Reflection on 2016 brings gratitude, laughter, and tears. 

Gratitude for family,friends, and loving pets

Laughter shared with others

Tears for the losses of those we loved and admired

Our days consist of routine, and often we lose our sense of self, of what is most important. Among the life lessons learned from my parents is this most treasured one....wake each day not with a frown, dreading the day to come, but with a smile, facing your day with a positive attitude, despite what life hands you. 

We've all dealt with illness and loss of loved ones.  They leave an emptiness that can only be filled with the memories we have. Those we carry in our hearts, thankful for the light they brought to our lives.  A kind word or a smile passes the light on to others, perhaps when they need it most. Be confident in your abilities. You are infinitely braver and smarter than you could ever imagine. Lastly, care for those who cannot care for themselves, always with respect and love.

Wishing each of you success and happiness in 2017. 

Love,

Barbara

Merry Christmas 

and 

Happy Holidays.

Please excuse my long absence. I will return January 1st. Cherish your time with your family and friends. 💝

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRjmR2BrYW8

MONDAY MAYHEM

How about a little Halloween fright. My two horror collections will have you shivering.

How about a little bait and switch? Three horror tales, each with a twist, three shifters with their own brand of terror. SILK, THIRSTY, and PREY will definitely keep you guessing. Intended for 18+.


https://www.amazon.com/Trickery-Barbara-Chioffi-ebook/dp/B017JK0LA2

Chicanery is a collection of eight horror tales, each with a little bit of deceit and enough of the macabre to have you looking over your shoulder.

Who knows what awaits us as we go about our daily lives, unaware of what exists alongside us. In these tales, you will find a bit of betrayal, a snippet or two of terror, and a lot of comeuppance. Oh, and a good dose of helpful spirits.

https://www.amazon.com/Chicanery-Barbara-Chioffi-ebook/dp/B01LW31IFE

ENJOY....bahahaha.

FRIDAY FEATURE

I have someone new to introduce......DRUM ROLL.......

TL Katt. :)

Her first book is The Calling and I can't wait to read it.

You can find her on Facebook...

https://www.facebook.com/TLKatt/?__mref=message_bubble

...and here for her newsletter.

http://kattskorner.weebly.com/sign-up-for-tl-katts-mailing-list.html

Give TL Katt a look today. :)

FRIDAY FEATURE

Congratulations, Elle Klass, on the release of

IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

TOMMY'S DECEPTION 

The Mind boggling conclusion to the Ruthless Storm Trilogy. Release date October 14, 2016.

My characters are fictional but crime, murders and serial killers are real. No matter how horrific the crime, non are harmless. Buy In the Midst of the Storm during October and every cent Elle receives will be donated to victimsofcrime.org to help real victims.

Amazon
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The thrilling conclusion is filled with suspense!

The cold air chilling her to the bone, she walked swiftly towards her apartment, her mind cloudy from too many beers. A trail

through the woods surrounding her apartment complex opened up to her left. If she stayed the course of the street-lit sidewalk, it’d take her longer to get home than if she took the path through the woods that led almost directly to her door. Her body shivering, she decided to take the chance and cut through the woods. Really, it was just a small chunk of trees with a well-worn path that most people used for walking their dogs.

Halfway through the shortcut, she heard voices talking. She slowed her pace and listened but assumed it was a couple walking their dog.

“What the hell are you doing?!” yelled a male voice.

She jumped and on instinct plastered herself against a large tree and scanned the area, hoping she was fully camouflaged by the thick trunk. She peeked her head around it and spotted two young men. One had jeans sagging past his buttocks and a red jacket. The other wore all black and he held a glinting silver object. Her mind flashed back to the shining object and black eyes that chased her within her nightmares. She breathed deeply, trying to stay calm, and considered her options. The last time she’d run through woods didn’t fare well for her and she ended up in a coma for a week.
Running was out of the question. Going forward was out of the question. She felt the cool metal of the pendant against her chest and remembered its soothing qualities. Taking a deep breath, she

crouched, using the trees for cover and squat-walked towards the next tree. She couldn’t avoid the piles of leaves littering the ground, but hoped her steps were gentle enough the guys would consider them an animal.

The voices moved closer to her and she went into near panic mode. Breathe, breathe. They’re probably just smoking pot and mean no harm, she soothed herself, but the feeling in her gut sent shivers of horror flying through her body. Bad memories resurfaced and she saw his face, the monster, Evan’s face. She closed her eyes, attempting to gather her courage.
Leaves rustled beneath their pounding footsteps, growing closer with each one. No longer able to control her fear, she took her chances and ran.

“Who’s there?” called one of the men, as Eilida sprinted through the woods. Not watching where she was going, she ran smack into broad shoulders and a rock hard abdomen. Waves of horror shuddered throughout her body.

Listen to the In the Midst of the Storm Soundtrack!

It's sexy!

He wanted to make all the bad in her life disappear and he wanted her. The vibes bouncing off Eilida suggested she desired him just as much. Setting his plate on the table, he turned to face her and cupped her face in his hand. Then he brought his lips to hers. His

sexual hunger matched by hers.



When they released the kiss, she set her plate beside his and brought her body closer to his, melting in his arms. Their mouths met again as their hands explored the other’s assets. His hand lingering on her perky breasts as he lifted her shirt and drew his tongue closer to them for a taste.

http://thetroubledoyster.blogspot.com/ http://elleklass.weebly.com/ https://twitter.com/ElleKlass https://www.facebook.com/ElleKlass

KITH AND KIN

Music has been a part of my life since my earliest memories. Mom sang to me and I remember thinking she had the voice of an angel.  I realized not long after that she couldn't carry a tune, but I kept that to myself, happy that she was with me. 

From the time I was six, I spent every summer with my grandparents. I wrote last week regarding their lovely voices. Their talent passed to my father, who had a thrilling baritone voice, then on to me. 

*****************

I hid my talent from my family, singing with the radio before going to sleep, trying to emulate the sounds. One night, mom called, “Turn off the radio and go to sleep.”
My sister answered, “That’s not the radio, mom, that’s Barbara.”

My father was an early riser and the next morning, he had me singing at the piano, up and down the scales. "Jean, did you hear that?" he called to mom. 
I recall the first time I sang with my father. He had an operatic quality voice. It was the thrill of a lifetime and remained so over the years to come. I still have a box of tapes spanning fifty years with the two of us. His voice was more powerful, but I could always catch him on the high notes where my voice would match his.

********************

I was lucky to have the support of my family. They engaged a voice teacher with a sterling reputation and my training began. It brought the ability to concentrate, something I had struggled with as a child, and the music carried me away. When I was fourteen, I sang at Duke University for a local contest and received a superior rating.

Music was my refuge. Within that magical realm was the ecstasy of singing, the notes wrapping me in velvet. While in college, I sang in churches, local dinner theaters, and the occasional night club when out with friends. 

My senior recital was the culmination of years of study. The stage was a respectable size with a grand piano. The room was large with a vaulted ceiling. My voice teacher and I had worked for four years for that moment, and she played the piano, smiling the entire time. 

I'm amazed now that I sang each song with no music. I had insisted on memorizing them so I could connect with my audience. By that time, my voice had matured and it filled every inch of the hall. That night is among my happiest memories.



Kith and Kin... to be continued.

MONDAY MUSINGS

Last Friday, I posted information about a very talented lady and her art work. Today, I'm pleased to post about her writing. Yes, Julie Nicholls is that talented...filled to the top of her head with ability. 

Dragon Moon, a YA fantasy, is her latest and will be released on October 13th. I'll let her tell you all about it.

Dragon Moon Release!!

Hey peeps!! I’m happy to announce that my latest Young Adult Fantasy, Dragon Moon is available for pre-order at the fabulously low price of 99c! This is a huge saving, and from Thursday 13th October, the price will be $3.45 so get it while it’s on offer!

Save the dragons, unite the races, no sweat.

I’m nineteen and wish I had a clue about my future. Instead of my own bed, this morning I woke in the strange land of Lur Neval. My name is Scarlett, but the Nevalese call me Dragon Mage. Seems it’s my job to preserve the all-important dragons and oh, while I’m here, bring peace to the warring clans. Piece of cake if I can outwit Madoc, the manipulative, evil seer who wants every dragon destroyed. Whatever it takes, I’m here to fulfill my destiny under the light of the Dragon Moon.

Buy Links

Amazon UK goo.gl/HolHgO

Amazon USA goo.gl/WXyIdl

Kobo goo.gl/TMrKcV

Smashwords goo.gl/jQszpx

Nook/B&N goo.gl/utlgGe

iBooks goo.gl/66Jbwu

Don’t forget it’s available at the ridiculous price of 99c until release day which is 13th October, 2016

Go get it!