Author Archives: bethtrissel

About bethtrissel

Married to my high school sweetheart, I live on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with my human family and furbabies. An avid gardener, my love of herbs and heirloom plants figures into my work. The rich history of Virginia, the Native Americans, and the people who journeyed here from far beyond her borders are at the heart of my inspiration. I'm especially drawn to colonial America, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. And I love a good ghost story. In addition to historical romance, I also write time travel/time slip, paranormal, YA fantasy romance, and nonfiction. I'm published by The Wild Rose Press and have indie titles. Contact Me: bctrissel@yahoo.com

This May in the Shenandoah Valley

Posted on May 30, 2020 by bethtrissel

The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April (May) day. ~Robert Frost (Image from a past spring of my Abraham Darby rose, and below of my Bathsheba climbing rose taken last … Continue reading →

Posted in country life, dealing with cancer, Gardening, The Shenandoah Valley | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

“I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.” ~Ruth Stout

Posted on March 2, 2019 by bethtrissel

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ~Charles Dickens By early March, my spirit yearns for warmth, color, … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, The Shenandoah Valley | Tagged | 4 Comments

In the Midst of Winter–Wrens!

Posted on January 19, 2019 by bethtrissel

Since summer, we have had a tippy-tailed little bird bobbing around the back garden and visiting the feeder that hangs near the pussy willow. As winter closes in on us–and it looks to be a cold one–we hear bird song. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Summer Inspiration From Our Farm in the Shenandoah Valley

Posted on July 21, 2018 by bethtrissel

Summer days on the farm sail by like clouds in the blue. Each morning brings a fresh look to our familiar  scenery. The sights that greet us have comforting continuity and yet are ever-changing. Breaking dawn and soon after is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, The Shenandoah Valley | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

My June Garden in the Shenandoah Valley

Posted on June 16, 2018 by bethtrissel

June is the Garden of Eden time here, while the plants are still fresh and new and the Japanese beetles haven’t yet arrived. Dewy mornings filled with glowing flowers and bird song are a little piece of heaven. Our rich … Continue reading →

Posted in children and family, Gardening | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Puppies and Changing Leaves On The Farm

Posted on October 28, 2017 by bethtrissel

Be advised, I’m writing this in the company of a puppy of little brain, like Winnie the Pooh, with a big heart, and even bigger puddles. At seven months, Cooper is a handful, chasing the kitties, and into everything, then … Continue reading →

Posted in country life | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Autumn in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

Posted on October 14, 2017 by bethtrissel

(The Alleghenies) We finally got some much needed rain in the Shenandoah Valley this past week and cooler temps. Autumn is here in all its splendor. DH and I took a drive into the Allegheny Mountains. We got some lovely … Continue reading →

Posted in autumn | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Inspiration from the Garden

Posted on July 1, 2017 by bethtrissel

‘The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.’ ~Hanna Rion We enjoyed a splendid June in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia until the past few days. Late June and July are hot and humid. Rains … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Our May Garden

Posted on May 27, 2017 by bethtrissel

May is the wackiest, loveliest month, swinging from soaring heat to frigid cold. Now that the month is almost over, seasonable temps have arrived, and we’ve gotten some nice rain. Despite this roller coaster weather, most of the plants survived. … Continue reading →

Posted in country life, Gardening, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Herbs and Flowers For A Fairy Garden

Posted on March 4, 2017 by bethtrissel

Who doesn’t want to attract fairies to their garden? Of all the herbs associated with the little folk, the most important one is thyme, which I love. I’m forever planting more varieties of thyme. In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Titania, the fairy … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, herbal lore | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments