Colorado Archives - K.V. Fischer

AFTER THE VERDICT: THE HOTEL FACT OR FICTION – Part 2: The Infamous Room 217 and the Ghost of Mrs. Wilson

The Stanley Hotel’s Room 217 is one of the most popular rooms in the hotel, after all, the ghost of Mrs. Wilson will keep your clothes nice and tidy. Four presidents and Stephen King were among the many prominent guests who stayed in that room. Although Stephen King did not pen The Shining there, his stay did inspire it.

Mrs. wilson

Stanley Hotel, Room 217, Estes Park, Colorado — The Stanley Hotel Room 217

Who is Mrs. Wilson? She was the chief chambermaid in 1911. On the day the hotel opened for the season, the hydroelectric plant went down. By the way, this hotel was the first hotel to have electricity. Mrs. Wilson was lighting the gas lamps when she was almost killed. Acetylene was pumped into the rooms, and in Room 217 there happened to be a gas leak.

Room 217, Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado — Room 217 – Stanley Hotel Estes Park, CO

When Mrs. Wilson went into the bathroom, it blew out the front of the hotel. She was blown through the floor into the MacGregor Room and survived. Almost forty years to the day, she died of a heart attack in that room. According to the tour guide, Mrs. Wilson is a permanent visitor here who will fold and put away your clothes.

Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado, Room 217, Bear-Clawed Tub — The Stanley Hotel Room 217 Bear-Clawed Tub

our stay

My husband and I had the opportunity to stay in that room. Except for the bear-clawed tub and the view, it struck me as an ordinary room with an extraordinary history. Shortly after arriving, we had a few visitors just wanting to see it and take photos. We took a few photos of our own. One visitor who was clearly absent was Mrs. Wilson. I had to fold my own clothes and keep them nice and tidy.

You may find some similarities between Room 217 and the honeymoon suite described in my book, After the Verdict https://amzn.to/4a7UVOv. Check out Chapter 2 of the book and let me know what you think!

Book Two in my Search & Recovery International Series, After the Verdict, is available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4a7UVOv

A missing groom, a murdered attorney, a massive snowstorm—what else can go wrong with what was supposed to be a storybook wedding?

Gutsy Colorado lawyer Briana Bertelli has just successfully prosecuted a serial killer…or has she? Betrayed in previous relationships, she’s vowed to remain single and dependent on no one but herself. All goes according to plan until her best friend’s wedding rehearsal

Highly decorated, retired Special Forces veteran Kale McLaren has seen much death and is ready to experience a new life.

Now the Chief Operating Officer of a global special ops organization, he’s looking forward to a relaxing weekend at a friend’s wedding. The last thing he expects is to be brought face-to-face with death and the most intriguing woman he has ever met … Briana. With the highest of stakes and time running out, can Briana and Kale combine forces to discover what happened after the verdict? Book Two in my Search & Recovery International Series, After the Verdict, is available at: https://amzn.to/4a7UVO

You do not need to read the first book in the series, Search Beyond Lies, in order to enjoy the second. You can find the first in the series, Search Beyond Lies at : https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO

Search Beyond Lies is a work of fiction, inspired by true events.

On July 5, 2018, Brian Perri was reported missing on Mount Meeker, one of the most dangerous mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park. A selfie revealed his last known location was the summit. Search Beyond is a work of fiction, whose inspiration lies in a rare type of friendship J.C. Fischer and Kimo McEwen had with Brian where they put their lives on hold and jeopardized their safety and well-being to search for him.

The search was covered by news media far and wide. J.C.’s pleas for volunteers brought in many from along the entire Front Range. Why did so many come forward? It was J.C. and Kimo’s care, concern, persistence, loyalty, and dedication to finding Brian that exemplified true friendship—and that is a contagious type of friendship experienced by very few.

A Writer’s Inspiration When Life Drops Lemons in Your Lap

This was not the article I intended to write, but on my recent birthday, life dropped lemons in my lap. However, I intend to create delicious character driven lemonade with these lemons.

In an earlier Fact or Fiction article, Search Beyond Lies – Fact or Fiction, I wrote about the creative process and the inspiration that real people, places, and events provide writers for their stories. In this article you’ll get a sneak peak into my birthday lemons which will provide the inspiration behind some incredible characters.

Birthday Plans

I have an August birthday – not exactly a time when you choose to be in Florida, especially when Florida has been experiencing extraordinarily high heat and humidity. However, my parents are elderly, and I thought I’d spend it with them. Between my writing and my legal practice, I predominantly work remotely so I could work from Florida as easily as Colorado.

We had plans for dinner at a special restaurant when my 90-year-old dad fell and hit his head on the wood floor. I’m a lawyer and not a doctor for a very good reason – I don’t do well with blood. There was blood everywhere.

I knew head wounds bled profusely, even if not a serious wound, but I would not let my dad get up off the floor. My parents have Life Alert and my mother hit the button. I brought washcloths and a pillow and told my dad to wait.

Within 5 minutes, we had 6 members of Fire Rescue entering my parents’ home. I was very impressed with Life Alert and how quickly we had help. Frankly, until that moment, I didn’t realize how valuable Life Alert was. It wasn’t over with that initial call. Life Alert had reached out to everyone on the emergency contact list and followed up to assure everything was fine.

Needless to say, birthday plans changed drastically.

The Heroes

These 6 gentlemen assessed my dad and helped him up. Yes, my dad repeatedly told me he could get up and would be fine, but I wanted to make sure. These first responders agreed with him.

He was fully bandaged and refused to go to the ER – my dad said it wasn’t necessary and as a physician, he said he’d know if it was. They agreed that he didn’t need to go to the ER and we signed off.

While 5 Fire Rescue members were taking care of my dad, another was obtaining medical information from my mother. This guy had a wonderful bedside manner and was patient and kind to my mother who was trying to find the information he needed. He also belonged on the cover of GQ, he was that drop dead gorgeous with a physique to match. My only regret is that I did not take his picture. Rest assured, this gentleman will inspire a future character.

Thankfully, I did take a picture of the group surrounding my dad and bandaging him up which I included in this post.

I thank all First Responders and Life Alert! Please share any experiences you have had with first responders or Life Alert. They are amazing!

A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action — Search Beyond Lies, Book One in the Search & Recovery International Series

of the search for a missing scientist, a top-secret project, and a ticking clock. Desperate to find his friend and mentor, James Frankel knows that only former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommer can help him. But how can he trust a woman who’s keeping secrets?

As a former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommers garnered the reputation of having the highest search and rescue success rate, but she’s plagued by the one she left behind. Now she’s on the verge of an exciting new beginning as a part of Search & Recovery International where her secrets are safe. There’s only one problem: the new assignment will take her back to Colorado and the loss that still haunts her.

The clock is ticking down. With their lives–and their hearts–at risk, Charlie and James join forces in an attempt to save the scientist and the world from catastrophe while finding the truth beyond lies in this action-packed thriller. It is available at https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO.

COVER REVEAL – After the Verdict

I am excited to reveal the cover for Book 2 in the Search & Recovery International Series – After the Verdict! We are well on our way to ensure a release date in 2023! If you’re interested in knowing what this book is about, keep reading…

After the Verdict – Sneak Preview

A missing groom, a murdered attorney, a massive snowstorm – what else can go wrong with what was supposed to be a storybook wedding?

Highly decorated, retired Special Forces veteran Kale McLaren has seen much death and is ready to experience a new life. Now the Chief Operating Officer of a global special ops organization, he’s looking forward to a relaxing weekend at a friend’s wedding. The last thing he expects is to be brought face-to-face with death and the most intriguing woman he has ever met … Briana.

With the highest of stakes and time running out, can Briana and Kale combine forces to discover what happened after the verdict?

Have I intrigued you? I certainly hope so!

The Artist Behind the Cover

L.A. Sartor, Christmas, Best-Selling Author, job, goal, burnout, Prince of Granola, The Chunky Method Handbook, Thyme for Writers

In my last article, I introduced the amazing artist, L.A. Sartor – a true Renaissance woman. She is not only a creative genius when it comes to creating covers, but her books are true page turners. Check out her books with more amazing covers and stories at: L.A. Sartor.

Fact or Fiction

I’ve blended fact and fiction to create this book, just as I did with the first of the SRI series, Search Beyond Lies. If you haven’t read it, now might be the right time, while you’re waiting for this book to be released.

Stay tuned!

Let me know what you think of this cover!

A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Scientist

Independence Day is the perfect day for this Fact or Fiction article in honor of Brian Perri, a veteran who was dedicated to protecting our country’s freedoms. We are in the midst of the 5-year anniversary of that fateful day when Brian went missing. This special Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction article will explore what is fact and what is fiction behind the character Brett Powers, who was inspired by Brian.

The Five-Year Anniversary

In Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – Missing , we saw that the last selfie taken by Brian Perri was June 30 on Mt. Meeker’s summit, but no one knew he was missing until he failed to show up for J.C.’s graduate school defense on July 5. Hence, we are in the midst of the anniversary period. The specific facts surrounding his failure to show up are found in this article. However, we will delve deeper into the character.

The Scientist’s Backstory

The backstory surrounding Brett Powers for the most part belongs to Brian, from his background working at a nuclear power plant back east, to his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Radiation Health Physics and being one of the rare scientists who has earned both Health Physics certifications. He was a nuclear “genius.” As a novelist, I do confess to taking liberties since this story, although inspired by real-life, is classified as fiction.

A Deeper Dive

Brian went through SERE training with Kimo as noted in the last Fact or Fiction article, Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – SRI’s Chief Operating Officer. As described within the novel, Brian passed SERE at the top of his class and did in fact stay out the maximum number of days before they had to bring him back in.

As noted in the last article, he was a member of Special Operations as a paratrooper rather than Special Forces. Like the character Brett, he was fluent in Arabic and proficient in Russian.

The graduate school ties between J.C. and Brian are fact. Since Brian’s family was back east, he joined our family for most if not all of the holidays during his graduate school tenure. This gave me the opportunity to get to know this amazing man.

The End

The search ended when a body was found on Mt. Meeker. This was fact. The description of the body and how it was handled as noted in the book, are facts. But is the happy ending fact or fiction? What transpired after the funeral in Search Beyond Lies, is fiction, however the glasses … Check out the story behind the glasses in Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Clues: Part 2.

Brian & J.C. hiking wearing the infamous sunglasses.

When you look at the fact that Brian was a former member of Special Operations, a nuclear genius fluent in Arabic and proficient in Russian, and then add the glasses… Rather than a tragic ending, could there actually be a happy ending? Let me know what you think.

A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – SRI’s Chief Operating Officer

In my last fact or fiction article, we explored the character names. This article will delve into the character, Kale McLaren, Search & Recovery International’s (SRI) Chief Operating Officer, and explore what is fact verses the fiction behind this character.

The Inspiration Behind the Character

Brian Perri’s former army buddy and close friend, Kimo McEwen inspired the character, Kale McLaren. Once Kimo learned that Brian was reported missing on Rocky Mountain National Park’s most dangerous mountain, Mount Meeker, he reached out to my son, J.C., who was gathering volunteers to help with the search.

This special man asked if he could camp in our backyard so that he could help J.C. search. Needless to say, the answer was a resounding “NO” – he was required to stay inside our home, as part of the family. The fact that he came from sea level, was a disabled veteran, and had no hiking experience at the elevations in the park did not deter him. Day in and day out for 3 straight weeks, the two of them did not give up. They not only put their lives on hold, but they risked their lives in the search.

The True Background

Kimo did go through SERE training with Brian. Although the character Kale was a former Special Forces member, Kimo and Brian were both a part of Special Operations as paratroopers. Like the character Kale, he was fluent in Arabic and proficient in Russian.

Basically, their friendship, special army ties, and some of Kale’s physical characteristics are based in fact, while the association with SRI is fiction.

What’s to Come

Although Kale is a secondary character in Search Beyond Lies, he is the hero in After the Verdict, Book 2 in the Search & Recovery International Series. Look for it in December 2023!

A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Presidential Letter

In Search Beyond Lies, a call back was issued via Presidential Letter to Brett, who we know was inspired by Brian Perri. Is there such thing as a call back? If yes, could it be possibly done with a Presidential Letter? Before we explore the reality behind the Presidential Letter in Search Beyond Lies, we need to know whether it exists, and if it does, the history behind it.

veterans, call back — Can veterans be called back?

Can you be called back to active duty?

Yes. Once in the military, you can be kept longer than planned or be recalled after you get out or retire. There are many ways this can occur. Typically, the recall is at the behest of the Secretary of Defense (10 U.S. Code Section 688) and there are various ways this can occur:

Stop-Loss Program

Military Working Dogs, Military Service Dogs, Parachute Dog, Silent Heroes

You can be kept on active duty longer than your discharge date if you have a particular valuable skill or “in the interests of unit cohesion.”

Mobilization of the National Guard

Without a state of emergency, the president can recall up to 200,000 reservists for at least 400 days. A state of emergency allows the president to activate up to one million reservists by his order.

By the way, since November 14, 1979, when President Jimmy Carter issued Executive Order 12170 after the start of the Iran hostage crisis, the United States of America has been in a state of national emergency. President Donald Trump continued that order in November 2017.

Officers and Retirees

An officer’s commission usually remains in force and effect even after retirement. Why? It’s for the privilege of retaining the legal right of being addressed by their military rank and receiving their retirement benefits. Although they can resign their commission, very few do. Because of this privilege, they can be recalled to active duty.

Presidential Letters – Fact or Fiction

The president can recall officers in the state of emergency as well as mobilize the National Guard, which as noted has been ongoing since 1979. Is it common? A few years ago I was a guest speaker at Romance Writers of America and attended a session on Military Characters. I met 2 officers who were recipients of the Presidential Letter. I was informed that you either “go back or go to jail.” No doubt, the Presidential Letter is fact.

The Possibilities

The existence of the Presidential Letter is reality. Whether Brian Perri actually received a Presidential letter is a mystery. But when you consider the glasses … .

What are your thoughts about the possibilities?

Search Beyond Lies is available on Amazon.

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – Gelden Ranch

A number of people posed questions regarding Gelden Ranch. Is Search Beyond Lies’ Gelden Ranch fact or fiction? Before I answer this question, a little background is necessary.

Some History

When I finished graduate school, earning a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition, I completed the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian and started my job search. Law school was not foremost in my mind at this time.

I had the most unusual, but incredibly insightful interview with the owner of a renowned women’s magazine. After briefly discussing my background, the owner handed me a quarter and paper cup, then asked me to place the paper cup in the middle of the floor. She wanted me to get the quarter into the cup.

Okay…. I looked at her and asked, “Do you want me to get the quarter in the cup in the manner I would dare, or the way I think you want?”

When she wanted to see what I dared, I moved to the farthest corner of the room and pitched it. This was followed by her question as to what I thought she wanted me to do. I thought she wanted me to make certain it got into the cup by going to the cup and placing it in.

What I dared was what she wanted to see since the magazine business is risky and she needed to make sure I was a risk-taker. I was hired and was the only member of her staff that worked directly with her in her “home” office.

The Magazine’s Owner

The magazine’s headquarters was about 20 minutes from the owner’s “home.” Only the person in charge of the staff at the office ever saw or met with her—I was the only exception. She was a reclusive heiress, and even though she was brilliant, beautiful, and kindhearted, public appearances were very rare.

I was one of her key editors, so galleys had to be run from the “house” to the office. The runners were forbidden to talk to me aside from “hello” or “thank you” type language. I didn’t realize this until a new runner asked how I liked working there and my response was a simple, “I like it.” When this person reached the office, he was fired. There was no one around during our brief meet, but the walls apparently had ears…

The “Home”

The “home” was a mansion built in the early 1900s with more than 25 bedrooms. An entire wing was dedicated to staff who historically lived there. It was on the ocean, surrounded by walls, with a guarded gate, and an occupied gate house.

Gelden Ranch was inspired by this mansion, tweaked to fit a western ranch. Where there were horse stables for the ranch, the mansion had garages that housed very expensive vehicles driven by a chauffeur.

Technically, Gelden Ranch is fictional, but inspired by fact.

Kindle Countdown Deals for Search Beyond Lies — Day 3. At 2 p.m. PDT, the price moves from .99 to $1.99. Find it on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Paintings

In the last Fact or Fiction article for Search Beyond Lies – The Clues: Part 2, I left you with a mystery about the real glasses. A particular painting was the source of a few of the clues revealed in the book. Does this painting exist? If it does exist, who is the artist? How about the other painting described in detail?

the artist

Brian Perri did in fact have a favorite artist and he collected a number of this artist’s paintings. The name of “Brett’s” favorite artist in the book is fiction. As a matter of fact, that fictitious name is an alternate since unbeknownst to me (until pointed out by one of my beta readers), the original name I planned to use belongs to a professional basketball player.

The real artist’s name is Greg Pettit. Brian discovered Greg’s paintings in a Denver art gallery and since he found his paintings fascinating at many levels, he started collecting his work.

Greg uses colors that bring joy.
Every time you look at his paintings you discover something new.
His work inspires creativity.
Each painting is unique.
The work is captivating.

The painting

The clue-revealing painting described within Search Beyond Lies is a real painting that was painted by Greg Pettit. It is now owned by J.C. and came into his possession in the manner described in the book.

Painting by Greg Pettit — Artist: Greg Pettit

This painting can captivate someone for hours, and it was a source of inspiration for me. Since I know I didn’t do the painting justice in its description, I received permission from Greg Pettit to post a picture of it. If you want to explore more of Greg’s work, feel free to click his name which is linked to his Instagram account or copy and paste: greg_pettit@instagram.

the other painting

To my knowledge, Brian did not paint. The example I used of “Brett’s” painting hobby was that of a skunk painted on the wall of his parents’ guest bathroom. You could not sit on the commode without the skunk’s lifted tail aimed at you. The fact that the character, Brett, painted it was fiction.

Painting of a Skunk with lifted tail, by Brett Rosenberg — Artist: Brett Rosenberg

However, the painting itself is fact and was painted by a family friend, Brett Rosenberg. It is the real Brett’s hobby – he is very creative, a great artist, and is a Radiation Health Physicist, as Brian was in life, and as my character, Brett is in Search Beyond Lies. I received Brett’s permission to share it with you. It brings a smile to my face every time I use their guest bathroom.

What would you like to see for the next Fact or Fiction article for Search Beyond Lies?

SEARCH BEYOND LIES – CAN YOU IMAGINE?

Today’s post was supposed be the first Fact or Fiction article of 2023, however, I experienced an unusual act of kindness I just had to share. Can You Imagine?

What most writers dread

Marketing is the bane of most writers’ existence, and I’m no exception. My trip to South Florida was a combination of business and my dad’s 90th birthday celebration. While there, I decided to take photos of Search Beyond Lies with natural backgrounds to use in marketing. I found what I believed to be an ideal location on the bridge that crosses the inlet.

the bridge

Since currents are extremely rough, it opens on demand and there is always a bridge operator. I selected a great spot and started taking photos and videos. I didn’t think about the dynamics of how I needed to move to capture these photos and the thought of what I may have looked like never occurred to me until…

the bridge operator

The bridge operator came rushing out of his shelter to make sure I was alright — carrying a beautiful rose. Can you imagine what he must have thought?

When I explained what I was doing, a grin spread across his face. He handed me the rose and wished me blessings on my day. I can only imagine why he had this picture-perfect rose in the first place…

What an incredible act of kindness!! He definitely made my day as I took the remainder of my photos with the rose.

My walk

My 3-mile walk turned into 6.5 miles. With a smile on my face, I took photos of my book and special rose in a multitude of scenic places:

Along the inlet…

On the beach next to the inlet…

In the park, and …

My day was truly blessed!

A writer friend of mine started sharing quotes as a ministry during COVID and one of her primary topics is kindness. What are the most unusual acts of kindness you have experienced? Any ideas to share? We’d love to hear about them!

The first Fact or Fiction article of 2023 will reveal what was fact and what was fiction about the paintings found in Search Beyond Lies. Stay tuned!

WHAT ABOUT THAT NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION?

What about that New Year’s resolution? Did you make yours? If you did, how long is your list? My New Year’s resolutions started in middle school and continued for more years than I’d like to count. They included what most people placed on their list, although they varied based on the time of my life:

avoiding sweets,
exercising,
losing weight (especially after having babies),
meeting new people (I was very shy — notice the past tense), and
providing additional community service hours…. .

Although my resolutions were made with good intentions and were always meritorious, there was an undeniable common thread — I inevitably broke them. The question was how long did I maintain before I failed?

new year’s resolutions: overcoming failure

With failure came disappointment, frustration, and a sense of loss. My motivation went out the window, after all, I already failed. I stopped making New Year’s resolutions a number of years ago, however, I never threw the baby out with the bath water. My thinking, focus, and approach changed.

new year’s goals

I no longer make New Year’s resolutions, I make New Year’s goals. According to the dictionary, a goal is “the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.” I create goals and strive to achieve them.

It’s okay to get off track, I can always get myself back on without a sense of failure. It’s a healthier, positive outlook that keeps me on track.

My article, On the Road to Healthy Living: Foolproof Your Plan! provides the road map to successfully meet your New Year’s goals. Encouraged by the success of Search Beyond Lies, the first book in the Search & Recovery International (SRI) series, my professional goals for 2023 include:

releasing the audio version of Search Beyond Lies;
continuing to grow my law practice;

continuing the Fact or Fiction Series for Search Beyond Lies as well as other Fact or Fiction articles for guest authors;
releasing the second in the SRI series, After the Verdict;
working toward getting the third in the SRI series, Pattern of Deception, ready for my editors; and
doing the research for the 4th in the SRI series which takes place in Hawaii.

My other goals include remaining physically fit, increasing my physical performance, staying within the low range of my ideal body weight in anticipation of the planning and celebration that goes into the next goal — my son’s wedding!

There is no doubt that 2023 will be a big year! Accordingly, I plan to post at least twice monthly, more with guest authors.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and productive 2023! God bless!

Any tips? Please share.

Mrs. wilson

our stay

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Birthday Plans

The Heroes

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After the Verdict – Sneak Preview

The Artist Behind the Cover

Fact or Fiction

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The Five-Year Anniversary

The Scientist’s Backstory

A Deeper Dive

The End

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The Inspiration Behind the Character

The True Background

What’s to Come

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Can you be called back to active duty?

Presidential Letters – Fact or Fiction

The Possibilities

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Some History

The Magazine’s Owner

The “Home”

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the artist

The painting

the other painting

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What most writers dread

the bridge

the bridge operator

My walk

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new year’s resolutions: overcoming failure

new year’s goals

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