Two posts again today--Tom Blubaugh's book launch for Night of the Cossack and Day 8 of our Christmas Cheer Postings--another scene by the talented Janet Lee Barton

The following info was sent me by Tom Blubaugh for his book launch today for Night of the Cossack, an exciting book based on a fictionalized account of Tom's grandfather who was a Cossack in the Ukraine. I am about 1/4 of the way through and love it so far! And if you order today, you can get loads of free gifts, so order a copy for yourself or a friend!

Today, December 8th only!

Purchase a Kindle ebook or a new paperback copy of Night of the Cossack
from AMAZON and receive multiple FREE gifts PLUS an entry to win a $50 Amazon gift card.
*You must purchase from Amazon either the Kindle version or a 'new' paperback from Bound by Faith Publishers to qualify.
The new paperback version will be a signed copy by the author and shipped FREE to an address in the USA.
Thank you and blessings,
Tom
Here is the landing page for a list of the free gifts: http://www.nightofthecossacklandingpage.com/

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And now for our Christmas Cheer selection from Family Ties by Janet Lee Barton:


After making himself concentrate on business until nearly noon the next day, Luke headed into town on the pretense of meeting John for lunch. He knew the real reason he’d accepted the invitation was with the hope of running into Rae somewhere along the way. But, he’d promised himself that he would leave all of that in the Lord’s hands. Only He knew where she’d be today.

Luke opened the door to go in and collided with a small woman on her way out.

“Oh, I’m sorry, are you all right?” he asked, reaching out to steady her. He gazed down at the woman whose shoulders he held, and his heart collided with his chest bone. After hunting for Rae all over town for days, here she was. At last.

“I’m fine.” She sounded a little breathless. “How about you?”

“I’m good.” Now that I’ve found you, better than good. Luke just stood there staring at her, blocking the door until he heard Dee clear her throat. He glanced at his friend and realized she was looking at the mistletoe above Rae’s head. He grinned and tightened his hold on Rae’s arm. Ducking his head quickly, before she had a chance to pull away, he planted a quick kiss on her soft lips, but not so quick that she didn’t have time to respond. His heart seemed to soar when she did.

Luke heard several handclaps and chuckles in the background. He raised his head.

“I. . .ah. . .what?” Rae seemed a little confused.

“Merry Christmas,” Luke whispered, surprised at the huskiness in his voice.

“Look above your head,” one of Dee’s regulars yelled out amid more laughter.

“Oh.” Rae glanced up and color flooded her cheeks as she glanced back at him. “Merry Christmas.”

Her lips turned up in a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, and Luke had a feeling he’d messed up. Again. She’d responded, he was certain she had. Did she think he’d only kissed her because they were under the mistletoe? “Rae, we need to talk. Do you have time for a cup of coffee?”

Fridays with Friends--Tom Blubaugh

Happy Friday. I hope you will enjoy this article about networking by Tom Blubaugh.

Centers of Influence by Tom Blubaugh
A point of origin, as of influence, ideas, or actions that produces an effect without any apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command.

Does the above definition sound like you? Apply to you? I assure you it does. It is a perfect description of you and everyone you know. Everything you do influences someone or something in some way. Have you ever tossed a pebble into a river? Did you notice how the impact of the stone moved a circle of water out until it finally returned to the calm apparent before the incident? Your words and actions are like that of the stone. They cause a “ripple effect” and literally move things around you. Whether the effect is good or bad depends on you.

Have you noticed?
* How an action in the Middle East causes the stock market to move?
* How an accident on the freeway backs up traffic for miles?
* How a stuck stoplight disrupts traffic?
* How an injured player stops a game?
* How a comedy scene makes a whole audience laugh?

We could go on and on and on.

Take a piece of paper and draw a small circle in the middle. Write your name in the circle. Then draw a circle for every person with whom you have a relationship. Place their name in the circle. These don’t have to be close relationships. Include family members, friends, fellow employees, neighbors, people you do business with, church members, other organization members, and so on. Then connect all of those circles to the number of other circles representing people with whom they are connected. You will be amazed at your circle of influence.

Do you notice how many of them are people you like or love? Can you see how every word and action affects this vast number of people? I say vast because most weddings and funerals have approximately 200 people in attendance. I say 200 people is a vast number because 200 x 200 = 40,000. Amazing isn’t it? And that is only two ripples in the water.

This ripple affect works when you see a good movie, eat at a great restaurant, and read a good book. You pass positive comments to your family, friends, and neighbors. Who are the centers of influence in your life? On Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn? Have you shared your book with them? Your blog? This is networking at it’s best.

Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack--Read the first chapter get a signed copy by ordering here. FREE shipping in USA. Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.

ebook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.
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Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print).
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