K.R. Bailey's Blog, page 6

A Sweet Christmas Story

We're in the midst of the holiday season, a time for giving, of thinking of others, of giving thanks for what we have. And, for me, the holiday season is a time when I love to take some time for me and read a new book, or perhaps reread one of my old favorites.
I just want to remind all of you about my first Christmas story - My Guardian Angel . It's a sweet story about two people who have lost their spouses and are trying to find a way to move on during this holiday season.


After thirty-eight years of marriage, Emma Clawson is alone. A widow.  Her husband has always taken care of everything, the fields, the yard, even plowing snow off the driveway.   She’s spent her life caring for her husband and family.  Now she must find a way to move on. But how?   
Joe Bailey, a handsome widower, involved with a rich, beautiful woman, finds their relationship is lacking.  His family has encouraged him to date, but the women he meets don’t fill the empty void deep in his heart.
When Joe is asked to help harvest the fields for a neighbor, he is drawn to the pretty brown-haired widow with the sad, lonely eyes.  She is fighting the ravages of loneliness and insecurity, and he longs to be there to help and care for her.  Can he find the way into her heart? Will she allow him to help her learn to live again?  

My Guardian Angel has had some great reviews. Here's a couple of them:
This is a wonderful short story, which K. R. Bailey penned of loss, and learning to
live and love again. Can these two hearts find each other and fill the
void that their hearts need. Christmas is a lonely time when the one
you have loved and spent your life with is gone. Family and friends mean
well but it is not the same. This is a short but heart-warming story. I
really enjoyed it and know you will to. -- Debra, Between The Lines Review
  MY GUARDIAN ANGEL is a book that steps outside of the mould of young nubile protagonists, that have all the energy and zest to make things happen. This is a read where both people have already lived a good life - a life they were happy with, satisfied in and while not perfect would not change any aspect of it.

MY GUARDIAN ANGEL is a truly impressive read from author K.R. Bailey, a must buy.
 ~~~~~~~
My Guardian Angel is available in most all ebook formats through:
The Wild Rose Press
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Kobo books
 
Happy Reading! K. R. Bailey            www.KRBailey.com
 
 
 

Thought for November

Today is the oldest you've ever been
Yet the youngest you'll ever be
So enjoy this day while it lasts.

I smiled when I read this because it is such a simple idea and so very true. I wonder how many of us really give this much thought. I know I really hadn't. I just get up each morning and go through life, doing the things I need to do. I never think that this is the youngest I'll ever be. I guess that's because I never think of myself being young. I wanted to share the idea with you.

Here's another one that was printed on the board at a doctor's office. It gives us some good ways to think about the things that happen to us each day.

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you happiness
Bad days give you experiences
Both are essential in life
All are Gold's blessings.

Have a good day. I hope I've given you some tidbits to think about as you go about your day.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Baileywww.KRBailey.com

Lila's Christmas Dream

My newest Christmas story - Lila's Christmas Dream is available for pre-order on Amazon.com




Lila Hanford has dreams of seeing exotic places and meeting interesting people, but mostly she dreams of running and dancing like other young women her age. Childhood polio left her with a limp, feeling homely and awkward, but she refuses to give up on hopes and dreams. Meeting the freighters each afternoon and feeding the homeless is something she enjoys because they don’t care how she walks. The day Dax Carter, an injured war veteran, hobbles into her life, everything changes. Now she isn’t sure if he’ll break her heart or if there’s enough magic in Christmas to make her dreams come true.

If you enjoy a sweet love story, you'll enjoy Lila's Christmas Dream .

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com

My Eyesight - So Very Precious

This afternoon my husband told me about a woman who wanted to be blind, and the idea has haunted me. Why would anyone want to live their life in darkness if they didn't have to?

Mind you, I realize many have no choice and live very fulfilling lives, and I applaud them. But if you have sight, why would you ever want to give it up?

November is a month of thanks, and I found myself thinking of how grateful I am for so many things like seeing my granddaughter chasing through the field with our yellow lab, laughing and giggling with such joy, or seeing the pleased grin on the face my young grandson when the family sang happy birthday to him. The joy of my grandchildren staring in wonder at the bright lights on our Christmas tree holding a present with their name creates such unbelievable joy in my heart.

I can't imagine not seeing the face of my granddaughter on her wedding day. There's nothing like the beautiful smile of a young woman in love dressed in a white gown as she walks down the aisle toward her soon to be husband.

I found myself thinking of the first tulips in springtime, the gorgeous summer sunset as the sky lights up in red and orange, the blazing colors of a fall mountain when the leaves are changing, or the pristine beauty of a winter day after a snow storm when the world is draped in white.

So many gorgeous sights. A pheasant with his bright colors shining in the sun. The sight of a cow moose with her baby grazing in a green meadow. The sight of a stately bull elk standing proud against the morning sun.

I'm so grateful to be able to see these things and so much more. My eyesight is precious.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com

Live Every Day!

Once in awhile I come across a thought that just inspires me and this is one I found in a magazine. I'd like to share it with you.

Live Every Moment
Laugh Every Day
Love Beyond Words

I know many of you will say, I live every moment. We're alive. We're living. But I ask, did you make the most of every minute of every day? Too often I think we just go through the motions of getting up, getting dressed, go to work, come home and veg in front of the TV. When my husband and I first married, we talked about life in general, things like Christmas, birthdays, etc and decided that life can be boring or hard, but it is up to us to make special occasions.

Have you laughed today? I don't mean a smile at a friend, I mean a big laugh, the kind that makes you wiggle with happiness, the laugh out loud kind of laugh. Most of us don't laugh. I see people every day and it's hard to even coax many of them to smile. Every one is in too big a hurry to even enjoy what they are doing. Laugh is good for our souls. Take a moment and laugh.

Have you ever loved beyond words? I thought about that statement and wondered if any of us ever really love beyond words. That is so overpowering to even think about, isn't it? But then I thought about how I feel about my grandchildren and the love I have for them is beyond words. I lost my mother over ten years ago but the love I still have for her is so powerful that I'd say I love her beyond words.

I urge you to think about the thoughts and live every moment of your life. Take time to laugh, and whatever else, find someone or something or even a place and love it beyond words.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Baileywww.KRBailey.com

Time Will Tell

I just read a great book by Author Cindy A. Christiansen entitled, Time Will Tell , A Merchant Street Mystery.


Time Will Tell is a great read by Cindy A. Christiansen. She builds the characters in such a way that you are rooting for each one of them. Being forced to take care of an eccentric uncle, the heroine is thrown into a crazy world of taking care of not only him, but his little dog, his clock business, and it seems the homeless man who her uncle has hired. But with a hoarding problem, the uncle has so much stuff that she can hardly find her way through it. Then there's the hunky homeless man who sure is capable of most anything. Ms. Christiansen adds just a hint of mystery when the shop is broken into and the neighborhood wants the shop closed. I couldn't put the book down until I found out what's going on. I'd definitely recommend Time Will Tell.....

If you haven't read anything by Cindy A. Christiansen, you're missing out. Take a chance. Pick up her book. You'll be glad you did!

Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com

Thought for the Week

As you probably can tell, I collect thoughts. All types of thoughts. In fact, I have a file folder on my desk and a binder on a shelf full of them. I also have stacks of them in little nooks and crannies around my house. I love thoughts and little stories that have a message whether it be inspirational, funny, full of love, whatever. I love them!

Here's one I found just this week, and I wanted to share:

The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
                     ....Sally Berger

My first instinct, was duh, we all know that. But as I thought about it, I realized that I've had many dreams of accomplishing things but I never got around to taking that first step, the hard step of starting.

Whether it was doing crafts, cleaning my house, succeeding at work, or writing a book, the hardest part was doing something to get started.

I had the desire for a long time to write a book and get published way before I ever did. Know what my problem was? Taking the time to do it. I had a lot of excuses why I didn't have the time. I didn't know what to do, so I didn't do anything. How did I format my book? I didn't know so I didn't do anything. How did I get it published? Again, it was an excuse not to start. How did I find an editor? What if no one wanted to read it? So many excuses. I drug my feet and didn't do it for years.

Once I finally made up my mind I wanted to write and get published, I started taking little steps. I found the Romance Writers of America. I met other helpful authors. I interviewed agents and editors and publishers at conferences. It was amazing how easily I found out what I needed to do. So I did it! More than ten books later, I'm still writing and enjoying seeing my hard work published.

Do you have a desire to accomplish something? Do it! Take the first step. Forget worrying about failure. Just do it!

Happy Reading!
K. R. Bailey
http://www.KRBailey.com

Love Old Western Towns

It was about four o'clock in the afternoon on May 26, 1863 when a ragged, trail-weary party of six men decided to make camp beside a mountain stream. One man decided to pan for enough gold to buy some tobacco. What he discovered would prove to be one of the richest gold deposits in North America and would be a pivotal event in Montana history.

