Don't Overlook the Magic in Your Backyard

By Maureen L. Bonatch

Most of us long to get away, and it’s usually to relax in the outdoors and soak up the beauty that surrounds us. Yet often we forget that we might not have to look much further than our backyard. I’ve lived in this area for many years, yet until recently, I’d never visited Buttermilk Falls. 

It’s a little farther than my backyard, but not by much. After about a fifteen-minute ride I was able to spend part of the afternoon enjoying this beautiful 45-foot waterfall nestled in my favorite place—the woods.

Is It Magic?

As per the pamphlet I picked up on my way down the wooded trail,  a waterfall the scale of Buttermilk Falls is uncommon in western Pennsylvania. So you could say it’s almost as if I got to enjoy the result of a little magic. 

I’ll share a few pictures with you here so you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty and revel in the magic of how a stream can erode away enough rocks, for long enough, to create a waterfall.

A Walk Through History

There are also some foundations and retaining walls visible from the falls, these are the remains of Fred McFeely’s summer estate. The name might sound familiar if you grew up watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, as I did. This was his grandfather. 

It’s said that Fred Rogers (of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood) enjoyed many childhood visits at Buttermilk Falls, which helped to stir his imagination for the children’s television show. 

Inspired By Nature

I can relate to being inspired by the beauty of nature, as I often refer to the wooded areas around my home in my stories.  Some of my best story ideas come when I’m walking or biking in the woods. It’s a great way to break through writer’s block or get my muse flowing. 

I’m not sure why it took me so many years to visit this beautiful waterfall not far from my home. I guess we often become immersed in routine, or blinded by the beauty that surrounds us, even if it’s right in our back yard.

Do You Have a Beautiful Spot Near You That You Like to Visit?

Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook& Twitter

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Lady Sarathena Remillus

Today we’re interviewing Lady Sarathena Remillus, the main character of my fantasy romance novel, GATE TO KANDRITH.

    1. What was your life like growing up?

SARA: I grew up on a remote estate in the province of Elysinia.  My father spent all his time in the capital and my mother was ‘delicate’ and rarely left her sickbed, leaving me to run wild with only slaves for company.

     2. Before the action in the book what were your plans/hopes for the future?

SARA: When I was fifteen, my thoughtless actions beggared my family.  I swore then to marry as my father wished to help rebuild our fortunes.  I gave up my dreams that day.

3. What is your most distinguishing characteristic?

SARA: Beauty, though I’ve found it more of a curse than a blessing.  In a society where woman are chattel, my beauty has made me a pawn.

4. What is your major skill or talent?

SARA: I excel at both mathematics and horseback riding, both extremely unladylike talents.

5. What’s your favourite colour?

SARA: Blue used to be my favourite colour; it is the colour of House Remillus, and I’ve been told that it matches my eyes.  But in Kandrith the colour blue is associated with Vez, the God of Malice, and the colour of my eyes almost gets me stoned.

6. What’s on your bucket list?

SARA: I’ve always long to travel—though not to Kandrith.  At least I managed to see the great Vaga Waterfall along the journey and visit the Temple of Mek in the middle of the falls.

7. Who do you love?

     SARA:  The most unsuitable man in the world, Lance of Kandrith.  He’s an ex-slave, our countries are mortal enemies, and he despises noblewomen.  He’s rude and impossible.  But.  He saved me from an abduction, he doesn’t treat women like mindless toys, and he has a heart as big as a mountain.  Plus very sexy muscles.

Read an excerpt or buy Gate to Kandrith

 

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