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Understanding Cemetery Symbols – Interviews, News & Reviews!

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Understanding Cemetery Symbols – Interviews, News & Reviews!

After a lifetime of exploring historic graveyards and several years of earnest research, I released Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards on August 19th, 2017. Hooray!

It went to #1 in at least two categories on Amazon straight off the bat! Wheee!

Interviews, Reviews & News for Understanding Cemetery Symbols:

As interviews happen and reviews roll in for my new book,Understanding Cemetery Symbols , I’ll share them on this page. Here’s what’s happened, so far:

Coming soon: Interview with radio host, Jim Harold
I don’t know the air-date yet, but I was recently interviewed by Jim Harold, “the paranormal podcast guy since 2005.” He specializes in airing true ghost stories. It’s perfect to listen to when housecleaning – even though the eerie stories make me jumpy! My interview with Jim Harold, however, is a brief, but in-depth discussion of my book, Understanding Cemetery Symbols.

Guest Post at Author Patricia Lynne’s : Grave Robbery in America 
My friend and fellow author, Patricia Lynne, invited me to write a guest post for her blog. Since she writes books about vampires, I wrote about the creepy-but-true topic of grave robbery in America, and why it was such a big concern throughout the 1800’s.

Rogue Talk Radio with Sheila Gay & Kelly Dewbre
The day that Understanding Cemetery Symbols launched, Rogue Talk Radio hosts, Sheila Gay and Kelly Dewbre, threw a book launch party for me on their two-hour podcast!

Haunt Jaunts Radio with Courtney Mroch
Courtney Mroch invited me to her paranormal travel show called Haunt Jaunts for a rip-roaring hour-long chat about our passion for historic graveyards and haunted travel. Courtney’s show is fast-paced and fun. We had a bunch of listeners in her chat room, too. The hour flew by and we had a blast!

The RIFT Radio Show with Howie Odell & Dawn Rogers
Hosts, Howie Odell & Dawn Rogers, interviewed me for The RIFT Radio show. We talked about so many things, including the 5 years that I lived on a little island with a population of 7 people.

Spooky Little Halloween with Miranda Enzor
Miranda Enzor of Spooky Little Halloween invited me to write a guest post for her haunted #TravelTuesday series. Like Zen Master Hughes, I got to meet her in person recently. She and I explored Houston’s National Museum of Funeral History together!

Miranda Enzor & Me at Houston's Funeral HIstory Museum
Miranda Enzor & Me at Houston’s Funeral HIstory Museum

15-minute YouTube Interview with Zen Master Hughes
On my recent cemetery research road trip, I met several of my newsletter subscribers in person, including Master Hughes. Besides being a noted Zen practitioner, he is also a filmmaker. He shared a 15-minute interview with me on his YouTube channel.

Laura Irrgang a.k.a. the Rhinestone Armadillo
Laura Irrgang gave me and my upcoming book a lovely shout out over on her blog, the Rhinestone Armadillo. (I love rhinestones, armadillos, and Laura!)

Blog Interview by Julie Reeser: Author Tui Snider
Julie’s a poet, so our interview veers into some thoughtful areas, such as why people travel and why a trip to historic graveyard can be such good fun for young and old.

Radio Interview: Bridging the Paranormal with Becky Vickers
I had a blast chatting about historic graveyards on KCOR Radio with host, Becky Vickers. The hour flew by, but she got me talking about how to identify different Saints and angels, grave robbing, and funny epitaphs.

Blog Interview with Deb Atwood on Pen in Her Hand
In this written interview, I share a scary event from my childhood that took place in a historic cemetery. Perhaps my fascination started then?

Dear Texas Radio Special Authors Marketing with Tui Snider
Click the link above to hear my interview on Dear Texas Radio. It was fun! (If you like it, please give it a thumbs up on YouTube.)

The ebook is already a #1 best seller!
It only took a few hours for the ebook version of Understanding Cemetery Symbols to climb the charts and hit #1 on Amazon as you can see from image on the left. Exciting, eh?

Interview: Tui Snider: New Book Release! – I was interviewed about Understanding Cemetery Symbols by fellow author, Donna B. McNicol. Click the link to read it!

