Dean Banks Adventures

Dean Banks Adventures

Lorraine Carey

Everyone has a To Do List—right 

But Dean Banks is just a normal teenager until he moves to Apace Junction in Arizona with his mother and sister to run a dilapidated inn that has a reputation as being haunted.

Take a peek at Dean’s To Do List:

·      Protect the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine in the Superstition Mountains

·      Keep his newfound powers in check as a shape shifter

·      Keep an eye on a mysterious red coyote

·      Catch a badass burglar who robs the family inn

·      Ward off some bullies who try to befriend him

·      Uncover and destroy a secret government laboratory underneath the Superstition Mountains

·      Keep his girlfriend safe from an evil spirit.

But all he really wants to do is ride his dirt bike in the desert.

Follow Dean’s adventures in Mysteries of the Red Coyote Inn and Out of the Ashes.

An excerpt from Out of the Ashes *book 2

Chapter 7- A Dark Discovery~

Dean followed the hawk deeper into the cave and flicked on his flashlight. He could still smell the lingering stench of the gila. As he shined his flashlight along the walls of the cave, he could see deep grooves where a gold vein had been extracted. Faint luminous glows were emitted from the walls, and the ground had some fragments that had been left behind.

Dean picked up one of them; he had never seen this type of gold before. It had a whitish cast to it and set off a weird neon glow. He stuck a piece of it in his pocket and carried it on the path with his hawk buddy flying ahead, signaling him to move on.

Dean entered another tunnel and walked for about half a mile. He felt overheated so he decided to sit down and drink some water. “Ah, I needed that!” His friend circled up ahead as if waiting for him.

Dean held his talisman in his hands as he felt it vibrate. He sensed he was getting a message from spirit as he was in for an unexpected encounter. As he followed the hawk, he found himself at a dead end with a strange doorway off to the left. It was a large iron door, medieval-style with heavy black bars and laden with black iron bolts.

“Okay, now what? I’m supposed to know some magic words to open them?” He noticed the hawk circle his head three times and with a whoosh, it was gone. Dean sat down to make some sense out of this. Let me think, I‘ve been cornered by a giant Gila monster, am aware of pillaging for gold, and have not shifted? What gives, Elders?

He sensed a cool breeze coming from behind him. He turned around and noticed a white glowing apparition, one that he was all too familiar with.

Soon the lady in white materialized. He knew who she was – Aponi; dressed in her usual white flowing dress, the sheer veil covering her face. The breeze again caused the beads and shells that dangled from her dress to click and tingle, like tiny bells.

“Hello, Dean,” she murmured. “I’ve come to warn you that evil is upon you. I’m sure you’ve sensed that yourself. Be on guard, as you will find your enemies are very close at hand now. Remember, all is not what it seems.” She faded out slowly, and then vanished.

“Wait! Don’t go!” Dean called out, but it was too late.

Dean stood up and felt his body overheating again. He could feel the blood course through his veins, making them bulge. He watched the ones in his arms become so defined he resembled the transparent human body models they used in his science class. Soon he could see the muscles in his arms triple in size as they inflated and ripped through his t-shirt. “What the hell? Now I’m the Hulk?”

Enjoy the book trailer~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUkT07p5pfQ&t=11s

 Both books can be found in eBook and print on Amazon.

The Good Teacher

The Good Teacher

Lorraine Carey

Got Family Secrets?

Every family has a skeleton in the closet—right? Most families have secrets but some are darker than others.

So is the case with The Good Teacher, book 1 of the Women of the Willow Wood Trilogy.

Daniella Reyes knew from early on she had a strange gift but wasn’t sure how to define it at such a young age. She’s a strong emapth and sensitive. She’s felt the physical pain and emotional abuse from others, not to mention her ability to communicate with animals.

It’s not until her early twenties that she learns of her gifts and becomes aware of a most ancient and secret society of women living in New Mexico. Another surprise is that her own aunt is a member! This comes at a time when Daniella’s life is about to be thrust into the world of the Supernatural—and not by her own choices.

Something wicked this way comes!

