I will make you stink if you scare me

 Pretty for sure, but smells a bit different than a rose

Skunks may be infamous for their pungent spray, 

but ecologically, they’re unsung heroes with a surprising résumé. Here’s why they matter:

Natural Pest Control 

Skunks feast on insects like beetles, grasshoppers, grubs, and even wasps. They also hunt small mammals like mice and voles. This keeps the pest populations in check, benefiting farmers, gardeners, and forest ecosystems.

Soil Aeration and Fertility 

Their digging habits, while annoying to some, actually aerate the soil, improving its structure. Plus, their droppings and decomposed remains enrich the earth with organic nutrients.

Seed Dispersal 

Skunks eat fruits and berries, and their movement helps scatter seeds, promoting plant diversity and regeneration.

Scavenging and Nutrient Cycling 

By consuming carrion, skunks aid in decomposition and nutrient recycling, which supports a healthy ecosystem.

Food Chain Link 

Skunks themselves are prey for larger animals like owls, coyotes, and foxes. Their presence supports predator populations and biodiversity.

In short, skunks are the quiet custodians of the ecosystem, cleaning up, fertilizing, and balancing populations.

https://books2read.com/u/4Xvkwv

Echoes of Something Wicked is Erika M Szabo’s latest collection of short stories. Each one a masterclass in suspense, dread, and emotional depth. From psychic visions to blood-soaked betrayals, these tales will grip you and refuse to let go. Perfect for fans of atmospheric horror, mythic echoes, and stories that linger long after the last page.

Stories to Make You Shiver

 Stories that whisper, claw, and scream

With each turn of the page, readers are transported to fantastic worlds where anything is possible, and every twist and turn leaves them eagerly anticipating what will happen next. This collaboration of creative minds brings to life a captivating journey for those who dare to question the boundaries of reality and embrace the possibilities of the unknown.

What If? Anthology Series & Campfire Tales

https://www.goldenboxbooks.com/what-if-anthology.html

The stories in the anthology

The Language of Dogs

 Dogs have a rich and nuanced communication system

Dogs are constantly “talking,” and they read each other’s signals faster than humans can. Their interactions are like a dance of subtle cues and responses. 

Dogs have a rich and nuanced communication system that goes far beyond barking. Their “language” is a blend of body signals, vocalizations, scent cues, and subtle facial expressions. Here’s a breakdown of how they connect with one another:

Primary Modes of Dog Communication

Body Language

Tail position and movement: A high, stiff tail can signal alertness or dominance; a relaxed wag often means friendliness. Interestingly, wagging more to the right suggests positive emotions, while wagging to the left may indicate uncertainty.

Posture: Standing tall with forward weight can be assertive; crouching or rolling over shows submission or playfulness. Hackles (raised fur): Not always aggression, can signal excitement or fear.

Facial Expressions & Eye Contact: Soft eyes and a relaxed mouth indicate calmness and comfort. Tense lips, narrowed eyes, or a snarl: Signals discomfort or threat. Avoiding eye contact: A calming signal to defuse tension. Submissive grin: Some dogs flash their teeth in a goofy, friendly way, not aggression.

Vocalizations

Barking: Can express excitement, alertness, or a warning.

Growling: Often a warning, but can also occur during play.

Whining or whimpering: Signals distress, anxiety, or a desire for attention.

Howling: A form of long-distance communication or emotional expression.

Scent & Pheromones

Dogs sniff each other’s urine, feces, and bodies to gather info about age, sex, health, and emotional state. Scent marking helps establish territory and social hierarchy.

Touch

Playful nudges, pawing, or gentle mouthing can be affectionate or part of social play. Mounting could be sexual, but it can be about dominance or excitement.

Now that we know how dogs really communicate, watch this fun with Flipper and his buddy, Gypsy.

The Cat Who Loved Bedtime Stories

 Marmalade the orange cat

As a child, I had an orange tabby called Marmalade. She loved the outdoors and often climbed up on the trees chasing squirrels or birds. However, every time forgetting she had fear of hights, I had to climb up after her and help her down.

Each night, she would curl up by my side each night, softly purring as I read aloud from dog-eared storybooks until we both drifted to sleep.

