K.R. Bailey's Blog, page 5
June 4, 2016
Pets - They Add So Much To Our Lives
Most of us have pets – dogs, cats, birds, horses, goats, even pigs. They add so much enjoyment to our lives.
I grew up around horses. My Morgan horse, Racal, became my friend and confidant.
Everything in life seemed better when I crawled on his back and went for a ride. I loved sitting in the hay barn, enjoying the smell of hay. I’d pour out my heart to my Rascal as he ate from the manager. I knew he was listening because his ears would move back and forth as I talked. Every once in a while he’d lean up and nuzzle me as if tell me everything will be okay.I remember my sister telling her daughter, who was scared to be outside by herself, to watch their horses. If everything was fine, they’d be eating and meandering around the pasture. But if someone was out there, their ears would be forward, as if on alert, and she’d know to come into the house and be careful. Wasn’t that insightful of her? After that, my niece never was scared to be outside by herself.
Today my family has a yellow lab. He’s our second one. His name is Shilo,
and he’s my buddy. It’s always amazing to me that we can be busy and not play with him for a day or so, but whenever we go out, he’s there, wagging his tail, thrilled to see us. Our first lab was named Max. My son bought him, then decided to get married and couldn’t keep him. We inherited him and had him for eleven years. He was part of the family. When my husband retired and I was still working full time, Max used to go everywhere with him. They were definitely buddies. It definitely broke our hearts when he died.
My most unique pet was a young turkey. His name became Beep Beep because when he was little, every time we went by the box we had him in, he’d make a chirping sound like Beep Beep. As he got older, we’d call him and he would coming running and follow us around. People used to laugh that we had a pet turkey.
Pets become part of our families, adding happiness, and becoming an integral part of our lives. As I write my stories, you’ll notice that my hero and heroines nearly always have animals in them. A story wouldn’t be real if it didn’t have a dog wagging its tail or a horse wanting to have his neck rubbed. Wouldn’t you agree?
Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
http://www.KRBailey.com
May 14, 2016
Small Towns - Yes or No?
I happen to love small towns with their quaint charm. You drive down Main Street and there's usually only one street with ice cream parlors, small restaurants if the town is large enough to have more than one eatery, interesting shops, and nearly always at least one pub or bar. There's usually a lovely old home turned into an inviting bed and breakfast that beckons you to stay. And the people know everyone who live there so you always get stared at. Right? (Grins)
There's usually old home, some even abandoned that holds all kinds of secrets, and there's usually at least one eccentric person who has secrets of their own. Interesting people and interesting places.
That's the drawback. When everyone knows everyone else, they also know everything their neighbors are doing like whose son or daughter got in trouble at school; who's sick, and who's dating -- or sleeping -- with whom.
Okay, maybe everything about small towns isn't rosy, but I love books set in small towns. Neighbors are helpful. There's usually a shared bond you'd never experience in places like New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. There may not be theaters and museums but there's almost always a beautiful park for a picnic, lovely scenery perfect for long drives,
farms with all kinds of animals, stately old barns and huge fields -- just a slower way of life.
My story, A Perfect Catch,
takes place in such a place. Friendship Creek is a town I dreamed up where the people are friendly, there's a lovely old mansion turned into a bed and breakfast and a bar where everyone likes to hang out after a long day of fishing..
And just because it's a lovely small town doesn't mean some things are always what they seem. Not everyone is who they profess to be. Even at the quaint bed and breakfast, things happen that profess to have some secret happenings. As the annual fishing derby is just about to start, there are strangers in town. One handsome stranger is there to fish, but he's never been fishing. Coincidence? or perhaps something isn't quite kosher. You'll have to read and find out.
A Perfect Catch is a great read. Try it, you'll enjoy it.
So, I ask you -- small towns? Yes or No! I vote yes.
Happy Reading!
K. R. Baileyhttp://KRBailey.com
There's usually old home, some even abandoned that holds all kinds of secrets, and there's usually at least one eccentric person who has secrets of their own. Interesting people and interesting places.
That's the drawback. When everyone knows everyone else, they also know everything their neighbors are doing like whose son or daughter got in trouble at school; who's sick, and who's dating -- or sleeping -- with whom.Okay, maybe everything about small towns isn't rosy, but I love books set in small towns. Neighbors are helpful. There's usually a shared bond you'd never experience in places like New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. There may not be theaters and museums but there's almost always a beautiful park for a picnic, lovely scenery perfect for long drives,
farms with all kinds of animals, stately old barns and huge fields -- just a slower way of life.
My story, A Perfect Catch,
takes place in such a place. Friendship Creek is a town I dreamed up where the people are friendly, there's a lovely old mansion turned into a bed and breakfast and a bar where everyone likes to hang out after a long day of fishing..
And just because it's a lovely small town doesn't mean some things are always what they seem. Not everyone is who they profess to be. Even at the quaint bed and breakfast, things happen that profess to have some secret happenings. As the annual fishing derby is just about to start, there are strangers in town. One handsome stranger is there to fish, but he's never been fishing. Coincidence? or perhaps something isn't quite kosher. You'll have to read and find out.
A Perfect Catch is a great read. Try it, you'll enjoy it.
So, I ask you -- small towns? Yes or No! I vote yes.
Happy Reading!
K. R. Baileyhttp://KRBailey.com
March 20, 2016
Birds of Sadness
You can't prevent the birds of sadness
from flying over your head,
but you can keep them from
nesting in your hair.
I haven't blogged in awhile. It seems like life keeps throwing things at me and I find it's hard to get back to my normal groove. Do you ever feel that way?
I've had my father fall and hurt himself and my family tried to take care of him at home but it just didn't work out so we had to move him to an assisted living center. He was very angry, and that is so hard to face. Thankfully, he is starting to get stronger.
But then my husband took sick with pneumonia, and that meant lots of doctor visits and worry before he finally started feeling better. Thank heavens.
Then guess who caught the crud that's been going around, and so I've been working my way through that.
I know -- everyone has woes. Everyone has sickness. Everyone has family issues, and I don't mean to blog because I'm asking for everyone to feel sorry for me. I'm just saying, I've been faced with birds of sadness flying over my head, and I'm sure you have too.
When I saw the above statement, I thought, yes, that's exactly true. Birds of sadness have been flying a little close for comfort, but I'm determined to keep them from nesting in my hair. I made up my mind to smile, to be pleasant even when it's been hard. You know what I mean? When you want to throw things and scream, you force yourself to be nice, to keep your chin up and smile.
Well, that's my words for you today. Don't give in to adversity. Don't throw things -- instead smile and make up your mind you will do your best to be pleasant and happy.
Don't let those birds of sadness take root and make a nest in your life. Life is too short to give up.
Happy Reading!
K. R. Baileyhttp://KRBailey.com
from flying over your head,
but you can keep them from
nesting in your hair.
I haven't blogged in awhile. It seems like life keeps throwing things at me and I find it's hard to get back to my normal groove. Do you ever feel that way?
I've had my father fall and hurt himself and my family tried to take care of him at home but it just didn't work out so we had to move him to an assisted living center. He was very angry, and that is so hard to face. Thankfully, he is starting to get stronger.
But then my husband took sick with pneumonia, and that meant lots of doctor visits and worry before he finally started feeling better. Thank heavens.
Then guess who caught the crud that's been going around, and so I've been working my way through that.
I know -- everyone has woes. Everyone has sickness. Everyone has family issues, and I don't mean to blog because I'm asking for everyone to feel sorry for me. I'm just saying, I've been faced with birds of sadness flying over my head, and I'm sure you have too.
When I saw the above statement, I thought, yes, that's exactly true. Birds of sadness have been flying a little close for comfort, but I'm determined to keep them from nesting in my hair. I made up my mind to smile, to be pleasant even when it's been hard. You know what I mean? When you want to throw things and scream, you force yourself to be nice, to keep your chin up and smile.
Well, that's my words for you today. Don't give in to adversity. Don't throw things -- instead smile and make up your mind you will do your best to be pleasant and happy.
Don't let those birds of sadness take root and make a nest in your life. Life is too short to give up.
Happy Reading!
K. R. Baileyhttp://KRBailey.com
February 22, 2016
Life - Live it Sunny Side Up
I've been away from my computer this past month. Health and family issues have taken precedence. I'm sure many of you have encountered these types of blips along the way. But I'm happy to say, life has evened out, health issues in the family are getting somewhat better. I'm now hopeful I can get back to writing.
As I was going through some mail, I found a couple of thoughts I want to share with you. They made me do some deep thinking.
Live for Today
Dream of Tomorrow
I think I can safely say many of us have trouble not letting our dreams take over the present. We need to live today, in the here and now. Experience the things life gives us. Yes, I know some days are harder than others and we need to take a little time and dream, but don't let your dreams overtake your every hour. Take steps to accomplish things today. Work on accomplishing your dream, but never let your dreams make you forget to smile at something, spend time with those you love, enjoy the little things that make life good, and find time to tell someone you love them.
In other words....
Live life sunny side up!
(Wish I could take credit for these thoughts, but I can't and I'm sorry, I don't know who said them)
Read a good book -- Give someone a hug -- Be Happy
Happy Reading!
K. R. Baileyhttp://www.KRBailey.com
As I was going through some mail, I found a couple of thoughts I want to share with you. They made me do some deep thinking.
Live for Today
Dream of Tomorrow
I think I can safely say many of us have trouble not letting our dreams take over the present. We need to live today, in the here and now. Experience the things life gives us. Yes, I know some days are harder than others and we need to take a little time and dream, but don't let your dreams overtake your every hour. Take steps to accomplish things today. Work on accomplishing your dream, but never let your dreams make you forget to smile at something, spend time with those you love, enjoy the little things that make life good, and find time to tell someone you love them.
In other words....
Live life sunny side up!
(Wish I could take credit for these thoughts, but I can't and I'm sorry, I don't know who said them)
Read a good book -- Give someone a hug -- Be Happy
Happy Reading!
K. R. Baileyhttp://www.KRBailey.com
January 24, 2016
Dark Secrets
Dark Secrets
. Don't you just love the title?
Originally, I had a different title for this story, but I gave my manuscript to a friend of mine to critique, and she came back with this title. I think it is perfect.
I really enjoyed writing Dark Secrets. I had the opportunity to visit West Virginia and Kentucky and I thought the area was beautiful. I knew I had to write a story set in that area.
Have you ever just knew in your heart that something wasn't right, that you weren't getting all the details? Well, that's exactly what Moira felt when she made the decision to take the assignment to go to West Virginia and write an article on the ginseng business. What she was really doing was uncovering what really happened to her brother. She couldn't accept he had an accident and died. What she uncovered were secrets that she would never have believed if she hadn't experienced them.
Here's a brief blurb:
She’s searching for answers ...Under the guise as a journalist learning the ginseng trade, Moira Dawson is determined to learn the truth about her brother’s death. Someone knows the secret of how he died, and she’s sure it’s murder.
He’s determined to protect what’s his …Beau Johnstone looks like a rugged mountain man, and he hates diggers who tear down his fences and destroy his property to dig the coveted ginseng roots, and he’s not afraid to run them off with a loaded shotgun.
Can they succeed?In the competitive world of the ginseng business, Moira wants answers, and she’ll not stop until she gets them. But what she learns could kill her. Beau is the key to her survival, but after meeting him at the end of his shotgun, he’s the last person she plans to trust.
If you're looking for a new book to read, try Dark Secrets . I think you'll be glad you did.
Dark Secrets is available in both paperback and kindle through Amazon.
Happy Reading!
K. R. Baileyhttp://www.KRBailey.com
Originally, I had a different title for this story, but I gave my manuscript to a friend of mine to critique, and she came back with this title. I think it is perfect.
I really enjoyed writing Dark Secrets. I had the opportunity to visit West Virginia and Kentucky and I thought the area was beautiful. I knew I had to write a story set in that area.
Have you ever just knew in your heart that something wasn't right, that you weren't getting all the details? Well, that's exactly what Moira felt when she made the decision to take the assignment to go to West Virginia and write an article on the ginseng business. What she was really doing was uncovering what really happened to her brother. She couldn't accept he had an accident and died. What she uncovered were secrets that she would never have believed if she hadn't experienced them.
Here's a brief blurb:
She’s searching for answers ...Under the guise as a journalist learning the ginseng trade, Moira Dawson is determined to learn the truth about her brother’s death. Someone knows the secret of how he died, and she’s sure it’s murder.
He’s determined to protect what’s his …Beau Johnstone looks like a rugged mountain man, and he hates diggers who tear down his fences and destroy his property to dig the coveted ginseng roots, and he’s not afraid to run them off with a loaded shotgun.
Can they succeed?In the competitive world of the ginseng business, Moira wants answers, and she’ll not stop until she gets them. But what she learns could kill her. Beau is the key to her survival, but after meeting him at the end of his shotgun, he’s the last person she plans to trust.
If you're looking for a new book to read, try Dark Secrets . I think you'll be glad you did.
Dark Secrets is available in both paperback and kindle through Amazon.
Happy Reading!
K. R. Baileyhttp://www.KRBailey.com
January 20, 2016
You Only Live Once
You only live once
But if you do it right
Once is all you need! (unknown)
I smiled when I read this. Then I thought, you know this is so true. We only have one life so we need to live it to the fullest. We won't have a dry run. We won't be able to stop and start over. We have today and hopefully tomorrow. There is no time to worry about yesterday. It's gone. Done.
Here's a motto to live by. I may have posted it before, but I think it's worth rereading.