Interview: Tui Snider – Featured Author on Lone Star Literary Life – I was thrilled to be the featured on Lone Star Literary Life recently! (I’m a big fan of their site. They’ve even got a map of the Top 10 Bookish Bookish Destinations in Texas. Talk about a fun road trip tool!)

Check out my 30-second book trailer:

 

What’s the book about?

Understanding Cemetery Symbols by Tui Snider
Understanding Cemetery Symbols by Tui Snider

Here’s the current blurb for my book Understanding Cemetery Symbols :

Graveyards don’t exist merely to shelter the dead. They also nurture the living. As strange as it sounds, America s garden cemeteries were our nation’s first public parks! People used to visit graveyards not just to mourn the dead, but to have a fun day in nature.

Yes, FUN!

More and more of America’s cemeteries are applying for arboretum status and being placed on the historical register. Many now offer tours, annual festivals and events which run the gamut from jazz picnics, birding, costumed reenactments, performances of Shakespeare, and more.

Along with this renewed appreciation for historic cemeteries, comes the realization that we have forgotten the meaning behind many of the symbols and acronyms our ancestors left on their headstones.

Tui Snider s book, Understanding Cemetery Symbols, describes the meaning behind the symbols and architecture found in the historic graveyards of America.

History buffs, genealogists, ghost hunters and other curiosity seekers will gain a deeper appreciation for and understanding of these messages from the dead with a copy of her book on their shelf, or better yet, in their hands, as they explore America’s open-air museums for themselves! (For more info, click here.)

Hey, you! Want to keep up with me?

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books & presentations take you on a FUN adventure!

PRIVATE NEWSLETTER: If you’d like to keep up with me, you might like my newsletter, which comes out twice a month. Use the form below to sign up if you’d like to know:

  • What I’m up to
  • Where I’m speaking next
  • When my next book comes out
  • What’s going on behind the scenes
  • Any other fun news!

As a thank you for signing up to my newsletter, you’ll receive a historic cemetery symbols guide I created called “A Quick Guide to The Many Meanings of Hands.”






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Filed Under: Blog on Writing & Life, Blog Posts, Cemeteries & Symbolism, Haunted Travel, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: book release, graveyard, historic, indie author, indie publishing, launch team, Tui Snider, understanding cemetery symbols

How to Identify Different US Military Headstones in Historic Cemeteries

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Different Types of US Military Headstones

Since many of us visit cemeteries over Memorial Day Weekend to honor those who gave their lives serving our country, I’m sharing an excerpt from my book Understanding Cemetery Symbols about how to identify different types of US military headstones.

Here’s a video with even more examples and historic information: 

You may also wish to learn: Memorial Day’s Surprising Origins. (Will you be setting your alarm for 3 p.m. on Memorial Day? I will!)

Yesterday was overcast, cool and breezy here in north Texas, perfect weather for taking photos in a historic graveyard, so my husband, Larry, and I went over to the beautiful City Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford in search of US military headstones. Here’s what we found:

US Military headstones in Weatherford, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
US Military headstones in Weatherford, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Civil War Type – not just for the Civil War!

Military headstones are a formalized style of grave marker, although their design has been modified over the years. The first official military headstone designs were adopted by the US War Department in 1873. These marble markers are 4 inches thick and 10 inches wide. As for height, regulations require the above-ground portion to stand 12 inches tall.

Regulations versus Reality

As you can see from my photos, these monuments often stand taller than 12 inches. So just because the original regulations say 12 inches, doesn’t mean that’s how you will find them in historic graveyards! Why? I’m not sure, but it’s important to keep in mind that many of these headstones have shifted or even fallen over over time, so they have been re-situated.

Look for an engraving of a shield:

Civil War Type headstones are decorated with a carved image of a shield which usually contains the soldier’s name, rank, and home state inscribed inside it in bas relief. The above ground marble is polished and has a slight curve along the top side. We now refer to this original US military headstone as the “Civil War Type” and were originally available only for Union soldiers.

Below is an example of a Civil War headstone for a Union soldier: Lieutenant (Lieut.) George Freeman, Company G (CO.C.) Second Division (2) West Virginia Cavalry (W.VA.CAV.) Note the rounded top and the raised lettering inside the engraved shape of a shield: 

Civil War headstone for a Union soldier. (photo by Tui Snider)
Civil War headstone for a Union soldier. (photo by Tui Snider)

Civil War Design Used for Other Wars, too!

Although it’s called the Civil War Type, this style of headstone was also used to mark the graves of soldiers from the the Mexican War, Indian Campaigns, the War of 1812, the Spanish-american War and even the American Revolution.

I found a couple examples of this yesterday at Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, Texas. (At first glance, the one for the Spanish American War looks as if it’s for the SPAM War.)

A Civil War Type headstone for a veteran of the Spanish American War. (photo by Tui Snider)
A Civil War Type headstone for a veteran of the Spanish American War. (photo by Tui Snider)

War of 1812

Here’s another example of a Civil War Type US military headstone, only this one is for a soldier who served in the War of 1812. Apparently, at the time it was first engraved, all that was known about Abraham M. Pipkin is that he served in the Georgia Militia.

At some later date, his loved ones added an additional marker of their own with his birth and death date on it:

Headstone for veteran of the War of 1812. (photo by Tui Snider)
Headstone for veteran of the War of 1812. (photo by Tui Snider)

Confederate Soldiers Eventually Get Headstones,Too

It wasn’t until 1906 that the US Congress passed a law to provide official military headstones for Confederate soldiers. Even so, these headstones differ slightly from other Civil War style markers; the tops come to a point rather than being rounded, and the shield design is left off entirely.

The photo below, for example, is for  Private (PVT) William G. Burrell of Company H (CO H) for the Confederate States of America (CSA.) The symbol at the top of the headstone is the Southern Cross of Honor, and means this soldier served honorably. Note the pointed top and the lack of an engraved shield: 

Civil War Type headstone for a confederate soldier. (photo by Tui Snider)
Civil War Type headstone for a confederate soldier. (photo by Tui Snider)

The General Type – still in use today!

Shortly after WWI, a new design was created for US military markers. Called “the General Type” because the committee which created it included two generals (General John. J. Pershing and Quartermaster General Harry L. Rogers) this style of military marker remains in use to this day.

The General Type is a military headstone 4 inches thick and 13 inches wide, with the above ground portion measuring 42 inches tall. As always, the above ground height will vary in the real world. Yesterday in Weatherford,  for example, the only General Type of US military headstone that I came across was flush to the ground.

General Type US military marker in Weatherford, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
General Type US military marker in Weatherford, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

US Military Headstone: Emblems of Belief

The tablet of a US military General Type marker is inscribed with the soldier’s name, rank, regiment, division, date of death and home state. In addition, the General type of military marker allows space for a religious emblem. At first the only choices were a Latin Cross for Christians and a Star of David for Judaism. This has really expanded, however, and now includes emblems for atheists and even Thor’s Hammer!

To see a full list of the US military’s “Emblems of Belief”  check out this link: US Dept of Veteran Affairs: Emblems of Belief.

Alternatives to Official Military Headstones

It should be noted that veterans are not required to use official military headstone markers. They are provided upon request out of courtesy and respect. So when you visit a historic graveyard, don’t assume that the only veterans are the ones with official government headstones. Here’s an example, once again from Weatherford’s Greenwood Cemetery:

This veteran's monument is not government issue. (photo by Tui Snider)
This veteran’s monument is not government issue. (photo by Tui Snider)

Unknown Soldiers – old & new style

At first, the monuments for unknown soldiers differed from those whose name and rank were known. If you come across a numbered cube in a historic graveyard, there’s a good chance that it is one of these original Civil War type markers for an unknown soldier. These headstones are marble cut 6 inches on all sides and then 30 inches long. The top of this and the first 4 inches of each side are polished. Use of this numbered cube style of headstone for unknown soldiers was gradually phased out. (Unfortunately, I have not photographed an example of this style of grave marker… yet!) Unknown soldiers now receive the same style of headstone as those who are known.

Want to keep up with me?

BLOG POSTS: I’ve got 650+ articles here and I’m constantly adding more!

READ MY BOOKS: Check out my books, including Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Join my private newsletter:

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books & presentations take you on a FUN adventure!

PRIVATE NEWSLETTER: If you’d like to keep up with me, you might like my newsletter. Use the form below to sign up if you’d like to know:

  • What I’m up to
  • Where I’m speaking next
  • When my next book comes out
  • What’s going on behind the scenes
  • Any other fun news!

As a thank you for signing up to my newsletter, you’ll receive a historic cemetery symbols guide I created called “A Quick Guide to The Many Meanings of Hands.”






Sign up for my newsletter below:

We respect your email privacy

Filed Under: Blog on Writing & Life, Blog Posts, Cemeteries & Symbolism, Haunted Travel, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: book release, graveyard, historic, indie author, indie publishing, launch team, Tui Snider, understanding cemetery symbols

Want to join my Launch Team?

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Who ya gonna call? My Launch Team! (photo by Tui Snider)
Who ya gonna call? My Launch Team! (photo by Tui Snider)

Understanding Cemetery Symbols – book release this summer!

After a lifetime of exploring historic graveyards and several years of earnest research, I’m finally releasing my cemetery symbols book. Hooray!

The book is called Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards. As you can see from the image below, it has two companion workbooks to go along with it. I don’t have the exact release date, but I’m aiming for mid-August. I am so excited!

I could use some help!

You know the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”? It’s the same with releasing a book! Despite my stubborn, independent streak, getting the word out about a book is not something I can do alone. So I’m asking for help. In return, not  only will you have my undying gratitude, but hopefully you will have FUN!

Want to join my Launch Team?

So, would you like be part of my book launch team? A book launch team is a group of readers who help an author get the word out. So, for instance, as a Launch Team member, I could tag you on Facebook when I mention the books. You could also help out by sharing my posts and telling friends about these books, etc…

Even though this is my fourth book, this is my first official Launch Team, so I will be learning as I go. But the main goals are simply to help spread the word about my book Understanding Cemetery Symbols and have FUN!

Being a Launch Team member does not need to be time-consuming, either. Everything I request of you folks is simply that: a request. If I have a list of 10 requests and you only do one thing off that list, you are still helping me out!

Launch Team members get FREE books – just saying!

Plus, in addition to my undying gratitude, Launch Team members will be mentioned in the book’s ‘Acknowledgments,’ get copies of the books in advance, as well as other goodies along the way. (I’ve got some surprises up my sleeve!)

If this sounds fun to you, leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you in a day or two about this whole Launch Team thing! And if you’d like to help me out right now, then please share this post on social media. Remember to tag me @TuiSnider so I’ll see it. Thanks again! :D

Hey, you! Want to keep up with me?

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books & presentations take you on a FUN adventure!

PRIVATE NEWSLETTER: If you’d like to keep up with me, you might like my newsletter, which comes out twice a month. Use the form below to sign up if you’d like to know:

  • What I’m up to
  • Where I’m speaking next
  • When my next book comes out
  • What’s going on behind the scenes
  • Any other fun news!

As a thank you for signing up to my newsletter, you’ll receive a historic cemetery symbols guide I created called “A Quick Guide to The Many Meanings of Hands.”






Sign up for my newsletter below:

We respect your email privacy

 

Filed Under: Blog on Writing & Life, Blog Posts, Cemeteries & Symbolism, Haunted Travel, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: book release, graveyard, historic, indie author, indie publishing, launch team, Tui Snider, understanding cemetery symbols

Understanding Cemetery Symbols: Book & YouTube Series Trailer by Tui Snider

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Book Trailer & YouTube Series Trailer

Yee haw! I finally made a video for Messages from the Dead: Understanding Historic Cemetery Symbols. The video is actually a two-for-one deal. It’s a Book Trailer *and* a YouTube Series Preview all in one.

About the book: If you are a genealogist, taphophile, history buff or paranormal researcher, you might enjoy my upcoming book, Messages from the Dead: Understanding Historic Cemetery Symbols. Basically, it’s a field guide explaining the meaning behind historic cemetery symbols.

About the YouTube Series: Each episode of my YouTube series will focus on the meaning behind one historic cemetery symbol or interesting graveyard story.

About my obsession: I’m fascinated by historic graveyards and cemetery symbols. (And of all the presentations I give, this is the most requested topic!) In 2017, I will continue sharing a weekly article on this site about the meaning behind different cemetery symbols.

Please note: This book and YouTube series come out in 2017. To be notified when they are available, be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter (There’s a form below the video.)

I’m a video newbie, so this video trailer took all day long to create. It was fun, though, because I love the topic. Check it out, below. And make sure your speakers are on, because I composed a theme song for it, as well. Let me know what you think:

 

 

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below:

Hey, you! Want to know when the book & YouTube Series are available?

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books can take you on a FUN adventure!

FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: For updates on my offbeat travels, historic cemetery symbols, YouTube series, speaking appearances & other fun stuff (such as postcards from the road!) subscribe to my newsletter using the form below.  You can also mix & mingle with me by clicking this link & “liking” my Facebook Author Page:

Want to read my books?

I currently have 4 books out, with plenty more on the way! 

Unexpected Texas – This is a travel guide to offbeat and overlooked places in the Dallas – Fort Worth region. (You can see photos and read travel essays on my site, as well.) More here.

Paranormal Texas – This travel guide to paranormal hot spots and haunted lore of the Dallas – Fort Worth area. (I often research haunted sites and share my experiences on this blog!) More here.

The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber – This book tells the strange-but-true tale of a very bad Santa, a crazy crime saga from the 1920’s in which a mysterious blonde-headed woman may very well have gotten away with murder! More here.

Filed Under: Blog on Writing & Life, Blog Posts, Haunted Travel, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: author Tui Snider, bnb, chestnut tree, Cisco, coffee, day trip, historic, history, iPhone photography, paranormal, photo essay, road trip, Texas, travel, Tui Snider, Tui Snider photographer, west texas, writer, xmas

#Review Log Cabin Guest Haus in Cisco, Texas

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Weekend getaway in West Texas

Last weekend, my husband, father-in-law, and I had a weekend getaway at the Log Cabin Guest Haus in Cisco, Texas. [Please note: While our lodging was provided free of charge and this post may contain affiliate links, the opinions expressed here are wholly my own.]

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Historic cabin purchased on eBay!

This historic log cabin dates back to the 1840’s but it was not built here in Texas. BnB hosts, John and Mary Kay Williamson, purchased the building on eBay, yes, eBay! I had no idea you could buy a house on that site, but there you go. The cabin was disassembled and shipped all the way from Pennsylvania! Once it arrived in Cisco, John spent a few years reassembling it to create a rustic-yet-modern bed and breakfast inn.

I met John a couple years ago while researching my book, The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber. I arrived in Cisco with a list of museums, graveyards and people to interview, but every person I spoke to added something more to my list. It was so much fun! Dropping by the log cabin one of these impromptu additions. Although John Williamson was clearly in the middle of a hard day’s work, he took the time to give us a tour of the house and explain his plans. I was immediately impressed and have wanted to stay there ever since!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

 

Logs from an extinct American tree

Any do-it-yourself types who book a room at the Log Cabin Guest Haus will enjoy leafing through the hefty photo album showcasing the Williamson’s progress as they reconstructed the building in West Texas.

One surprising and unique feature to this historic log cabin is that its rugged wooden beams are made from American chestnut. While American chestnut was plentiful in the 1840’s, a blight struck in 1904 and quickly wiped the trees out! (Excellent article about that here: American Chestnut History) Very few chestnut trees remain in America.

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Modern comforts combine with rustic charm

The couple did a wonderful job of combining the rustic charm of the historic cabin with the cozy comforts of the 21st century. Sure, it’s a historic log cabin, but we had indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, screaming fast WIFI, hot showers, great water pressure, a Keurig coffee maker, and heaters to keep us warm and dry during the rainy weekend. Plus, my father-in-law, Bob, can’t fall asleep unless the TV is on, so we were able to pop a DVD on for him each night.

And despite all the aforementioned modern conveniences, it was easy to pretend my husband and I were frontier settlers as we cozied up beneath the antique quilts and listened to rain on the tin roof. Hey, I didn’t read all those Little House on the Prairie books as a kid for nothing!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Great space for families

Cisco’s Log Cabin Guest Haus sleeps six people. In our case, Bob slept on the fold out couch downstairs. His bed was big and comfortable. My husband, Larry, and I slept in the upstairs loft, which includes another bed and has its own toilet and shower. I love that loft! Thanks to the open floor plan, we learned that Bob talks in his sleep – a LOT! So, keep that in mind with your guests.