~ An excerpt from The Good Teacher

"There is no cure for this gift you possess, only a means to control it. That's the secret—to control and use it for the good of all intended. I happen to know Josephina Deluna has a class over at Desert Mirage for sensitives and empaths. You'll learn how to ground and protect yourself there."

Something told me she knew much more about this than she was letting on. I flashed back to my day at the shop when Josephina’s eyes had lit up at the mention of my aunt's name.

"So, who's this Josephina lady, anyway?"

"I told you: I met her years ago when I attended the Old San Ysidro Church in Corrales where we had a close-knit group for women. The two of us seemed to hit it off, and one day she invited me to her shop. I even took a few of her classes. She's what you would call a “white witch."

"You . . . you took classes? And from a witch?" I was taken aback by her confession—my family were devout Catholics.

"She's well-versed in the art of the old ways of the Women of the Willow Wood and their worship to Santa Muerta. I'm still a Christian, Daniella. Do you think I'd have a shrine to our Lady if I weren't?

"This gift runs in the family. It can be of great benefit if you use it wisely. If you don't, it can destroy your life and the lives of those around you."

I looked at her in amazement. "Tell me about these Women of the Willow Wood." I was picturing  women with long robes, traipsing around the woods at midnight.

Book 1 is available @ Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E3Z6AII/

Self-Care Made Easy

It’s not just the ‘Calgon Take Me Away’ method anymore

By Lorraine Carey

Self - Care seems to be quite the buzzword these days, and rightfully so. With everyone having a busy schedule and juggling multiple jobs, gigs, family or what have you; we all need to take a break from the madness.

I used to ignore this practice years ago when I was working full time and raising my family. With working part time now and spending the rest of the time writing I have found this to be quite significant. It’s no joke—you either find the time or the time will catch up with you finding you burned out. It’s very important, especially for us writers as we are sitting at the computer for hours on end.

I’m going to cut to the chase and list some of the better ones that seem to have worked for me. We are all different and you need to find what works for you. Whatever you do choose, I hope you find some time for yourself and just for the record—I’ve never been a fan of a long bubble bath in a room full of lit candles.

Worth a Try ~

• Drink water first thing in the morning - We wake up dehydrated after a night’s sleep, so drinking a full glass before coffee or anything really sets the tone for the day. *(This has been a game changer for me)
• 
  
• Make a menu for healthy meals for the week- by doing this you eliminate the impulse for ‘pressed for time’ purchases or reaching for junk food.  Feeling better results in better productivity. (Orange Coast Medical Center)
• 
  
• Try a new Yoga or Zumba Class- Even if you do go to the gym or have a set routine—change it up. I’m a gym rat but got stuck in a routine. The Zumba classes are fun and I feel like I’m dancing.
• Take ten minutes to decompress every day- Self-Care doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be as simple as putting your phone away to sit with your own thoughts. (I’ve been hiding mine in my desk drawer for periods throughout the day.)
• 
  
• Get some sleep- Forty percent of Americans get less than seven hours sleep. (2013 Gallup poll) Ideally we need seven to nine hours every night. During sleep your brain rids itself of toxins, and consolidates memory. See—you can snooze your way through self-care.
• 
  
• Start your day with something pleasant- Start a ritual with something you enjoy. It can be a cup of special tea, coffee, watching a TV show or preferably some gentle stretching.
• 
  
• Meditate- There are so many health benefits here— too many to mention. It’s often here when we have clarity of mind that we solve problems and get those new ideas for our writing.
• 
  
• Choose Mindfulness- Take a few moments in your day to connect with your senses in the present moment. Pay attention to what you hear, feel, see, etc. It distracts the mind from other clutter. (Huge one for me)
• 
  
• Go purse shopping- Really? Yes! Your current bag may be causing havoc on your neck or your back. (Neel Anad, MD) Opt for a smaller bag and lighten the load. (Works for me!)
• 
  
• Sit up Straight- Very crucial to overall body care. Most people are unaware they are walking around with bad posture—or sitting hunched over at a desk. (My problem)
• 
  
