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As many of you may know, our beloved sister hostess SHARON DONOVAN, tragically passed away on 11th April 2012. We who knew her, loved her, and were inspired by her courage and determination to face head on whatever life threw at her. When she could no longer see to paint she turned to writing and showed her amazing talent in the Inspirational Romance and Romantic Suspense genres, and her story 'Charade Of Hearts' was awarded the coveted Predators and Editors Award in January 2011.

This Blog was a source of great delight to her, she was one of the founder hostesses and she contributed to the fun and silliness in her own original way, and was kind enough to let her unique creation, the hunky butler 'Oliver' join us for our Friday romp and prepare 'virtual breakfast' for the guests on the following morning. It's beyond hard to have to go on without her, but we know that she would have been the first to insist that 'the show must go on.' She is, and will always be with us in spirit.
Sharon, dear friend, we will never forget you.
The Author Roast and Toast is part of the legacy you left us. Let's raise a Toast to you as well as all our guests.
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Friday, March 26, 2010

Party in a Cemetery

Hello and welcome to the Author Roast and Toast! Today’s celebration takes us deep into the dark forest. Our featured victim is Barbara Edwards, and her offering is:

ANCIENT AWAKENINGS

Do come in, but for those of you who are superstitious, BEWARE… 
A full moon shimmers in the black, stormy sky, casting the tombstones in an eerie shade of green. From the low lying hills of the disused cemetery, the howl of the coyote slices through the dark forest. “A wooooooo!”                                          

A screech owl flaps its wings before taking flight from the willowy branches of a towering pine, its warbling hoot reverberating through the deepest thicket of the woods.

Forgoing their usual banter as the hostesses three enter the forbidden cemetery, they join hands to dispel any evil lurking in the deep, dark woods. Costumed in masquerade for the gala, they walk straight into a massive spider web and scream loud enough to wake the living dead.

“Holy crap!” Mary spits and fumes, her long dragon tail swooshing around the three of them, ensnaring them in its scaly grip. “Man, I thought that was one of the bodies rising from the grave.”

“Let’s keep our cool,” Sharon whispers, breaking the chain long enough to clutch the crystals around her neck. “We all know the dead can’t hurt us. Now all we need do is walk through that patch of tombstones over there in the clearing, and we’ll find the steps leading to the cellar. Now come on, let’s join hands. All for one and one for all.”

Lyn tips her head back and howls at the full moon, her witch’s hat slithering down the nape of her neck. “We must remember, sisters. We three have magical powers, a gypsy, a dragon and a witch. Together we stand, divided we fall. If you’ll pardon the expression, it’s time to make heads roll.”

But when rolling heads begin tumbling down a hill and into the clearing, fluorescent green horns sprouting from fleshless faces, the hostesses tear through the disused cemetery, feet thundering on the dank earth. But just as the rolling heads pick up speed, teeth chomping, Oliver floats up from the ground and grins. Dressed as a vampire, he smiles, his fangs glowing in the moonlight.

“Good evening, ladies,” he takes a sweeping bow, his black cape swooshing in the cool night air. “Just in time to help prepare the feast for our offering.” He points to the steep, broken stairs leading to the musty stone cellar. His wicked laughter echoes through the forest. “Watch your step.”

Flickering Candle Pictures, Images and PhotosDescending the steps to the basement, dark music rises from the speakers. A hoot owl screeches as it soars down from the rafters to perch on Oliver’s shoulder. Michael Jackson’s Thriller screams from the skeleton head in the corner. Candles flicker on coffin tables, wax dribbling onto the stained wood. Spider webs hang from every corner, ripe with black widow eggs ready to hatch. After indulging in a sample or two of the home-made wine from the countless barrels lining the stone walls of the cellar, the hostesses get into the party spirit.

Gypsy Sharon dances around, her silver jangle bracelets snaking up her arm as she places platters of grapes rolled in powdered sugar on the coffin. Popping one into her mouth, she shudders with delight. “Mmm. Nothing like a glazed eyeball.”

Lyn floats in the air, making fast work of the finger food arrangements as they magically appear on the lids of coffins. She takes a moment to admire the green fingernails on the batch Oliver has just dished out.  Stealing one without missing a beat, she smacks her lips. “Crunchy, too.”

Mary’s dragon tail comes in handy, swooping across the floor, gripping platters of bat wings, stuffed brain cells, and fried kidneys quick as a wink. Showing off in true Mary Ricksen style, she coils her long tail around a bat wing, dips it in bloodecue sauce and brings it to her mouth. “Delicio.”

But when a were-wolf howls from the cemetery, announcing the arrival of Barbara Edwards, Oliver dashes off to open the cellar door. It creaks back on its rusty hinges, blowing in the mistress of the dark. Looking sexy and just a little naughty in her black she demon dress, an Elvira knockoff complete with glittering widow earrings, she blows kisses to the gathered guests.

Once the living dead settle down, Cuddles and Junior, dressed in matching wizard hats, beckon one and all to read the blurb and excerpt appearing on the wall as an old projector rolls:


In Ancient Awakening, Police Officer ‘Mel’ Petersen investigates a death only she believes is murder. By disobeying direct orders from the Rhodes End Chief, she risks her career to follow clues that twist in circles to her backyard and lead the killer to her.

Her neighbor Stephen Zoriak is a prime suspect. Steve worked for a major pharmaceutical company where he discovered a weapon so dangerous he destroys the research. He is exposed to the dangerous organism. He suspects he is the killer and agrees to help her find the truth.

In the course of their investigation Mel and Steve find the real killer and a love that defies death.

Excerpt:

“Don’t touch me, Mel, not unless you’re willing to do a lot more,” he warned as her hazel eyes flared golden.

“Don’t threaten me, Steve. You’re…”

He pulled her into his arms despite the alarm bells clanging in his head.

Danger! Danger! Danger!

Her widened eyes met his. Mel’s hands were trapped against his chest, but she didn’t push him away. Instead, her fingers curled into his shirt.

Her mistake. His mistake was to crush her mouth under his.

Mel’s soft lips parted. Need exploded. The taste of black coffee didn’t hide her sweet flavor. As her tongue tangled with his, her arms slid around his neck and her fingers burrowed through his hair.

Steve hungered to peel the starched shirt off her soft shoulders, lay her on the thick turf and ease his desire. He tasted her brows, her cheek, along her throat, seeking the source of her call. Her pulse whipped under his mouth, awakening another need.

His teeth gently closed on the vulnerable vein.

He wanted, wanted, wanted…

Cold alarm chilled his pounding blood.

Steve gasped for air. He’d forgotten his own ironclad rule. Mel’s eyelids flittered open to reveal the molten glow of desire but he forced himself free.

He had no right to touch any woman. Not until he knew he hadn’t become what he had set out to destroy.

Sharon: Interesting and very intriguing. It draws us right in. So tell us a little about the heroine and the romantic hero of your book.

Barbara: My heroine ‘Mel’ is a strong, independent woman with no imagination. When she finds a murder can’t be solved by normal means, she is baffled. My hero ‘Steve’ is hunting a cure for a terrible curse. He craves blood and can no longer tolerate many foods, he is experiencing black-outs, and his night vision is sharpening along with his sense of smell. He fears what he may be doing during the black-outs.

Bio

I’m Barbara Edwards and I’m a native New Englander. I’m a graduate of the University of Hartford with a Master’s degree in Public Administration. I write poetry for myself and novels when I need to tell a longer tale. I’m fascinated by the past so naturally turned to writing historical romance. The dark paranormal stories evolve from nightmares. The romance comes from my belief in people’s basic goodness and longing for love.

I lived in Florida for several years and am past president of the Central Florida Romance Writers and a member of Romance Writers of America.

When I returned to Connecticut, I founded the Charter Oak Romance Writers, a Chapter of Romance Writers of America, along with several close friends.

My husband is a retired Police Sergeant. We share an interest Civil War re-enacting and travel the Eastern states to participate in events. I love visiting museums, galleries and battle sites, gathering information for my stories.

I taught Romance Writing at Manchester Community college for three years.

I’m fond of gardening and growing antique roses with limited success.

Most of my exercise is when my Belgian Shepherd, Dixie, demands a walk.

To win a prize from Barbara, answer the following question: What is your favorite Elvira movie?

PURCHASE LINK

 BARBARA'S WEBSITE

BARBARA'S BLOG 

96 comments:

  1. Oh my now I know I watched at least a dozen elvira movies but for the life of me I can't think of one right now. hmm must give it more thought. Anyway love the party . Got a very halloweenish feel. The short film of the excerpt looked fab(surpired that old projector still works!! talk about a treasure) anywho I'm going to stand in the corner and see if oliver will suck on my neck lol

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  2. Good morning Jennifer, and welcome to Barbara's Celebration!

    You don't actually need to stand in the corner for Oliver to nibble your neck - he'll do it anywhere - LOL, don't encourage him! *Grin*

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  3. Oh Wow, ladies, this is spooky. Cemeteries, tombstones, I was going to trot off to bed, but I'think I'll wait until the bewitching hour is over now.

    Nice excerpt Barbara.

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  4. Hi Margaret

    Thanks for calling by. I hope we don't give you nightmares? Best stay and enjoy the festivities - who needs sleep? LOL

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  5. Greetings, fair sisters. Sharon saunters in blowing air kisses to Hywela, Jennifer and Margaret. Do have some of Barbara's specially ordered wine and treats and you'll want to stay forevermore...just like the raven. Sharon cackles, her bangle bracelets jingling. Sweeps by her sister hostess. Lyn, dear, your toes are curling. Have you been telling fibs again? Surely not the one that you're the youngest and fairest of them all? Sharon shivers with laughter. Look in the mirror, dearheart....

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  6. Lyn gives Sharon a big hug. Come and sit over here, Sharon dear, take the weight off your bubble butt,while we wait for Mary to finish polishing her scales (dragons have an awful lot of them you know.)

    I see Oliver's attending to the guests who've already arrived and Jennifer and Margaret look right at home!

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  7. Oliver, darling. If you can stop sucking the life out of Jennifer's neck, I'd like a glass of Barbara's wine. Margaret, dear, no need to fear the full moon and all its delightfulness. Oh dear, where oh where is our victim, our offering? Lyn, have you seen Elvira lately or did she dash off with that were-wolf with the bewitching eyes? Sharon claps her hands and dances a gypsy jig. I certainly hope so! Not that I kiss and tell...but my what a delicious treat...

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  8. LOL! I've heard the rumours! I can't wait for her to arrive, I wonder if her werewolf pal will bring any friends?

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  9. Hi Barbara, Mary, Sharon, and Lyn,

    Great party, ladies!

    And Oliver as a vampire?!...*swoon*. Be still my heart.

    Barbara, My hubby and I love going to Civil War reenactments. How fun that you are participants.

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  10. Hi Jennifer,
    I'm glad you dropped in to the Crypt for a chilled drink. Oliver has strict orders not to suck anyone until later.

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  11. Hello Hywela Lyn, I can see you've been to aprties here before. oliver looks yummy enough to bite.

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  12. Hi Margaret,
    Hope you can stay awake long enough to have a drink and nibble on 'finger' food. Hehe

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  13. Rumor has it, plenty of his pals are flying in for the evening offering...

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  14. Hi Debra

    I hope vamp Oliver is seeing to your needs. Yes, that long cape suits him, doesn't it!

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  15. Hi Sharon,
    Love the great costumes. And the spider web at the entrance is really catchy. It's nice to be here for this roast. Thanks for having me.

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  16. Good Morning Barbara

    My, how elegant you look, I think you may well turn the head of that hunky butler of Sharon's!

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  17. Hi Debra, yes we're all here and soon heads will be rolling. Have Oliver bring you a glass of wine and some tantalyzing snacks. I promise, you'll be sure to stay.

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  18. Hi Debra,
    How nice to meet other reenactors. it is a great hobby.
    I'm spending too much time at the wine cask, but I love the blood-red color. That werewolf sure looks like the hero in my next book. Sigh.

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  19. Greetings, Barbara. Sharon rushes over to give air kisses to Elvira. Gorgeous outfit, darling. Have some wine you specially ordered. And yes, Lyn, Mary and I have been busy little goblins decorating the cemetery and cellar. Isn't it spooky? Float around and mingle with the guests and enjoy the munchies. Sharon dances off, shrieking with laughter.

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  20. Hi Barbara, Sharon, and everyone. This was a fun blog. What great imaginations. You put my stolid mind to shame. I wish you success with your book, Barbara. And now I'm getting out of this creepy cave. Even Oliver can't entice me to stay a minute longer.

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  21. Hi Linda, all in fine spirit, my dear sister. Surely, Oliver can entice you to have a glass of wine with us? Wink wink.

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  22. I love it! So thrilling, and the scene you set pulled me right into the blog and the book!

    Faith V. Smith

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  23. Greetings, Faith. Welcome to Barbara's celebration. Oliver, please bring our new guest a goblet of wine and some finger food so she can sit a spell... Lyn, are you off on a witch hunt trying to sleigh a dragon?

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  24. Lyn grabs Linda's sleeve

    Come now Linda, my dear, you're not leaving us so soon? Look, here comes Oliver with your glass of wine.

    (Lyn hums softly to herself - "Welcome to the Hotel California - you can check out anytime, but you can never leave!"

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  25. Hello Faith, we're so glad you're able to come to Barbara's party. Make yourself at home. Fancy a frosted eyeball?

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  26. I'm glad you like my outfit. It took me several hours to hook the back but I think it was worth it. It shows my curves to perfection.

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  27. Hi Linda,
    Thanks for dropping by. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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  28. Hello Faith, That costume is so good I almost didn't recognize you. Have some refreshments and stay for awhile.

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  29. Barbara, you're right about that slinky costume you're wearing, it looks amazing on you! (Although a little bat told me you actually had some help from Oliver to hook the back up, but that could just be a rumour!)

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  30. Hywela Lyn, you are so nice. As to Oliver helping, I won't mention he needed to warm his fingers a bit. Hmm. and that may be why it took hours to dress.

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  31. Barbara, tell us more about the research for Ancient Awakenings.

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  32. *carefully making my way down the dark steps into the cellar, my eyes adjust to the dark just as I make out Sharon, Mary, Lyn and Barbara near the coffins*

    Hi ladies!! Just wanted to drop in and say hi and congratulate Barb on her novel. I hope your sales take off for you!

    Hi Oliver! mmmmm.....you taste delicious! A bite later?

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  33. *checking out the 'finger' food and frosted eyeballs*

    Oliver, you did a wonderful job, as always, with the food! Thank you for the blood wine, what an intoxicating flavor...mmmmm

    Sharon! *hugs* Wonderful to see you again!

    Mary and Lyn, love your costumes! Your Roasts have been delightful, I've read thru a few and wished I could have made it in to them.

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  34. Deanna, darling! Air kisses. How are you? Yes, it's quite a graveyard smash. Come sit with us and allow Oliver to bring you some wine and finger food....

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  35. I love the music! It fits the scene here, and the cellar is perfect for this, but it was a bit scary getting thru the head stones up there!

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  36. hi Margaret and Jennifer!

    Barb, you have a great start to your Roast!

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  37. Sharon, is that Faith, Linda and Deb over there with Oliver? I love their costumes! I didn't even recognize them at first,

    Hi ladies! *waving*

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  38. I'm just going to take my wine with me as I tour the wine cellar, if I can stay out of the cobwebs and away from the bats!

    I'll be back later!

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  39. Deanna, you are woman...let me hear you roar. BTW, love your lioness costume, dear. It suits you so. Yes, a bit of a fright out in the cemetery, but this party's rockin'. More wine or eyeballs whilst you mix and mingle with Faith and Jennifer and the rest of our guests?

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  40. Hi Deanna

    How are you? Lovely to see you again. Mmm, I see Oliver's made sure you have plent to eat and drink.

    Oh hold on, Junior and Cuddles are trying to play marbles with the eyeballs. Hubble bubble, toil and - well you get my drift! Naughty boys, come back here with that tray!

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  41. LOL Lyn, surely not another eyeball fiasco. Just wait until Mary gets here with her fake hooters. Last week, they wound up in the pool when Junior and Cuddles thought they were red rubber balls. Ah, well. we told her not to go the silicone route, didn't we?

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  42. All I can say is wow, what a party! And what a great book! I can't wait to read it, Barbara. You have pulled me right in!

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  43. Air kisses, Tiffany. Have a seat by the coffin and enjoy some glazed eyeballs and fingers...finger food. Oliver, a glass of wine for our new guest, please. Tiffany, tel us about your outrageous masquerade costume.

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  44. Lyn, dear. Any sign of the dragon out there in the lot?

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  45. Love this post, ladies! As always, you raise the bar higher and higher for the rest of us. :)
    I actually love cemeteries. The statuary, the inscriptions, the atmosphere... so many stories there, of all types. Mwahahaha!
    Favorite Elvira movie would have to be Mistress of the Dark, her debut (though I haven't seen it in what feels like centuries).
    Oliver, my goodness, you make a dashing vampire.
    Best of luck with Ancient Awakenings, Barbara.

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  46. Hi Tiffany, so pleased you could join the party. Your costume looks great. Have another eyeball, they're only slightly dusty from where Cuddle and Junior were playing with them among the coffins.

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  47. Lyn wriggles up to Sharon and manages to squeeze her smal frame beside Sharon's huge (though it has to be said shapely) backside.

    Dunno where Mary is, Sweetie, that daft dragon's not usually late to the party. Probably still trying to adjust her silicone, forgetting she's disguised as a dragon!

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  48. Hi Cate

    Welcome to Barbara's party. Do have a seat if you can find a vacant coffin.

    Ah I see Oliver approaching with your blood wine and a plate of goodies. I can recommend the finger food. Just watch your neck. he's taking his role very seriously!

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  49. Air kisses, Cate, you've got your wine and snack, excellent. What's that on your neck, dear? Have you been chatting with Oliver?

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  50. Oh dear, Mary's so short sighted, she always manages to trip over my little feet. That's how I know it must've been her, even if I couldn't see her!

    Now where is she taking poor Sharon?
    (Lyn tries to stop laughing hysterically.) Oh dear, the sight of Sharon's big bubble butt flying in mid air is just TOO funny!

    Junior, Cuddles, I think you'd better go and rescue her!

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  51. Cuddles flies off after Sharon's butt,which glows in the moonlight like a barrage balloon! Junior runs below, barking excitedly, although it sounds as if he's laughing!

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  52. Cuddles, you big baby, your not afraid of a little bitty dragon! It's only in disguise.

    Gosh I wonder what's come over Mary, she's usually such a sweet lady.

    Poor Sharon, we've got to do something. Oliver, any ideas? Sharon's your boss lady!

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  53. Hi Barbara -- you are everywhere these days!

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  54. But suddenly all the air deflates from Sharon's huge cushion they insist she wear to give her petite backside a bubble butt appearance. The plastic soars through the cemetery, hurling around Mary's thick neck like a noose, sucking the life out of her. Oliver appears and wisks Sharon back to the wine cellar where the masqueraders applaud her safe return and scream Bravo for killing the wicked dragon of the east. Sharon accepts a glass of wine and mingles with Barb and the living dead...

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  55. Cuddles flies over the the dragon and rubs his horn healing horn against her.

    Revived, she sits up and blinks at him and Lyn, while Junior licks her face.

    "Welcome back Mary,! Lyn says, for a moment there we thought you'd changed into a bad dragon for ever. What you been drinking sweetie? We all know you love Sharon, so why did you try to frighten her to bits - and you know she'll get her own back!

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  56. oh sorry all that sleeping in theday must have messed up my days and I got here very early so i was out in the garden howling at the moon but now that i have that out of my system i'd love a drink please.

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  57. Oliver strides over to Jennifer, bows, and prsents her with a glass of rich ruby red wine.

    She takes it, smiling sweetly. Despite the chiffon scarf wrapped around her slender neck, and her prostestations of howling at the moon, the other revellers have taken note of the marks on her neck and come to their own conclusions! LOL

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  58. Oliver please help Jennifer get settled with a drink. She is tired after her difficult day.
    Relax and enjoy the day!

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  59. Lyn hands Mary her three inch thick specs.

    Here you are dear, put your specs on and have a good look at Oliver!

    She walks over to the tray of finger food, for another crunchy nail bite, cackling uncontrollably.

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  60. Oliver! You look so, so, ummmmm
    Nice teeth.

    She's okay, get away.

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  61. Thanks for the glasses Lyn without them I am legally blind.
    Wait these aren't mine. Mary falls down and gropes for her real glasses. She puts them on and stands up. One word, contacts where are they? Mary puts the pair of contacts into her eyes from Lyn. Uh OH.

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  62. Ah, this party is fabulous! All I need to make it complete is for Oliver to come over and bite my neck!

    Oh yoo hoo, Oliver, honey....

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  63. This book does sound right up my alley. Nice to meet you, Barbara.

    If Oliver is biting necks... *tossing hair back, "Come an get it!"

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  64. Oliver Catherine needs you too.
    Yes the teeth thing. She does have a nice slender neck and I see the vein throbbing beneath the skin. She's ready for you...

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  65. Thanks, Cate, its nice to see you here. I love cemeteries, too. I grew up next to one and used details for Ancient Awakening.

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  66. Hey, Tiffany, watch out for that very friendly ghoul or my book won't be the only thing drawing you in!

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  67. You grew up next to a cemetery? How cool! My cousins in Vermont live across the street from one. We used to lay on the ground and look at the stars. We wondered whether spirits were there. Ever see or hear anything odd?

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  68. Hi Helen,
    At least I can't call this a Dead End. Grab something to munch on. I recomment the dipped fingers. I've had a few goblets of the blood wine and can recommend it.

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  69. Hey jennifer, Nice to see you. Be careful of that open grave, its full of dragon doo. Mary took aim on her spell and broke it.

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  70. Mary,
    Ancient Awakening started with a scary nightmare I had. it included fears from my childhood about the cemetery next-door.

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  71. I can't believe how many different costumes are here. Since I don't know which ones live here in the graveyard, I'm happy to welcome everyone. Hey Oliver, how's the cask of wine holding up? Do we need to brak open another? I need anothe goblet myself.

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  72. Welcome Catherine and Helen. Have some wine and munchies and enjoy Barbara's party!

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  73. Hey Catherine,
    Those puncture wounds in your throat look tres chic. Have aglass of blood wine to restore your strength. You'll want to enoy the music and dancing.

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  74. Oh Mary, the things I've seen! Unlike this one, most cemeteries are quiet. I've been to a couple haunted houses, seen things I can't explain and tried not to look at several more. If you squint, they aren't as frightening. Hehehe

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  75. Wow, thank you ladies. This is the best party ever. I think I'll hang around until dawn. many of our guest have to disappear then. If you see me laid out on a coffin, I'm napping, not in the beyond.
    In fact, a nap and a dream about that handsome vampire over near the mausoleum might be in order. Or it might not be a dream, hmmm

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  76. Hi Debra, Did I say hello and welcome? Nice to have you here. the party turned a little wild when the werewolves and shapshifters had a tiff about who is scarier. I love to run my fingers over all that fur.

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  77. Oliver dashes over to Barbara with more wine, assuring her there is plenty in the kegs. Hands one to Sharon. So, Barbara, are you having fun yet? There is always something so bewitching about a cemetery in a movie with a howling coyote in the background! I bet you have plenty of ghost stories that fill your creative muse.

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  78. I wonder what experiences that we have are real and what are imagination. Like the things you see out of the corner of your eye.
    I wouldn't refute anyone's experience. I have had a few of my own.

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  79. So where is the party!!
    I cleaned up the pit and it's filled with, could that be blood????

    Barbara how about an example, if you can handle it, of one of your scary
    experiences?
    I do love ghost stories!

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  80. Lyn leans down into the pit and dips her finger in it and tastes.

    Mmmmmm - looks like blood, it's actually raspberry syrup! Yum!

    Where's our guest of honor? I'm dying to hear some ghost stories - and I'd love to hear a bit more about Ancient Awakenings too - What's that,she's dancing in the moonlight with Oliver? Somehow he always seems to get the stories from our guests before we do!

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  81. Oh trust Oliver to dance in the moonlight with Barbara! Go on and cut the cake, Lyn. They'll all come running back then. Mary, get out here and give me a hug before folks think our dragon fight was real! Air kisses, dah ling!

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  82. Barbara, oh yes. Come tell us ghost stories and scare us silly.

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  83. Lyn brings out the cake, covered with alternate chocolate and blood red icing, and decorated with the cover of Barbara's 'Ancient Awakenings.'

    Here's the cake ladies - now all we need is a dagger to cut it with!

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  84. Thank goodness they took me out of that dragon body.
    I feel much nicer now!
    If I could only see, lost my foggles and these contacts are making me see things.
    I still want to hear a good ghost story. Once when I was young I sat in my deceased beloved gram's home.
    I was talking to her and telling her out loud how I loved her and my life was not as good without her unconditional love. Well I felt a hand on my shoulder and looks down to see a the indentation of fingers on my skin. I felt scared and loved at the same time. I wish I had been less scared and talked more to her.
    Strange huh?

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  85. Very fun blog posting. Barbara us talented, for sure, and creepy works here. (Although some wouldn't consider it creepy, I guess. )

    Good excerpt, too.

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  86. That last post should have said "Barbara IS talented"... I guess I was spooked more than I thought.

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  87. Lyn shivers and moves a little closer to her sister hostesses.

    Wow, that's some story, Mary.

    Hi Laurie. I think creepie's right, especially with the flickering candlelight. And you're so right about Barbara being a talented author too - and don't you just love the cover of her book!

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  88. Gee, I'm having a fun time. Thanks to my hostesses for a great party. Some night, when its dark and spooky, we can sit around a glowing fire and I'll tell you true stories of the things I've seen or felt. My world is full of unusual happenings.

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  89. Gooood evening! I meant to sneak in earlier. But Fridays are the toughest on me...

    So, I've been wanting to read some excerpts from ANCIENT AWAKENING. Talk about paydirt! Bwah ha haaa. Anyway, I definitely need a copy. ;)

    Thanks for a chuckle or two, Mary, Lyn, and Sharon. :)

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  90. Mary, dear. I have chills. That is quite a story and realy makes a person wonder if the loved ones that passed see and hear and know our every thought. I love hearing things like this. This is true. I once went to a fortune teller with my girlfriends in high school. The gypsy woman took a piece of jewelry and rubbed it. I handed her my class ring. No one knew this so it had to be true. She told me there was a shadow following me in a bright light. She was quick to assure me it was a good light, indicating a guardian angel keeping vigil over me. Then she asked me who "Jerry" was. Chills prickled my skin. He was my cousin and he had recently died of lieukemia. He was my age and wanted nothing more than to graduate with his class and get his class ring. The gypsy told me he was my angel. That night, something woke me up. I sat upright and looked into the mirror directly across from my bed. I saw his face in the mirror...

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  91. Hi Laurie and Skhye. Creepy crawlers at the cemetery indeed. We're still telling ghost stories around the fire Oliver has built, so do chime in. There's still wine and munchies galore.

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  92. Barbara, what a fun party it was today. You were a delightful guest and addes so much to the roast with your cemetery ancellar celebration. We hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did! Best of luck with Ancient Awakenings. I must run and get it before it's sold out!

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  93. As the last of the full moon shimmers on the tombstones in the cemetery, Sharon, Lyn and Mary join hands and float off into the void as one, their cackling echoing through the graveyard and into the dark of night...

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  94. As the sun is rising in the East, I thank all of my lovely hostesses for a fabulous party.

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