Within a year after that first pan of gold was found along Alder Creek, Virginia City grew to a population of 8,000 - 10,000 people and became one of the prominent cities of the Rocky Mountains. But by 1875, just a mere twelve years later, mining activity had greatly diminished and so had the area's population. Many of the mining camps were abandoned and Virginia City's population was less then 800 people.

I love old western ghost towns. I remember as a child visiting Virginia City, Montana, walking down the main street where the old buildings had been converted to shops and riding the stagecoach up to boot hill. When my husband took me back this summer, I was amazed at how different my memories from childhood were from what I saw. Now I'm not saying I was disappointed in Virginia City as it is today. It was just different than what I remembered.

For one thing,Virginia City was bigger than I remembered. Talking to my Dad, it's what he remembered so obviously as a child, things felt different than what I see today. Homes are scattered along the main street and up over the hills surrounding the town. Some are still historic buildings. Others are residences where people reside today.

I remember the excitement of getting aboard an old stagecoach and riding up the hill toward boot hill. At that time -- at least from my memory -- it had many headstones. I remember walking through the old cemetery and reading those old headstones. Sadly, today, there are only five graves left on boot hill and they are vigilantes who were hung and buried there. After the outlaws were buried on Boot Hill, most of the residents preferred to be buried at the new Hillside Cemetery not far away. They even had the remains of their families moved from boot hill to Hillside because they didn't want to be anywhere near the vigilantes. I thought that was pretty interesting.

 Hillside Cemetery sits on a hill with a rod iron fence and gate with rock pillars. I thought this was an interesting looking old headstone which stands out as I gazed across the Hillside Cemetery.

Virginia City was the site of many "firsts" in Montana's colorful history:
1 - Home of the first territorial capital
2 - Home of the first newspaper (The Montana Post)
3 - The first meeting of Montana's Historical Society met there
4 - The first public school
5 - The first Masonic Lodge

The actual buildings associated with many of these historic events remain preserved. In fact, I understand there are more 1860's buildings preserved there than found anywhere else in the west.

A man named Charlie Bovey fell in love with the unique history and charm of this area and began purchasing buildings and property in the late 1940's. He saved many buildings from demolition and decay.

Wow, so much history and I'm glad. It provides us with a glimpse into history that would be forever lost.

In 1898 the mining dredge boat arrived.
It was a mechanical marvel and became the first dredge to begin operations. Dredging brought new life to the area and continued until 1937.

As we drove into the area of Virginia City, there were big hills of tailings left over from the dredge operations. Again, these were something I don't remember as a kid, but the leftover tailings line the river. One sign said they found so many garnets that the valley became known as Ruby Valley.

Another tidbit I didn't know was the trail between Virginia City and Bannock was rife with so many bandits that the trail became known as Vigilante Trail.

Just between Nevada City and Virginia City sits the remnant of an old train engine and passenger car. In 1964, a 1 1/2 mile railroad line was built linking the two cities.

I could go on and on about the interesting sights, but I'd urge you to take a trip to Montana and visit Virginia City for yourself.

Any while you are there, don't forget to stop and see Nevada City which is just 1 1/2 miles west. Charles Bovey collected many old Montana buildings and moved them to Nevada City where previously old buildings once stood. The town's original layout was retained. Today it is an outdoor historical museum with numerous artifacts and furnishings.

Take some time and go exploring. You'll be glad you did.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey
http://www.KRBailey.com

Thanks to the interesting websites "Legends of America" and "Virginia City.com". They provided me with much of the information I quoted above.

It's Official!

Finally, I can announce that Dark Secrets will be available for order this week. I'm really excited about this story.
What's it about?
Here's a brief excerpt:

Her fingers tingled when he took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. The heat from his body enveloped her as she slid into his arms. It felt so good nestled against his body. His grasp on her waist was firm.
Electricity arched between them as they danced together, moving as one, her leg between his, her breasts pushed against his muscled chest. His scent surrounded her as she closed her eyes and breathed deep. Beau. She brought his name to her mouth, and it rolled off her tongue like butter.
“I think that blue bottle had some magic potion in it,” she whispered.
“Enjoy.” He smiled and placed a feathered kiss against her forehead.
His lips were soft and left trails of fire on her skin as they traced down her check and to that spot just below her ear. She closed her eyes, relishing his touch as they moved in sync to the slow, sensuous music. Without realizing it, she ran her hand across his shoulders and to that long, curling hair. As she pulled her fingers through it, she heard him groan.