Though Marmalade has been gone for many years now, I still feel the phantom weight of her against my side whenever I open a book at bedtime. 

I've been writing stories for growups and children for over a decade now, https://www.authorerikamszabo.com/ and I'm sure Marmalade would love to listen to this story.

In Spanish and English

A Basketful of Kittens - Author Erika M Szabo

Message from a father:

“I received a copy of this book before publishing, and I can honestly say that this is by far the best children's story I ever read to my seven-years-old son. He hung onto every word and displayed a wide range of emotions throughout the story such as sadness, fear, excitement, and sheer joy. What I value most is when we finished the book he said to me, "Dad, I wish I had a dog like Peanut." At first, I thought that he's just like any other little boy is wishing for a dog, but then seeing his unusually sad expression, I asked him why he wants a dog like the one in the story. He said, "Because a dog like Peanut could save me from Connor." My heart jumped into my throat because I never noticed any sign that my son was bullied. When I asked him why he didn't tell us before, he said because he thought I would be mad at him not being able to defend himself. This story encouraged him to tell me and we are working on solving his problem together.” ~Brian VanBramer

Another cute cat, his name is Henry

 

Fascinating Native American Mythology

 Star People, Sky Beings, spiritual messengers

Picture credit

Native American mythology is rich with stories of celestial beings, often interpreted today as “alien visitors” but traditionally understood as Star People, Sky Beings, or spiritual messengers. These legends span many tribes and are deeply woven into cosmology, ritual, and ancestral memory.

“Star People” in Indigenous Lore

Many tribes describe encounters with beings from the stars, not as invaders or sci-fi aliens, but as benevolent guides, teachers, or guardians:

Hopi traditions speak of ancestors who were visited by Star People who imparted wisdom and helped shape their spiritual practices. Some Hopi elders have claimed extraterrestrials influenced their history and cosmology.

Lakota cosmology includes visions by Black Elk, a revered medicine man, that some interpret as describing contact with otherworldly beings. Star systems are seen as spiritual realms, not just physical places.

Zuni legends recount transformative encounters with sky beings, infusing their rituals with cosmic significance.

Iroquois and Algonquin stories include references to beings descending from the sky in “flying canoes” or “shining vessels,” often linked to divine or heroic figures.

These beings are often described with reverence, not fear, suggesting a spiritual or symbolic role rather than literal extraterrestrial visitation.

Myth or Memory?

Some modern interpretations, especially from Ancient Astronaut theorists, suggest these stories may reflect actual encounters with extraterrestrials.

For example:

A tale from AncientPages.com describes Star People rescuing humans in a way that seems to defy the technological limits of the time.

Legends like Tarenyawagon, who ascended to the stars in a “fast flying shining canoe,” are sometimes reinterpreted as ancient descriptions of spacecraft.

But within Native traditions, these stories are rarely framed as “alien” in the modern sense, they’re spiritual, symbolic, and deeply cultural.

Cultural Significance

Rather than asking “Did aliens visit?” many Native perspectives focus on what these beings represent:

Connection to the cosmos: 

The stars are not distant, they’re part of the spiritual landscape.

Wisdom and guidance: 

Star People often bring teachings, warnings, or healing.

Ancestral memory: 

These stories preserve identity, values, and cosmological understanding.

A Prolific Writer

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo, a prolific and talented author with a fierce intellect and a penchant for exploring uncharted territories, is a woman of many skills and passions. She is known for her diverse range of writings that span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both evocative and visceral, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions with a few deft strokes of her pen.
Born in a small town nestled among the rolling hills of Hungary, Erika grew up with a deep love for literature and storytelling. She devoured books from a young age and soon began creating her own intricate worlds and characters. Her gift for storytelling is evident to all those who know her, and she is encouraged to pursue her passion.
As she grew older, Erika's thirst for adventure and new experiences led her to travel the world. She lived in various countries, soaking up their cultures and traditions, and incorporating them into her writing. Her travels also allowed her to meet a diverse array of people, whose stories and perspectives she wove into her novels.
Despite her literary success and acclaim, Erika remains a humble and down-to-earth person. She often speaks of her belief in the power of words to connect and heal, and her writing reflects this deep empathy and understanding of human experience.

About the Remake of Harry Potter

Are we a little too sceptical?

 Picture credit

It’s a bold move, and whether it’s a good idea depends on what you value most about the franchise. In my humble opinion, the casting was brilliant in the Harry Potter series adapted from the J. K. Rowling novels, and the scenes and techniques are truly magical. For now, I'm partial to the original cast, but perhaps when I see the first episode of the remake, I'll change my mind. 

Why a Remake Could Work

More Faithful Adaptation: 

A TV series format allows for deeper storytelling. Chris Columbus, who directed the first two films, said he’s excited about the remake because it can include scenes and details that had to be cut from the movies.

New Generation Appeal: 

Younger audiences who didn’t grow up with the original films might connect more with a modern retelling.

Expanded Universe Potential: 

HBO could use the series to build out side stories, character arcs, and magical lore that were only hinted at before.

Why It Might Be Risky

The Originals Are Iconic: 

The original films made over $7.7 billion globally and are beloved by fans. Remaking something that successful risks backlash.

Franchise Fatigue: 

With spin-offs like Fantastic Beasts receiving mixed reviews, some fans worry about overextending the brand.

High Expectations: 

Fans are protective of the source material, and any deviation or misstep could be harshly criticized.

Ultimately, it’s not about replacing the originals

It’s about reimagining them for a new format and audience. If done with care and creativity, it could be magical. But if it feels like a cash grab, the spell might break.

Remakes tend to stir up strong opinions, and not always the good kind. Here are the most common criticisms that swirl around them:

Lack of Originality

Critics often argue that remakes reflect a creative drought in Hollywood.

Studios may rely on familiar titles instead of taking risks on new stories, which can stifle innovation.

Profit Over Passion

Many remakes are seen as cash grabs, banking on nostalgia rather than artistic merit.

Familiar IPs are considered safer bets for box office returns, even if the remake lacks soul.

Dilution of the Original

Remakes sometimes fail to capture the essence of what made the original special.

Changes to plot, tone, or casting can alienate fans and diminish emotional impact.

Poor Critical Reception

Statistically, remakes tend to score lower on review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes.

One study showed that remakes averaged a 47% Tomatometer score, while originals averaged 81%.

Miscasting or Misinterpretation

Iconic roles are hard to recast—audiences often struggle to accept new actors in beloved parts.

If the remake shifts the tone or theme too much, it can feel disconnected or disrespectful to the original.

Of course, not all remakes are doomed to fail. Films like The Departed and A Star Is Born prove that with the right vision, a remake can shine. But when studios prioritize familiarity over freshness, audiences tend to notice, and not in a good way.

What do you think? Could the remake be a success?

Although this book is no Harry Potter

But still a fun read for kids who like Halloween

Creepy Hollow Adventures - Author Erika M Szabo

The Dangers of Letting Your Dog Lick Your Face

 Why does your dog lick your face?

Dogs lick your face for a mix of instinctual, emotional, and social reasons—it's their version of a Swiss Army knife for communication. Here's what might be going on behind that slobbery affection:

Instinct & Ancestry

Puppy Behavior: 

In the wild, pups lick their mother’s face to encourage her to regurgitate food. This behavior carries over into adulthood as a sign of submission or bonding.

Pack Communication: 

Licking is a way dogs signal friendliness and non-aggression. It’s like saying, “I come in peace.”

Affection & Bonding:

Canine Kisses: 

Many dogs lick to show love. It’s often interpreted as a sign of affection, especially if they’re relaxed and wagging their tail.

Learned Behavior: 

If you respond with petting or praise, your dog learns that licking gets positive attention—so they keep doing it.

Taste & Curiosity

You Taste Interesting: 

Your skin might carry traces of food, sweat, or lotion that intrigues your dog’s sensitive nose and tongue.

Exploration: Dogs use their mouths to explore the world. Licking is part of that sensory toolkit.

Emotional Signals

Stress or Anxiety: 

Some dogs lick compulsively when they’re anxious. If it’s excessive or paired with other signs of stress, it might be worth checking in with a vet.

Appeasement Gesture: 

Licking can be a calming signal, especially if your dog feels uncertain or wants to defuse tension.

Health risks

Letting your dog lick your face might feel affectionate, but it can carry some health risks—especially if the lick lands near your mouth, nose, or eyes. Here are some diseases and infections that can potentially be transmitted through dog saliva:

Bacterial Infections

Capnocytophaga canimorsus: 

A rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause sepsis, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Pasteurellosis: 

Can lead to skin infections or more serious complications if it enters the bloodstream.

Campylobacteriosis: 

Causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps; more common in puppies.

Salmonella & E. coli: 

These bacteria can be present in a dog’s mouth if they’ve eaten contaminated food or feces.

Parasitic Infections

Giardiasis: 

A parasitic infection that causes gastrointestinal symptoms.

Roundworms & Flatworms: 

These can be transmitted if your dog hasn’t been properly dewormed.

Toxocariasis: 

A parasite passed through dog feces that can cause fever, coughing, and even vision problems.

Viral Infections

Rabies: Extremely rare in vaccinated dogs, but still a concern in areas with poor vaccination coverage2.

Fungal Infections

Ringworm: 

Despite the name, it’s a fungal infection that can cause itchy, ring-shaped rashes.

The risk increases if:

Your dog is not vaccinated or dewormed

They’ve been exposed to other animals or poor hygiene

You have a weakened immune system or open wounds on your face

So while those slobbery kisses are sweet, it’s safest to keep them away from your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Training your dog to stop licking

Training your dog to stop licking, especially if it’s excessive or directed at your face, it takes consistency, patience, and a little behavioral insight.

Step-by-Step Training Tips

Ignore the Behavior

When your dog licks you, calmly stand up and walk away.

Don’t scold or react emotionally—any attention (even negative) can reinforce the behavior.

Redirect with a Command

Teach a simple command like “sit” or “down.”

When they start licking, use the command and reward them for obeying instead of licking.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise and treat your dog when they choose not to lick.

Reinforce calm, non-licking behavior consistently.

Provide Distractions

Offer chew toys, puzzle feeders, or playtime to redirect energy and anxiety.

Mental stimulation can reduce compulsive behaviors like licking.

Set Boundaries

If your dog licks furniture or objects, use bitter-tasting sprays (safe for pets) to discourage it.

Be consistent with what’s off-limits.

Consider Pheromone Products

Dog-appeasing pheromones (DAP) can help reduce anxiety-driven licking.

Consult a Vet or Trainer

If licking is obsessive or sudden, it could signal a medical or emotional issue.

A professional can help rule out underlying causes and offer tailored strategies.

My dog is a thief

Enjoy the short story written by author Erika M Szabo, https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Read by narrator Carrie Wimmer, https://www.narrationnation.org

I hope you found this information useful and enjoyed Lucky's story. Let me know in comments.

Full-body Workout for your Brain

 

What does reading do to your brain

Reading is like a full-body workout for your brain, except instead of lifting weights, you're lifting ideas, emotions, and entire worlds. Here's how it transforms your mind:

1. Strengthens Brain Structure

Reading activates multiple brain regions, including:

Temporal lobe: for decoding sounds and phonological awareness

Broca’s area: for speech production and language comprehension

Angular and supramarginal gyrus: for linking visual symbols to meaning

It also enhances white matter connectivity, which improves communication between different brain areas, like building faster highways for information.

2. Boosts Neuroplasticity

Reading encourages the brain to form new neural pathways and strengthen existing ones.

This adaptability improves memory, learning, and problem-solving over time.

3. Improves Cognitive Function

Enhances vocabulary, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

Strengthens working memory as you track plots, characters, and ideas.

Builds concentration and attention span, especially when reading long-form content.

4. Increases Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Reading literary fiction helps develop the “theory of mind”—the ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings.

This makes you more attuned to social cues and better at navigating relationships.

5. Protects Against Cognitive Decline

Regular reading is linked to slower cognitive aging and reduced risk of dementia.

Older adults who read frequently show better mental resilience and memory retention.

6. Reduces Stress and Improves Sleep

Reading can lower cortisol levels and help you unwind.

Print books (especially fiction) are great for bedtime routines, promoting deeper sleep.

In short, reading doesn’t just entertain, it rewires your brain, sharpens your mind, and deepens your humanity.

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Folk Art Symbolism Part 1

 The meaning of symbols

Credit: Folk Art House of Hungary. | Based near to Kalocsa , Hungary… | Flickr

I've always been fascinated by folk art and the meaning of the symbols. These symbols are not just decorative, they carry deep cultural meaning, often tied to nature, spirituality, and identity.

Scandinavian rosemaling

Credit: https://rugandkilim.com/blogs/an-overview-of-traditional-scandinavian-folk-art/

Swirling floral motifs often seen in Norwegian and Swedish decorative painting.

Symbolism & Meaning:

Nature’s Whimsy: 

The floral motifs and curling vines reflect a deep connection to the natural world, especially Norway’s lush valleys and fjords.

Joy & Resilience: 

Bright colors and dynamic shapes were used to bring warmth and cheer to homes during long, dark winters.

Cultural Identity: 

Each region developed its own style, almost like a visual dialect. These designs became emblems of local pride and heritage.

Baltic pagan symbols

Credit: https://balticgently.com/blog/popular-baltic-pagan-symbols-and-their-meanings-explained/

The fire cross and sun spiral, rich in ancestral and seasonal significance.

Symbolism:

Fire & Thunder: 

Represents the elemental force of fire and the power of storms

Sun & Light: 

Associated with the sun’s energy and the triumph of light over darkness

Protection: 

Used as a talisman to ward off evil and misfortune

Happiness & Vitality: 

Symbolizes life force, joy, and cosmic balance

Despite its visual similarity to the swastika, the Fire Cross predates its appropriation by millennia and holds entirely different cultural and spiritual meaning in Baltic tradition.

Hungarian Kalocsa embroidery

Credit: Hungarian Embroidery 101 - History - Dans le Lakehouse

Vibrant floral patterns with bold reds, yellows, and blues.

Symbolism:

Joy & Celebration: 

The explosion of colors—reds, pinks, yellows, blues—represents happiness, youth, and the vibrancy of life. These motifs are often used in wedding attire and festive garments.

Seasonal Renewal: 

The floral designs evoke spring and summer, symbolizing fertility, growth, and the renewal of nature.

Generational Identity: 

Color palettes vary by age and status. For example: Bright, pastel colors for young women and brides

Muted “sad colors” (lavender, purple) for widows or older women.

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Adult Age Kids Cutting Off Their Parents

 There’s a rising trend in our culture

I had a long chat with a friend from nursing school, and she discussed the difficulties she and her husband are experiencing with keeping in touch with their grown children. 

After a long and detailed discussion we concluded:

There’s a rising trend in our culture that very few people notice and think about: adult-age children cutting off their parents.

I’m not talking about abuse situations or dangerous relationships. 

I’m talking about loving, flawed parents who raised their children, gave sacrificially, and are now being completely shut out with no warning, no conversation, and no willingness to reconcile.

I looked into this, and according to research, the vast majority of estrangements between parents and adult children are initiated by the child, not the parent.

Often, the parent doesn’t even fully know why. One day, the phone calls stop. The texts go unanswered. The holidays are silent. And when you finally hear something, it’s often a list of offenses you didn’t even know existed.

Why is this happening?

Because our culture now teaches that anyone who doesn’t “support how you feel” is toxic. Therapy-speak has replaced honor. Social site influencers and pop psychology encourage cutting people off as an act of self-love.

Many adult-aged children are now rewriting their childhoods, relabeling boundaries as trauma, and tossing aside their parents like disposable relationships.

This is rebellion. It’s spiritual deception. It’s pride disguised as empowerment.

If you’re a parent and going through this, you’re not alone. 

You’re not crazy. And you’re not a failure as a parent. The goal is to target families, and this is one of his most effective tools right now: deception and division.

You, as parents, still have something to give. Love, advice, presence. Not perfection but something real. And now it just sits there, wasted. Not because you've failed, but because your children are eager to take advice from popular trends and have decided you are no longer worth the effort.

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Love Potion or Potion of Shadows?

Can we control the unpredictable nature of love? 