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive
and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways,
body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming,
"WOO HOO what a ride!" (unknown)
Smile - it makes you feel good.
Dare to do something just for you, something you wouldn't normally do.
Enjoy the little things each day - a beautiful blue sky, the sound of a bird singing, the laughter of little children, a grubby, sticky hug from a child.
Live your life so you can say, "Woo Hoo, what a ride!
Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
http://www.KRBailey.com
But if you do it right
Once is all you need! (unknown)
I smiled when I read this. Then I thought, you know this is so true. We only have one life so we need to live it to the fullest. We won't have a dry run. We won't be able to stop and start over. We have today and hopefully tomorrow. There is no time to worry about yesterday. It's gone. Done.
Here's a motto to live by. I may have posted it before, but I think it's worth rereading.
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive
and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways,
body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming,
"WOO HOO what a ride!" (unknown)
Smile - it makes you feel good.
Dare to do something just for you, something you wouldn't normally do.
Enjoy the little things each day - a beautiful blue sky, the sound of a bird singing, the laughter of little children, a grubby, sticky hug from a child.
Live your life so you can say, "Woo Hoo, what a ride!
Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
http://www.KRBailey.com
January 17, 2016
Friends are Special People
This week I got together with friends I went to high school with. There were 18 in all. These women I've known for forty plus years. Some of them I've known since first grade. Each time we meet, another one or two join us. Tonight there were three I hadn't seen in all these years. Oh, we look different, our lives have changes, but it was such fun to renew acquaintances, reminisce about old times, and just catch up on each other's lives.
As I looked around the table this evening, I realized we are all very different - some are Caucasian, a couple are Japanese. Several are married, one has stayed single, others are divorced, and a few are widows. I, like several others, am retired, but many still have full-time jobs. You know, it didn't matter. We chatted and laughed and just enjoyed the evening. It was a fun escape from my normal routine, and I look forward to getting together again in a couple of months.
Why am I writing about this? I don't know except to say, friends are very special people. I'm lucky to have so many wonderful friends in my life.
Here's a thought I found that says what I feel this evening:
Friendship is a promise
Made in the heart,
Unbreakable by distance,
Unchangeable by time.
I am so thankful to have friends. I'm hoping you take time to renew acquaintances, get together with your friends, and let them help make your day even better.
Happy Reading!
K. R. Baileyhttp://www.KRBailey.com
As I looked around the table this evening, I realized we are all very different - some are Caucasian, a couple are Japanese. Several are married, one has stayed single, others are divorced, and a few are widows. I, like several others, am retired, but many still have full-time jobs. You know, it didn't matter. We chatted and laughed and just enjoyed the evening. It was a fun escape from my normal routine, and I look forward to getting together again in a couple of months.
Why am I writing about this? I don't know except to say, friends are very special people. I'm lucky to have so many wonderful friends in my life.
Here's a thought I found that says what I feel this evening:
Friendship is a promise
Made in the heart,
Unbreakable by distance,
Unchangeable by time.
I am so thankful to have friends. I'm hoping you take time to renew acquaintances, get together with your friends, and let them help make your day even better.
Happy Reading!
K. R. Baileyhttp://www.KRBailey.com
December 13, 2015
Books - Great Christmas Gifts!
I love getting books for Christmas.
My granddaughter loves books for Christmas.
My daughter-in-law loves books.
I think that's a hint -- give books for Christmas. They are available everywhere - on line, from stores, bookstores, iTunes, and in so many different ways.So many to choose from - fiction, non-fiction, biographies, picture books, historical -- really something for about anyone.
Hint -- Hint -- Hint -- Most of my books are available in ebook and paperback. Happy Reading! K. R. Bailey www.KRBailey.com
December 2, 2015
Books - I Love Them!
Isn't it great there are so many types and genres of books. Some are full length, over 100,000 words or about 300 - 500 pages. Others are short, quick reads, about 13,000 to 30,000 words or about 50 - 100 pages. Now we've added ebooks. So many choices in this age of technology.
As I sat at a booksigning this week, it was interesting how many people prefer holding a book when they read. They love the smell - the feel of a book. Holding one brings them satisfaction. These readers wouldn't even consider buying an ebook. The funny thing was, not all of those readers were from the older generation. But they all were adamant that they want to hold a book when they read.
Others were adamant. They only buy ebooks. They love their e-readers. They've given their books away, cleaned out the clutter of books stacked in corners and on shelves.