• Sit up straight in your chair, placing your hands on your thighs and squeezing your shoulder blades together for five seconds. Repeat this three or four times during the day. (Neel Anad MD)
• 
  
• Detox from technology and work- Besides from our workload social media can be draining and distracting. Limit screen time or set a daily limit. Unwind before bed with a book instead of cruising through Facebook or Instagram.
• 
  
• Just say no- This is for all those overachievers. You are more important than your to-do list, so prioritize your well being above those little extra tasks you may think you need to do. (Also a game changer for me)

So with all that, I am off to unplug and read a paperback. Take care of yourselves everyone.

You may want to take a look at some paperbacks available on my Amazon site. 

https://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Carey/e/B00ELQBUHQ

The Power of the Divine Feminine

The Power of the Divine Feminine

~ Lorraine Carey

For the past two decades we seem to be hearing a lot about the Divine Feminine. Is this just a resurgence of feminism? My thoughts say maybe not, but it all depends on how deep one digs to find out where ancient women of power yielded such energy and even magic.

They have been referred to as prophetic women, shamanic women, goddesses, priestesses and even witches. They were known to possess healing powers, spin time, shape shift and predict the future with visions.

We have the high priestess of ancient Greece who ruled the house of Apollo who were belonged to the sect of the Oracle of Delphi. They would sit in a sacred cave inhaling vapors, which enabled them to call prophecy to the gods. The ancient cult of the Roman Vestal Virgins were also said to possess magic and protect Rome with a sacred flame.

Goddess Hathor of ancient Egyptian times was a sky deity and mother of the sky god. She had several priestesses who practiced divination and magic. These women were allowed to be a priest claiming that childbirth, fertility and certain magic were the responsibility of women only. It was a sacred rite.

The Temple of Tentyra at Dendera Egypt is a site chosen due to its already existing feminine energy. It dates back to Middle Kingdom and lasted until the Roman Empire.

Ancient monuments and megalithic sites are known to be portals where our power women accessed their powers. Many famous Irish megalithic sites are dated back to 3500 BC. These monuments have an astronomical function and are aligned to the sun, moon and stars. Some have alignments to Sirius, Venus and the Pleiades. It is at these portals that are a pathway to the Otherworld.

The Moura Encantada has ancient lineage of powerful shamanic women. They were said to be the guardians of the pathways into middle earth. They had the power to shape shift and were said to be dangerously seductive.

Our women shaman traveled into the wilder places alone to receive their wisdom. ‘Well-Wyrding’ is a practice where women would visit a holy well or sacred spring on certain nights to receive divine prophecy based solely on the movement and sound of water. Many would go deep into the woods and listen to the wind from the sacred trees. It was here they would receive messages from Mother Nature. No special tools needed here.

Ancient Irish texts mention the Drui and gifted poets who could journey into the underworld by chanting poetry by entering into a trance. This is called, ‘Imbas forosnai.

So I guess we can say feminism has roots that indeed go way back. It makes one think deeper about the term, ‘Mother Earth’.

Most of my books feature empowered women who possess many of the same powers mentioned here. Prophetic women have always intrigued me.

My books can be found on Amazon @ https://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Carey/e/B00ELQBUHQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Out of the Ashes; Lorraine Carey

Out of the Ashes

Lorraine Carey

Arizona Teen Becomes a Super Hero in Order to Save his Family and the Legendary Superstition Mountains

~ Lorraine Carey

Out of the Ashes is a chilling paranormal tale and the sequel to Mysteries of the Red Coyote Inn. It can also be read as a stand-alone book. I wrote this story to inspire teens and young adults but it is  suitable for all ages.

Dean Banks is back and this time he is fighting an enemy, which must be destroyed in order to save the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine in Arizona and the sacred grounds in the Superstition Mountains from a powerful force, only he can overtake. Being summoned as the ‘Chosen One’ by the Apache gods to guard and protect the land was not how he intended to spend the rest of his days. He’s amped up with more superpowers and knowledge from the elders and guides that will prepare him for an unbelievable journey that may just be under his very own nose. Journey with Dean as he battles evil and is reunited with a lost love. Put on your seat belts! This novel is a Wild Ride, full of ghosts, ancient spirit warriors, shape shifters, magic and an unexpected twist of spiritual awakening for Dean and its readers.

