm from Azerbaijan. However, I hope to be getting extra entry.

    Happy Hopping to everyone,
    Adila
    adilasblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adila, you'll still be entered for my prize if you want to do the rafflecopter. If you win, while I can't mail you the physical prize, I could substitute an electronic gift-card.

      Thanks for coming by and good luck!

      Delete
  47. One year I decided to exercise my creative side and do something other than the traditional triangle eyes, etc. So I decided to do one of those cute silhouettes of a cat and a full moon. Unfortunately my pumpkin caved in on one side, leaving what looked like a deformed cat. My roommate insisted that it feature prominently in Halloween party pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whoops, email. dancingcelt [at] gmail [dot] com

      Delete
    2. Sounds like it turned out...perfect. LOL

      Delete
  48. I adore autumn because of the amazing colors, bundling up in sweaters, Halloween and my birthday! Autumn also means cuddling up with a good book and a cup of cocoa!

    grapeapril75(at)gmail(dot)com

    I love the hops cause of all the awesome new books I find to add to my to read list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes--everything you said--especially the cocoa. :)

      Glad you're finding some great new books.

      Delete
  49. I love the cooler weather.
    magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. The most creative pumpkin came from one of those craft kit book where you take a page out & pin it to the pumking wet the paper and let it dry for 15 min peel the paper off and you got a design that you cut out with the specialize knifes that came with the kit... Messy and works after the third bumpkin mess..

    Beckey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't seen those before, but cool--if they work. :)

      Delete
  51. the most creative pumpkin i ever carved was with my 4 year old it was the weirdest thing ever but we had a great time just her and i and she did it herself. thanks for joining the hop.
    miriam.whitewolf@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Miriam, carving with your 4yr old sounds just about perfect!

      Delete
  52. Our most creative one was the one that had dangling, jiggly eyeballs..we used string to hang a piece down into the eye space..lol. The kids loved it.Speaking of kids, I love the leaves pic..they are adorable and love their expressions. I can't believe your book is set in the Rocky Mtns,Im a Colo girl..though stuck in Cali for now.
    peach_hugs@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. I love the jiggly eyeballs! Yeah, I love that leaf pic, too. Leena, if I could live in CO I would! Hopefully you at least get back for frequent visits.

      Delete
  53. my most creative was a witch flying over the moon
    wildnmild4u at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. One year, my best friend had a pumpkin carving contest. It was the only year I ever used a pattern, and I carved a creepy cat. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  55. My favorite thing about Autumn/Fall is the changing color of the leaves. They are so pretty. My least favorite thing is raking up those pretty leaves. LOL I love to curl up by the fire and read a hot romance book on a cold fall evening. Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win. <^_^>
    reneebennett35 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee, something to make raking a bit more fun is put on some of your favorite music and rake with friends. The time flies by!

      Delete
  56. I'm not very creative when it comes to carving a pumpkin. I just carve a face on it with fangs. Thanks for the giveaway! cheryllynne(at)rocketmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Those are some great pictures of your family!
    Unfortunately, I am not very creative, so the only ones that I have ever done are just simple cut-outs of eyes, a nose and mouth. :)
    trb0917 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Tina. I've already said it, but simple works. As long as you have fun carving it. :)

      Delete
  58. I dont carve pumpkins because the smell makes me sick for some reason, so we paint them. Thx for the hop stop.

    blinkysthebest at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lots of painting going on...I see that in our future, too. :)

      Delete
  59. Ive never really been a pumpkin carver I am more of a appreciator.

    Thanks for sharing and being a part of the hop!

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Appreciators need to be appreciated, too! Have a wonderful week!

      Delete
  60. LOL I don't have a creative bone in my body so the most creative would just be a smiley face of some sorts. There are so many great stencils now to carve and Michaels will even carve them to your specifications. Unfortunately my child's days of carving pumpkins with mom is long over. Maybe one day I will get to try them with my grandbabies though (if she ever has any for me!)

    Thanks so much for the GREAT prize (I love my tarts) and for being a part of the hop.

    Best wishes,
    Marlena
    charmedpoms(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marlena--I'm becoming a convert with the tarts. Better than the black soot coming off my candle wicks.

      I hope you get some grandbabies for carving in the future. :)

      Delete
  61. I love Fall because of the football games and tailgating with friends and family! And of course having a campfire with roasted hotdogs! Thanks for the chance to win a great giveaway!

    kacidesigns AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kaci-I enjoy football in the comfort of my home where I can stay warm. Glad you have a blast tailgating, though! Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  62. Unfortunately I am not very artistic the last pumpkin that I carved was ages ago when I was a kid. I carved the eyes, nose & mouth...not so pretty.

    jmesparza821(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's okay, Juana, that's what's great about pumpkins--they don't have to be pretty. Thanks for coming by and have a great week!

      Delete
  63. I just make regular pumpkins. I love Autumn though. lisarayns at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I did the mudflap girl once for my husband. heh, yeah.
    Thank for participating!!!!
    peanutty222@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete