Meow Wolf in Santa Fe Immersive Experience
Meow Wolf Has Bite! Me-ow!
Meow Wolf is part art installation; all fun house!
by G G Collins (Copyright 2018)
You know you’re in the right place when you see the giant spider!
After standing in line for more than an hour–you know March is spring break, right?–I entered this magical place in Santa Fe that wasn’t the least bit southwestern. The exterior sports a mammoth spider and people actually eat beneath it. Not me!
Built in a former bowling alley, the outside isn’t impressive; but that all stops the moment you enter this wildly colorful place.
After buying tickets at a bit of a staggering price (but nowhere near Disney World prices), you grab your 3-D glasses and off you go into the wild, blue, purple, pink, orange (oh, I give up) yonder.
No yellow brick road. Copyright G G Collins
Asian Street Scene? Up to you. Copyright G G Collins
The hallway that leads down to the entrance is a bit 1984-ish, but what waits inside is, well, you decide for yourself. Past the door is the House of Eternal Return where you can duck through the fireplace, closet, clothes dryer or even the fridge and you’ll find yourself in another dimension.
Watch where you step because the surface underfoot is constantly changing, even at times into mounds of carpet as if you are walking beneath trees on a moss-covered forest floor.
As you climb that tree via circular staircase, the canopy you are expecting never materializes. Instead it could be a camper. Hmm. Just where am I?
That seems to be the whole point. Each inviting portal leads to another strange and wonderful place. Everyone–and remember I went during spring break–was having a great time. Age is not a factor here. There is literally something for everyone. The kids loved to play the dinosaur bones and frankly, so did I.
Tap the bones & notes play.
For those who are afraid they will be claustrophobic, while it can be quite tight quarters, there are numerous doors leading to the lobby. The people standing around in white lab coats are Meow Wolf staff and they are there to answer questions or give you the fastest route to the restroom. There was one small girl, who wasn’t too sure about a white friendly looking creature. She held on tight to her grandmother’s hand, but even at that, she was wide-eyed in appreciation
There are corridors leading to more portals. Some stairs are wide open while others are circular with tiny steps. Tall people can have trouble negotiating the later. Don’t get stuck!
Meow Wolf is a sensory experience. You can see, touch and hear, but never quite assimilate what you’re experiencing. That’s okay. It’s mysterious and leaves you wanting more. I know I’ll be returning to the House of Eternal Return.
My favorite room. Look up!
For more information go to: https://meowwolf.com/
Coming soon to Denver and Las Vegas; your very own Meow Wolf.
YA Book Promotions: Giveaways
“Flying Change” Free This Weekend
Free This Weekend Only (April 20-22, 2018)
Click on the book to try it free.
Molly dreams of becoming an Olympic equestrian. When she lands a job at a local stable against her father’s wishes, she is excited and hopes dad will acquiesce. The owner of Reintree Stables exchanges her work for riding lessons and she believes she is on her way. But life has a habit of throwing challenges in front of us. Molly is no exception. Two frightening incidents occur and Molly comes to believe she is a coward. If she can’t overcome this notion, her riding career is “”over.What she doesn’t know; someone’s life hangs in the balance.
You can find “Flying Change” here to download free.
“Without Notice” #AmazonGiveaway
Amazon Giveaway Continues (Through April 25, 2018)
Click on the Book Cover to Enter for a Chance to Win!
Blended families are okay until it affects Courtney’s family. It’s bad enough her father moves the family to a new city after her mother is killed, but then they meet his girlfriend Silky. Courtney resists in the only way a thirteen-year-old can; being unkind even when she doesn’t want to be. But a new friendship with a troubled but adventurous girl allows Courtney to try new experiences, until one of these lands them in trouble. Courtney will have to depend on Silky for help.
Enter for a chance to win a free copy of “Without Notice.”
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/9e58e33fe9e4f450
If you enjoy these books, please consider writing a short review for Amazon, Goodreads, your blog or favorite book website. I’m grateful for your effort.
#AmazonGiveaway #TeenLit “Without Notice” from G G Collins
Enter to Win a copy of “Without Notice”
From the author of “Flying Change.”
Click on the Book Cover to Enter
Blended families are okay until it affects Courtney’s family. It’s bad enough her father moves the family to a new city after her mother’s death, but then they meet his girlfriend Silky. Courtney resists in the only way a thirteen-year-old can; being unkind even when she doesn’t want to be. But a new friendship with a troubled but adventurous girl allows Courtney to try new experiences, until one of these lands them in trouble. Courtney will have to depend on Silky for help.
Enter for a chance to win!
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/9e58e33fe9e4f450
Good Luck!
Teen & YA New Book “Without Notice”
New Teen Book “Without Notice” by G G Collins
From the author of “Flying Change,” an equestrian novel for teens and up.
Click on Book Cover to Buy at Amazon. A #KindleUnlimited e-book.
Courtney’s life turned upside down when her mother was killed by a drunk driver. Now, they are moving from Minneapolis to her father’s hometown in New Mexico, where he will run an art gallery. Older sister Francine is heartbroken because she has to leave her boyfriend behind. Younger sister Toby just misses Mom.
One thing is particularly disturbing: her dad’s friend Silky. He says they know one another through the gallery, but is that really all? It seems she is always interjecting herself into their lives. Courtney, who is a good cook, took over cooking meals for the family, but lately Silky’s even intruding there. Silky is a terrible cook, but her father eats everything she prepares and compliments it. Being a teen is hard enough, but she doesn’t want a blended family. Courtney’s conflicted emotions cause her to say hurtful things to Silky, and then regret them. She tries to cope with feelings of loss and the need to move on.
Courtney and Francine hatch a plan to sabotage Silky; but soon Francine has found a new boyfriend leaving Courtney alone in the effort. All the while, Silky is trying to make friends with the family. She invites Courtney to tweak her cooking skills with the promise of teaching her how to make pottery. Drawn to Silky’s tales of Native American artists and their search for the best clay, Courtney grudgingly listens even as her interest grows. Silky’s stories are full of intrigue and clandestine journeys to collect clay under cover of darkness. During one of her pottery lessons, Silky shares a painful story with Courtney. Loss does not play favorites.
She meets Audrey, the girl next door, and immediately strikes up a friendship. Audrey is an outspoken know-it-all with a sense of adventure that is infectious. She takes Courtney on new experiences including the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. She and Audrey attend a mass launch which is unlike anything she has ever seen. Courtney is spellbound watching the hot air balloons. Unfortunately, Audrey has a dark side. She makes a mistake that challenges their newfound friendship and threatens Courtney’s delicate relationship with Silky.
Despite her resentment about moving, thirteen-year-old Courtney discovers this strange new city with its brown houses, Pueblo architecture and ancient stories to be as mysterious as it is beautiful. Even as she resists, Santa Fe casts its spell.
Amazon Book Giveaway
Reluctant Medium Book Giveaway
There are 5 copies of Reluctant Medium (Rachel Blackstone Paranormal Mystery) available as an #AmazonGiveaway. Here’s where you can enter to win one, but don’t delay.
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/ddc435ce8ec2bc48
Click on the cover to enter the Amazon Giveaway
Synopsis: All Rachel Blackstone wants is to talk with her father; solve the mystery of how he died. Using a Native American ceremony given to her by a shaman, she summons him in this paranormal mystery. Instead, a soul intent on revenge slips through and threatens people she loves. Now the Santa Fe, New Mexico reporter must follow the evil spirit, uncover its purpose and send it back. The shape-shifter has horrific powers. Rachel is tormented by what she has unleashed. There’s more. She’s seeing dead people; which frankly give her the creeps. Some are helpful; others lead her away from the truth. One spirit, a lone wolf, seems to have an uncertain allegiance. What she, and friend Chloe—both fledgling women sleuths—uncover is an earthly scam involving both the quick and the dead. Rachel must play a dangerous game of fantasy treasure hunt to stop the ruthless ghost. To survive, she must discover her own psychic powers during a climatic supernatural storm of earth, wind and fire. In this thriller, to fail is to die. Reluctant Medium is first in the series.
If you enjoy Reluctant Medium, please consider writing a short review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Thank you. Good luck!
#Free This Weekend 2/24 & 2/25/2018
Flying Change Free This Weekend Only
Click on the book to try it free.
This Young Adult novel has been in the Top 100 of its category since publication last summer.
If you’re a horsey girl, or even a horsey grownup girl, you can try it free this weekend (begins at midnight). If you enjoy, please consider writing a short review. Molly and Pepper will appreciate it too. I’m always grateful for readers who take the time to review. Thank you for reading.
#AmazonGiveaway Cozy Mystery “Dead Editor File”
Dead GiveAway!
#AmazonGiveaway Just Click!
There are 5 copies of new cozy mystery Dead Editor File available as an #AmazonGiveaway. Here’s where you can get them, but don’t delay.
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/5b265e72e3fe47f2
New mystery editor Taylor Browning finds herself a suspect in the death of Endicott Publishing’s leader. She’s not the only one; Endicott wasn’t a well-liked man. Learn the ins and outs of book publishing as Taylor tries to solve the locked room mystery. Victor Sanchez, the Santa Fe detective assigned to the case can be annoying, but Taylor’s cat Oscar takes no prisoners at home.
If you enjoy Dead Editor File, please consider writing a short review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Thank you. Happy reading!
Interview With Character Taylor Browning of the “Dead Editor File”
Interview with Character Taylor Browning
“Dead Editor File” First Book in the Taylor Browning Cozy Mystery Series
By G G Collins
Available on Amazon; just click on the pic.
Taylor Browning is the new kid on the cozy mystery block. By day she edits mysteries at the publishing house and in her off hours she’s learning to sleuth. That’s the trouble, she has developed an interest in crime solving. Of course, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. She can’t edit her way out of real murder…or can she? Find out in the first book in the new series: “Dead Editor File.”
How did you become the mystery editor of the most prominent publishing house in Santa Fe?
Somehow I managed to impress the publisher and senior editor with my knowledge of mysteries, especially the classics like Agatha Christie, Mary Roberts Rinehart and Phyllis A Whitney. We talked the basics of a good cozy mystery: nearly bloodless murder, cast of suspects and of course the need for tea. But we couldn’t survive in the mystery world today without the heroine having a distinctive job, in my case, a mystery editor. I’ve been on the job less than a year and am learning the ins and outs of book publishing. It’s a strange world of manuscripts, fonts, bluelines and advance review copies. Learning what to do with all of them is challenging. But it’s the authors that require finesse. Even the nicest authors usually slam a door or throw a small fit right before their pub date. But I’m learning. Usually I can keep it together long enough to hustle them out of the office.
Why did you move to Santa Fe to start a new life?
My husband and I dreamed of moving to the Land of Enchantment, but something always stopped us. You know; money issues, job issues, family issues. Life. But when he died, I wanted to fulfill our dream. It was difficult at first. I didn’t know anyone, but I seem to be meeting a lot of people. There is the team at work, the authors, the vendors we use and the bookstore owners we work with. And lately, well, there have been the police. A certain Detective Victor Sanchez who came to our office after the publisher and editor-in-chief was murdered in his locked office. Now that was a bad day. Virginia, our senior editor was sad and Jim, the production manager was nearly ecstatic. I was horrified, but didn’t know him well.
La Fonda, the Inn at the End of the Santa Fe Trail
How’s the house renovation going?
You know, it would be helpful if I’d finish a room before moving on to the next one. But no, I have ladders, tools and paint in every nook and cranny. But Oscar and I enjoy the deck the most. We watch the sunsets and unwind with a little wine.
Oscar? Who is Oscar?
Oscar is my Abyssinian cat. You know brown agouti fur with lighter clown markings. I’m told they were the cats of Egyptian kings and pharaohs. Just between us, I tend to believe it because Oscar is a bit entitled especially if dinner is late. There have been a few, uh, incidents. Of course, it’s all because I became involved in the criminal investigation—at least after I was cleared of suspicion. There were times when I was being followed or doing a little sleuthing and was late to prepare his evening meal. It was really no big deal.
How do you see your future?
I love my life—most of the time. Santa Fe is everything I thought it would be, my job is terrific fun and two men are interested in me. But don’t get me wrong, I’m not ready for a relationship yet. For now, Oscar and I are getting along, if only I can stay on schedule. My author, G G Collins, is currently writing the next installment, “The Looking Glass Editor.” It promises to get me into some weird new age experiences thanks to yet another persnickety writer.
Will have to see what happens next, but I feel confident there is murder in my future. Not me, but someone else. I hope.
Happy Holidays from Santa Fe, New Mexico
Merry Christmas from Santa Fe
Photo Copyright by G G Collins 
Home of the Reluctant Medium, Rachel Blackstone Paranormal Mysteries & Dead Editor File, Taylor Browning Cozy Mystery series.
Girls and Horses
There’s Nothing Quite Like a Horse
by G G Collins (Copyright 2017)
Click on the book to buy. KindleUnlimited Title.
I remember: the musky odor of horses, the saddle soap, creaking leather and hooves settling comfortably in straw. I loved my horses, especially one special grey gelding. He was reincarnated as Pepper in my recently released book for teens, Flying Change. My pets frequently appear in my books. Sometimes their names change, sometimes not.
Girls who love horses almost have an extra growth period in their lives. It’s wedged between being a toddler and discovering boys. We read everything we can get our hands on that tells us how to care for and train horses. Every minute away from school was spent in the stable mucking out stalls, grooming and riding. Riding almost came last because it was more a reward for all the work we did to make our best friend comfortable and healthy.
Horses are the most wonderful creatures. They go beyond beautiful, graceful and playful. They listen without judgment; their elegant necks soak up our tears and their soft lips lap at our fingers seeking out treats. They are a pure presence in girls’ lives. We’re always young girls around horses.
A Faded Photograph of My Horse
When he was born, I was nine years old. I got up early and ran out to meet him. He came right up to me, but his mother had other ideas and shooed him away. That didn’t last long. This little guy loved the body brush. As a colt he would lean toward me as I brushed his neck until he almost fell over!
I began placing a saddle blanket on his back when he was about a year old. Slowing, as he grew, I added a saddle. Later on, I’d cinch it lightly. There was plenty of time back then. Finally, the day for the bridle came. He mouthed the bit and accepted it. He didn’t have any of the temper his mother had, although he did buck me off once. I don’t know why.
Some of us stay horsey our whole lives, even if we don’t have the privilege of a companion horse. The day he died, a little bit of me died too, along with my childhood dreams of becoming a great equestrian. He was buried in the field where he fell. Another family lives there now and they have horses so his spirit isn’t lonely.
If there were ever a moment in time I could revisit, it would be an afternoon with my horses.
G G Collins