In fact, I’d say that the Log Cabin Guest Haus is best for family and close friends. If you feel comfortable enough with the folks you’re staying with to holler out “good night, John boy” from your bed before falling asleep, then go for it. If not, maybe you should simply book it for you and your partner. Either way, it is definitely worth the stay!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Tasteful decor, like something out of a magazine

The Williamson’s are expert decorators, as well as renovators. In fact, in addition to running a bed and breakfast, theWilliamson’s own an antique shop in downtown Cisco called Log Cabin Antiques. (Are you sensing a theme?) Some of my favorite touches were the stencils on the staircase, the handmade wooden door latches, and the pattern Mary Kay painted on the wood floor in the upstairs loft. We stayed in December, so the cabin featured tasteful Christmas decorations throughout.

By the way, if you like the cute little old-fashioned nightie I’m wearing in the photo, you can buy one for yourself by following this link: lace & ruffle trim nightgown. I’ve been really happy with it. It washes and wears well and it’s modest enough to wear to breakfast in the morning.

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Sleep late or get up early, breakfast time is flexible

Each morning, John Williamson would deliver a wonderful breakfast cooked by his wife, Mary Kay, to our back door. The menu and delivery time were easily worked out via text message the night before.

The first morning, Mary Kay sent over a hearty egg casserole in individual ramekins, along with toast, a fruit cup and orange juice. The fridge was stocked with an array of tasty jams and preserves. I really enjoyed the peach butter – yum!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Oh, those cinnamon chip scones!

The second morning we opted for decadent cinnamon chip scones, sausages, and orange juice. Mary Kay sent 6 scones over, but we only ate 3 that morning. We saved the rest for a treat the next day, and they were a tasty reminder of our delightful West Texas getaway. I really like how the Williamson’s allow their guests to set the breakfast time of their choice. Early risers will be just as happy as those who want to sleep in and take their time enjoying the log cabin.

For our other meals, we dined at Waverly’s coffee shop and Shannon’s Burger Barn. (I will add links to my reviews of both of these eateries here soon!) For a little West Texas town, Cisco has some surprisingly tasty family-owned restaurants. We really enjoyed them both.

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

More info & how to book your stay at the Log Cabin Guest Haus

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just a break from your hectic routine, I highly recommend booking a room at the Log Cabin Guest Haus and exploring all that the friendly little West Texas town of Cisco has to offer! The three of us had a wonderful time and plan to return the first chance we get.

For more information & to book your stay: click here to visit the Log Cabin Guest Haus official website. And, remember, when you book your room, tell them Tui sent you! :)

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below:

Filed Under: Blog on Writing & Life, Blog Posts, Haunted Travel, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: author Tui Snider, bed and breakfast, bnb, chestnut tree, Cisco, day trip, historic, history, iPhone photography, paranormal, photo essay, road trip, Texas, travel, Tui Snider, Tui Snider photographer, west texas, writer, xmas

Trick or Treat Reads – Get Your Free Books Here!

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Free Books as Halloween Treats

Three years ago, my pal and fellow author, Patricia Lynne had a brilliant idea. She calls it Trick-or-Treat reads, and here’s how she describes it:

For those of you who don’t know, Trick-or-Treat Reads is a Halloween event where authors put their books for free and readers go trick-or-treating to get the books. BOOKS ARE THE CANDY!

 

trick-or-treat-book-blog-hop-banner_orig-1

 

My Freebies for You:

For this year’s Trick-or-Treat Reads, I’m offering: 2 books, 1 CD, and a 50+ page sample chapter. Whee! Take your pick or grab ’em all: 

(I’m giving these items away from Halloween 30th, 31st and November 1st. Why? Just in case some of you were out or too busy handing out actual candy on Halloween)

Paranormal Texas:
To claim your FREE copy of Paranormal Texas click here. ***Please Note: I’ve only made this book free for October 31st and November 1st. Sorry if you’re here a day early!***

Description of Paranormal Texas: If you like ghost stories about real haunted houses and the supernatural, check out Paranormal Texas.

Not only does Tui Snider share haunted history behind the ghost stories and paranormal activity in the Dallas – Fort Worth area, but she gives directions to haunted houses, businesses, and other supernatural hot spots you can visit in person, such as the:

*Serial Killer’s Grave where EVP’s & Anomalous Photos are Common
*Amusement Park where a Little Girl Haunts the Candy Store
*Country Graveyard with a Mysteriously Glowing Tombstone
*Hotel so Haunted that a University Teaches Parapsychology there
*Elevator that Opens By Itself when Pretty Women Walk By
*Historic Cemetery where People get EVP’s & Orbs in Broad Daylight
*Ghost Town with an Operatic Apparition & a Haunted Restaurant
*B&B with a Gentlemanly Ghost who seems Protective of Women
*Theater that Kept its Resident Ghost in Mind when Remodeling
*Historic Town Squares where nearly Every Shop has a Ghost

Meme, Myself & iPhone: Photos, Lyrics & the Stories Behind Them:
To claim your FREE copy of Meme, Myself & iPhone, click this link. Since I don’t have a digital version for sale anywhere, I’ve made a pdf version you can download here from now through November 1st.

Description: As someone who kept her creative spirit bottled up for many years, Tui Snider truly hopes this book inspires you to share your own artistic projects with the world! Meme, Myself & iPhone was inspired by Tui Snider’s writing residency in Granbury, Texas for the 2016 Langdon Review. The book showcases 12 of Snider’s favorite iPhone photos as well as the lyrics to her debut dream pop album, “Come to My Senses.” Snider also briefly reveals the story behind each song and photo.

Come to My Senses:
To claim your FREE copy of Come to My Senses, leave a comment on this post requesting a copy from now through November 1st. I will send a unique download code for the album to your email address.

Description: Well, I don’t have a full description up on Amazon for this dream pop album, yet, but you can hear sample tracks by clicking here and I’ve pasted some reviews from Amazon and CD Baby for you to check out below:
I loved this album! The music is interesting and unique. It’s so nice to hear a fresh take on music these days. Her voice, and musical tones will have you feeling like you are in a magical place.

 

Unique and Inspiring: I love the way Tui’s music makes you feel. It is dreamy and yet excites the mind.

 

Mystical and Magical!: Damn, I love this music. It really needs to be showcased in a movie soundtrack. Beautiful. Thank you Tui!

 

A Magical Adventure!: Listening to this album is like being swept away into a magical land. It’s soft and billowy and inspired. You won’t be disappointed buy today!

 

Mystical Awesomeness: A beautiful album meant for a movie soundtrack and music that was made from the soul. I love it. Thank you!

Shades of Angels:
Teal Gray (who I co-host Para Mysteries with) recently released her first book. It’s called Shades of Angels and it features a bunch of my photos of angels in historic graveyards around the world. It’s doing really well and has even hit bestseller lists in the UK!

For trick-or-treat reads, we’re sharing a 50+ page sample chapter that is all about the Ouija board. Not only does it feature some creepy-but-true stories, but it features a very unusual photo of a haunted Ouija board. ***To claim your FREE sample chapter, click this link and download the pdf chapter.

Description: Shades of Angels looks at angels throughout history and explores how they touch every area of our lives. The book features original illustrations, photographs and personal stories from Teal L. Gray, Mark Fults, Tui Snider, Beth Deering and more. The book’s contributors come from a variety of backgrounds and belief systems which creates added depth to this exploration of the widespread experience of the angelic realms.

 

***But don’t just stop with my goodies, scroll down for even more FREE books!*** 

Creepy Halloween mask for sale at the Granbury Paranormal Expo (photo Tui Snider)
Creepy Halloween mask for sale at the Granbury Paranormal Expo (photo Tui Snider)

Creepy Halloween mask for sale at the Granbury Paranormal Expo (photo Tui Snider)

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Curious about my books & music?

 

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No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books can take you on a FUN adventure!

FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: For updates on my offbeat travels, books, music & other fun stuff (such as postcards from the road!) subscribe to my newsletter using the form below.  You can also mix & mingle with me by clicking this link & “liking” my Facebook Author Page:

Filed Under: #TuiSnider #Texas #author #musician, Blog on Writing & Life, Haunted Travel, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: author, author Tui Snider, indie, iphone photographer, iPhone photography, photographer, Tui Snider

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