~ Excerpt~

Dean Discovers the Mysterious Cave~

Dean glanced at his arms, which were about twice their normal size. This was a very different physical occurrence to when he shifted into his usual hawk form. He grabbed his talisman and gave another look at the large iron doors. He listened to voices and chanting going on behind them, and it only made his desire to burst through them more intense. What’s going on in there? The next minute he attempted to punch a hole through the door. He left a huge dent. He punched it again, creating a gaping hole and was able to walk into the room. He looked around and could sense whoever was in there was hiding, the familiar smell of the same reptile still lingered. Dean rubbed his eyes and tried to let his vision clear as his body cooled down. He looked at his arms and legs noticing they were almost back to their normal size.

Once his vision cleared, he noticed he was in the same room— the one with the operating table, medical vials and equipment with IVs hooked up to the operating table—fluid still inside the bags. Whoever was in here isn’t far away.

He walked over to the table and could see fresh blood and hypodermic needles displayed on a steel cart next to it. Gross! He walked over to the huge stone vaults in the walls that were covered in the weird hieroglyphics. He ran his hand over them and sensed a strong vibration ripple from his fingertips to his shoulder.

 I wonder if these vaults lead to a secret passage? He was feeling lightheaded so he decided to sit down and try to take it all in. Dear God, don’t let me pass out in here!

He saw a faint glow coming from the back of the room, and it had his attention. The glow became more defined, and Dean could see it taking on the shape of the thunderbird. It glowed so vibrant, it almost blinded him. He tried to get up but wasn’t able to move. It was similar to the same force he had experienced in the cave when he’d had his vision quest. The next thing Dean heard was a voice calling his name.

“ Dean, you’re in the presence of evil forces. This is one that has been out there for many centuries. Keep your eyes wide open and know that you have the power from the ancients that are with you.”

“But Grandpa... wait! I need—”

As the voice of his grandpa disappeared, so did the thunderbird. Dean was able to sit up and finally get his balance. He could see the liquid in the gold vials glowing, so he examined one of the specimens. “I’ll find out what this is. I’m sure it has an evil presence about it.”

Amazon buy link~ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1507896948/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i8

The 'Yay Journal"

The ‘Yay’ Journal~
 

Lorraine Carey

I had read about keeping a ‘Yay’ journal a few weeks ago in one of my magazines. The purpose is to find all the good things that went right in your day—be it big or small. This concept is to promote positive thinking by having to list at least three things and building up to as many as you can muster. The end result is that it will cause one to not only see the little things were actually just as important as the bigger things but your list will get longer and longer. And the magic is that positive brings positive and you’ll find that your days actually do look brighter.

Okay—so I thought I’d give it a go and see what happens. Why did I feel as though I needed this? I was in a slump, feeling low and literally no motivation to write. I also was fighting off a bout of depression. I figured this just might be the tool to get me looking on the brighter side and would boost my mood to get my juices flowing.

I have to admit, it was hard for me to start this process. When my husband asked me what I wrote in my journal I had to tell him I couldn’t find anything to ‘Yay’ about.  So with that I went back and really had to analyze my day. I did manage to come up with a few small events. It was hard to even find one. Pretty say, I’d say. As the days went on I began to find more things to list and my mood lifted. I actually began to realize smaller things that I would never have given a thought to before would be the ones I would consider of value to list in my journal.

My daily list has increased from three items to at least 7 or more! I have to say this concept is working—at least for me. My mood is brighter and I feel so blessed to see so many good things that have occurred in my day that I never would have thought were so valuable before.  And the real beauty is going back over the past few days and reading all of the ‘Yays’ from the previous days.

And with that, I can now list another ‘Yay’ now that I have finished this little blog. 

Author Lorraine Carey

www.lorrainecarey.com

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