Love potions are a fascinating blend of folklore, chemistry, and cultural psychology. Their history is as rich and layered as any mythic tale, with roots stretching across continents and centuries.

Ancient Origins

Ancient Greece: 

The earliest known love potions, called philtres, were used to stir desire or bind affection. The physician Xenocrates (3rd century BCE) recommended mallow sap for arousing women, while Dioscorides wrote of mandrake root steeped in wine as a seductive aid.

Rome: 

Love potions were sold in the Sabura district, accessible even to common folk. Recipes included aphrodisiac seafood like oysters and cuttlefish. The poet Lucretius was allegedly driven mad by one such potion.

India: 

The Kama Sutra (3rd century BCE) offered instructions for seduction, including playing a reed pipe treated with plant juices to ignite passion.

Islamic Golden Age: 

Avicenna (Ibn Sina) described love brews made of honey, pepper, and ginger. These were part of a broader tradition of erotic manuals like The Perfumed Garden.

Magic, Myth, and Alchemy

Witchcraft & Sorcery: 

In European folklore, witches were often said to concoct love potions using herbs like mandrake, henbane, and satyrion (possibly the orchis plant). These ingredients were believed to have mystical properties due to their anthropomorphic shapes or intoxicating effects.

Alchemy: 

Medieval alchemists saw love potions as part of their quest for transformation—both physical and spiritual. The idea of manipulating emotion through chemistry was deeply tied to the search for the elixir of life.

Sensory Seduction

Egypt, Greece, Rome: 

Fragrances played a huge role in seduction. Botanical oils like jasmine, rose, and patchouli were used in perfumes, massage oils, and ceremonial headdresses.

Modern Aromatherapy: 

Today, essential oils are still used to evoke romantic moods. Scents like ylang ylang and sandalwood stimulate the limbic system, which governs emotion and memory.

Love Potions in Fantasy Literature

A young adult fantasy

A love potion made with haste out of jealousy puts Dorian into a comalike state. A rare orchid that blooms only once a year could save his life, but Liam and his werewolf pack fiercely guard the precious flowers. The acolytes of the coven are forbidden to enter the forest, and the young apprentices volunteer to make the journey that will test their loyalty and courage. Will they succeed?

Read more:

The Potion - Author Erika M Szabo

The impact of teasing and bullying

 

Teasing children about their size, weight, height, or body shape, can have deep and lasting psychological effects. What might seem like a passing comment to an adult can become a defining wound for a child.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Lowered self-esteem: 

Children often internalize teasing, leading them to feel abnormal, ashamed, or unworthy—even if there's no objective reason to feel that way.

Distorted self-image: 

Remarks like “looks like someone’s getting a belly” or “are you sure you want to eat that?” can warp a child’s perception of their body, regardless of their actual health.

Increased risk of anxiety and depression: 

Repeated teasing—especially from family members—can heighten emotional distress and contribute to long-term mental health issues.

Avoidance behaviors: 

Kids may withdraw from physical activities, social situations, or even school to escape environments where they feel vulnerable.

Behavioral Consequences

Bullying others: 

Some children cope by redirecting their pain, becoming bullies themselves to feel a sense of control.

Disordered eating: 

Shame around food and body image can lead to unhealthy relationships with eating, either restriction or bingeing.

Family Teasing: 

Especially Harmful. Comments from parents or relatives—even if well-intentioned—can be more damaging than peer teasing. Children often view family as their emotional compass, so teasing from loved ones can feel like a betrayal.

What Helps

Affirmation and support: 

Reinforcing that every body is worthy and teasing is never okay.

Open dialogue: 

Encouraging kids to talk about their feelings and experiences.

Modeling healthy behavior: 

Adults should avoid moralizing food or body types and instead promote kindness and self-acceptance.

The story of Lucky, the bullied little monkey

https://books2read.com/u/mdzw2d

Lucky, the sweet-natured little monkey, was teased and bullied by the animals who didn't take time to get to know her. They said she was a dumpy, chunky, silly, scaredy, grumpy, clumsy monkey. Lucky was sad, but when her friend told her that instead of feeling miserable, she should listen to others who knew her and said she was a kind, lovely, cuddly, bubbly, spunky monkey.

More books from Erika

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com