My husband is an avid consumer of all things Internet, and he frequently forwards me articles he thinks I might find interesting. Well, here's one I think any introvert (or an extrovert who loves one) will appreciate. It's 10 Things About Love Only Introverts Would Understand, by Dawn Hafner. 
You can check out the entire article here.

Here's the two second summary:
1. Introverts need quiet time with those we love.
2. Introverts can step out of our comfort zone for love.
3. Introverts only unlock our hearts for the most special of souls.
4. Introverts deeply value listening.
5. Introverts do not mean to seem distant in love.
6. Introverts often fall in love with extroverts.
7. It’s best to let an introvert think before you argue. 
8. Introverts long to be understood.
9. Introverts love to have fun.
10. Introverts love to know you are happy.
​The rest of Dawn Hafner's interesting article can be read here.

These wet, winter days make me think of gothic romances and moody cemeteries. Here are some moody, gothic photos I took at our local Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, CA. Incidentally, the cemetery is as lovey in rainy, gray weather as it is in the sun, and is a great place for picnics and walks. 

Welcome to Radley's Hollow. Once a bucolic small town nestled in the rolling hills of Northern California, Radley's Hollow became the epicenter of an apocalyptic ghost war that breaks time and turns the world into a wasteland. Join the men and women of the Hollow as they battle the resurrected dead, fight to survive and thrive in a devastated world, and travel back in time in a bold attempt to fix it all.

Unlike most series, which progress in a linear timeline, the HAUNTED HOLLOW is all about jumping through time in search of the pivotal temporal events that broke time with the goal of creating new outcomes.

The first novel, Bring Me to Ruin, starts at the very end of time, in 2147 when the Earth is just a few years away from total destruction. It sets the tone for the series, invites the reader into the hearts and minds of the heroine, Thea Maloney, and her true love, Gerard Wyatt, a.k.a. The General, and introduces the major conflicts as well as the series arch villain, the witch queen of the Haunted Hollow.

The second novel, Before My World Turned Blue, follows one of the time travelers from the first book as he negotiates his latest mission in the year 1942. His job is to ensure that the young Ruby Radley never becomes the deadly witch destined to destroy the world.

The third book, Howling for You (currently in production), returns to 2147 and picks up right after Bring Me to Ruin and Before My World Turned Blue leave off. It ties both stories together and delves into the hopes and dreams of a new pair of lovers whose love affair may well have been what shattered time.

​Subsequent books in the series will similarly weave through 300 years of Radley’s Hollow’s history as Thea, the General and their allies fight to save humanity’s future.
 
As a work of small town urban fantasy romance with paranormal, historical and sci-fi elements, this series is eclectic to say the least. It includes armies of clockwork zombies, ghost hunters, witchcraft, magic and spirituality, the Fae, Sonoma county, dark matter, steam/diesel/cyberpunk, time traveling detectives, and a whole lot of love. I took some of my inspiration from the contemporary BBC TV series Dr. Who, Caribbean religions, the study of dreams and the history of California. To find out more about what inspires me, go to http://www.tessrider.com/the-world.html.

One glorious October day in 2016, I went with my husband and niece to San Francisco where we had lunch on the pier overlooking the Bay Bridge. Afterwards, we headed over to the nearby Exploratorium where we explored scientific curiosities of all kinds.

My favorite find that day was this toothpick rendition of San Francisco. Talk about a labor of love.

Wishing you the very best for 2017!

Here are a few of my favorite personal experiences from this year in photos and video. Hope you enjoy.

April 2016
Hotel Rio, Las Vegas 
RT Romance Lover's Convention
Steampunk Party

*Unfortunately, I cannot get the video to be vertical. 

July 2016
Visiting the Dale Chihuly glass museum and garden, beneath the Space Needle in Seattle, WA.

June 2016
​Family trip to Sedona, AZ

As we close 2016, my heart goes out to everyone who has suffered loss this year. Sending peace and love to everyone.
XOXO, Tess

Sending hugs, humor and happiness to one and all. Merry Christmas!
​XOXO, Tess