“Wanna get out of here?” His voice was a low growl, and she heard the want – the need – in it. Her heart pounded and she fought to catch her breath at the knowledge that he felt just like she did.
“Okay.” She stepped back, but before she broke contact, he pulled her against him, so close her body was tucked up against him like a tight tee and stretchy jeans. He kissed her. His kiss beckoned for more, and she gasped at its intensity. She met his kiss and dug her fingers into his back with all the passion she held inside. Her heart pounded as he explored her mouth, and all she wanted was more. More of his kisses, more of his touches.
The music stopped, but they remained locked together, lips tasting, opening to allow the warm, moist exploration of tongues dancing.
Someone cleared their throat.
Moira looked up to see three couples watching, grinning at their actions. She ducked her head into Beau’s shoulder, and he led her off the dance floor and to his truck.
The cab surrounded them, making a warm secluded cocoon.
Beau put his key into the ignition, but before he started the truck, he pulled her against him one more time. His lips met her already kiss-swollen ones, and she whimpered with need. They remained pressed against each other. Moira fought to control her breathing and the pounding of her heart.
Beau kissed her once again. His lips lingered. She closed her eyes at the feel of his warm breath against her skin when his mouth slid from her lips down her throat. Her legs quivered at the want of more. Her breath caught at the touch of his lips down her neck.
“Gotta stop,” he growled.
Cold air whooshed between them as he pulled away and started the truck.
“Hurry,” she urged as they drove away from the pub and into the mountain. Moira marveled at how right it felt being with Beau, holding his hand, their thighs touching, her body trembling with need.
The inky sky lit up like a million twinkle lights as the stars glowed in the heavens as if fireworks exploded along with her pounding heart. Excitement flashed through her when she looked at Beau.
He glanced at her and his eyes were dark pools of gold. He smiled and all she could think about was his full lips kissing her  ̶  everywhere. He squeezed her hand, and she glanced down at the long fingers and anticipated their touch. All memories of the wild mountain man escaped her as they traveled up the dark, winding road that she knew would lead to his cabin. Their hideaway. His bed
Dark Secrets will be available in ebook format exclusively from Amazon this week.  The print book should be available shortly.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey www.KRBailey.com  

Why Is The Grass Always Greener?

Have you ever noticed that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence?

Are you the "swinging single" who has all your paycheck to spend as you desire? Who lives your own life, never having to report to anyone when you do something, who works when you want to and plays when you want to? Are you the one everyone envies because you have control over your own life?

You're also probably the one who struggles to pay bills with one paycheck when all your married friends have two incomes. You're probably the one who hates social functions because you face going to them alone or with a "new friend" who is a gorgeous hunk, but in reality that hunk is either boring or unfamiliar and you envy those "couples" who always attend functions together, always knowing how the other will react.

You're probably the one who lives the "exciting life" when in fact you're bored and restless, wishing for some of the contentment your couple friends enjoy.

Or, are you perhaps part of the married couple that has everything going for you? Who has so much in common? Who has a couple of lovely kids? Who has all the nice things like a big home, new car, boat, ATVs, etc?

You're probably the one who envies the excitement of meeting a new man like your single friends do. You're probably the one who envies the freedom and the control of your life your single friends have. You'd love to just once spend a paycheck on you rather than the kids and necessities. You'd love a change rather than the contentment (maybe boredom sometimes) you think your life is today.

Why is it we never are satisfied with our lives? Have you noticed everyone feels someone else lives a better life?

I wonder how many of us really sit down and realize that we are the reasons we're happy -- or not. Everyone, no matter what lifestyle they live, faces problems and frustrations and depending on how they react, can be happy.

I know it sounds too easy, but it really is.

The following are my philosophies but I'd like to share them with you.

1. Decide what you want. It's up to you to take the steps to achieve it.

2.  Don't blame others.  You made the decision to be where you are in life. It's up to you to change it.

3.  Where are you? Look closely at yourself.

4.  Have you tried to improve or change? If not, why not?

5.  Talk to people (friends, relatives, etc)

6.  Do you really want things different?

7.  Accept things -- go for it if you really want to change. 

8.  It's up to you to be happy --- make the decision to look at things positively.

I love these thoughts:

You can achieve anything but
sometimes it comes at a cost
      ....Annie Oartman

When you say yes to something
You say no to something else!
    ....Unknown

Okay, I'm done. Have a great day -- decide to be happy.  You deserve it!

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com