I've begun moving away from paperbacks and love my e-reader. It eliminates books sitting around gathering dust. Oh, I still love books, and I'm always thrilled to receive one. I have many favorite authors and get excited when I see they have a new book out. It's hard to pass up buying a new book, but with my e-reader, I can buy new books, and they are filed away on my little reader. I don't have to buy more bookcases, and I always have several books with me. My reader is compact and fits easily in my purse so I can take it anywhere. I love it!
It's definitely a new age with so many choices - paperbacks, ebooks, ibooks. Novels, novellas, short stories. Fiction, non-fiction.
Books -- any kind -- I love them!
Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com
As I sat at a booksigning this week, it was interesting how many people prefer holding a book when they read. They love the smell - the feel of a book. Holding one brings them satisfaction. These readers wouldn't even consider buying an ebook. The funny thing was, not all of those readers were from the older generation. But they all were adamant that they want to hold a book when they read.
Others were adamant. They only buy ebooks. They love their e-readers. They've given their books away, cleaned out the clutter of books stacked in corners and on shelves.
I've begun moving away from paperbacks and love my e-reader. It eliminates books sitting around gathering dust. Oh, I still love books, and I'm always thrilled to receive one. I have many favorite authors and get excited when I see they have a new book out. It's hard to pass up buying a new book, but with my e-reader, I can buy new books, and they are filed away on my little reader. I don't have to buy more bookcases, and I always have several books with me. My reader is compact and fits easily in my purse so I can take it anywhere. I love it!
It's definitely a new age with so many choices - paperbacks, ebooks, ibooks. Novels, novellas, short stories. Fiction, non-fiction.
Books -- any kind -- I love them!
Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com
November 29, 2015
Love New Authors
Don't you love it when you pick up a book and can't put it down?
Once in a while I find a new author, and that's what happened this week.
At writers conferences, I'm given freebie books by new authors, and I admit a lot of the time I stack them in a corner and don't read them. Every so often, I thumb through the stack looking for a new book to read. I found the book, Shadow of Danger, by Jeanne Marie Leach. I really enjoy it. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down.
Here's the back cover blurb:
Rachel Ringhold is roused from her bed in the middle of the night and sent away from the orphanage, where she d grown up and now works. Dazed and confused, she flees from an undisclosed danger. With a prayer in her heart, and little money in her satchel, she sets out to find Seb Jameson, the man who used to work for the orphanage as blacksmith and handyman, and who d captured her heart as a youth.
Tired, dirty, and malnourished, Rachel finally reaches Leadville, Colorado and discovers Seb engaged to be married. Unaware of the turbulence in Seb and Myra s relationship, Rachel enjoys her new life and grows to a fresh awareness of what Jesus Christ accomplished for her on the cross. The danger suddenly catches up to her. Her renewed faith is shattered. All she d ever wanted was for someone to love her and a home of her own, but now her dreams have been stripped from her. Rachel wonders who can save her now, or if there s there anyone who would want to.
The heroine was immediately thrown into a dire situation, and I was hooked. It's a Christian sweet read with characters you'll root for. Ms. Leach kept me wondering right to the end. It was a very enjoyable read.
If you like sweet western historical romances, you'll enjoy Shadow of Danger.
Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
http://www.KRBailey.com
Once in a while I find a new author, and that's what happened this week.
At writers conferences, I'm given freebie books by new authors, and I admit a lot of the time I stack them in a corner and don't read them. Every so often, I thumb through the stack looking for a new book to read. I found the book, Shadow of Danger, by Jeanne Marie Leach. I really enjoy it. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down.
Here's the back cover blurb:
Rachel Ringhold is roused from her bed in the middle of the night and sent away from the orphanage, where she d grown up and now works. Dazed and confused, she flees from an undisclosed danger. With a prayer in her heart, and little money in her satchel, she sets out to find Seb Jameson, the man who used to work for the orphanage as blacksmith and handyman, and who d captured her heart as a youth.
Tired, dirty, and malnourished, Rachel finally reaches Leadville, Colorado and discovers Seb engaged to be married. Unaware of the turbulence in Seb and Myra s relationship, Rachel enjoys her new life and grows to a fresh awareness of what Jesus Christ accomplished for her on the cross. The danger suddenly catches up to her. Her renewed faith is shattered. All she d ever wanted was for someone to love her and a home of her own, but now her dreams have been stripped from her. Rachel wonders who can save her now, or if there s there anyone who would want to.
The heroine was immediately thrown into a dire situation, and I was hooked. It's a Christian sweet read with characters you'll root for. Ms. Leach kept me wondering right to the end. It was a very enjoyable read.
If you like sweet western historical romances, you'll enjoy Shadow of Danger.
Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
http://www.KRBailey.com
