Sunday, 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
 

Wednesday, 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

Sunday, 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

Sunday, November 22, 2015

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:





 

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

 

 

 

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

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. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com

Sunday, November 15, 2015

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

Sunday, November 8, 2015

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

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

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. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com

Sunday, November 1, 2015

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

Saturday, October 24, 2015

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.


Sunday, August 23, 2015

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
 

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

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

Friday, July 10, 2015

It's Here!

Received my cover for my newest story, Dark Secrets, from my cover artist.  I think she did a fantastic job and I'm excited to share it with you.


Dark Secrets is a romantic mystery and here's a short 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.

 He’s determined to protect what’s his …
Beau Johnstone looks like a rugged mountain man, and he hates ‘sangers who tear down his fences and destroy his property to dig the coveted roots. When Moira meets Beau at the end of his shotgun, he’s the last person she plans to trust.

Together, can they succeed?
As Moira unravels the mysteries of Cold Hollow, Beau may be her only chance of survival if she can get past the secrets he’s keeping. But without his help, she’s destined for the same fate as her brother.

I'm excited about this story. It should be available later this summer.

Happy Reading!

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

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Want To Be A 'Sanger?

What's a 'sanger you ask? Well, until I watched the reality TV series on the History Channel, Appalachian Outlaws about digging ginseng, I had no idea either.

Ok, why am I blogging about this? Because it gave me an idea about a new book - Dark Secrets that should be coming out later this summer.

I had no inkling that ginseng grew wild in parts of the United States, as well as areas of Quebec and Ontario. When I started doing some research, I found not only that it grows wild but that many states regulate the entire ginseng business from those who dig the roots to being a registered dealer. You need a license to be a 'sanger or ginseng digger. There's even regulations about how old a plant must be before it can be harvested.  How do you know a plant's age? Count the scars near the base of the stem. Each year the stem and leaves die back and leave a scar. Count these and it will give you an approximate age of the plant. The berries must be replanted near the harvested plant so more can grow.

Many of these facts are placed sporadically in my story.

There's even websites on how to dig, harvest, store the roots and when it can be sold or certified and when the actual season is. I was amazed at all the information about harvesting ginseng. I thought it was just something from China and Korea, used in herbal medicine. Boy did I get my eyes opened.

Of course my story, Dark Secrets, is a work of fiction with a few facts sprinkled throughout. The TV program portrayed the business as very competitive thus I've tried to  bring that into my story.

I enjoyed creating this story. It has a few twists and turns that I hope will keep you wanting to read more.

Dark Secrets should be released later this summer.  Watch for it!

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com


Saturday, June 6, 2015

What's Your Favorite Place?

Do you have a favorite place? Oh, I'm sure everyone does. I have to admit I have several favorites - Yellowstone National Park is high on my list of favorite places. So is my cabin in the mountains of Northern Utah. Recently, I visited the state of Kentucky and fell in love with it. I could go on and on, but today I want to talk a little bit about Colorado and the area near Glenwood Springs - Redstone and Marble.

Now why do I want to talk about that area? I have to admit its because my recent book, A Perfect Catch, talks about the area of Redstone and Marble.

Have you ever had a conversation with a new friend and you talk about one of your favorite places? Well, in my book, A Perfect Catch, that's exactly what they do. Erin and K.C. go to dinner in Park City - oh, that's another beautiful favorite spot of mine. Anyway, K.C. tells her about Redstone and why he loves it there. I wasn't sure how many of you have been there so I thought I'd explain a little about Redstone, Colorado, and the tiny town of Marble.


Redstone is called the Ruby of the Rockies and was an old mining town situated along the beautiful Crystal River.



 At one time, Redstone was a small arts community. Many of the old homes have been turned into antique and gift shops and some of them are still open.  A beautiful Inn was built as housing for a model coal mining town in the late 1800s by John C. Osgood.  The town of Redstone was his dream, and the inn and coke ovens across from the town stand as monuments to that dream.
Today, the Inn is a nice place to relax, eat or enjoy a drink, and sit on the terrace and listen to various musicians.  A few of the old miner's houses still dot the steep hillside and the small town is an interesting place to visit.

Once of my favorite places just outside of Redstone is Cleveholm Manor or many call it "the Redstone Castle". This was Mr. Osgood's former residence. At one time it was open to the public to explore, and then it was turned into a bed and breakfast. The last time I was there, it was closed to visitors, but it's still a grand place and interesting to drive by as it sits atop the hillside.


It has forty-two rooms and built in the Tudor Style with servants’ quarters, a guard house with a huge wrought-iron and rock gate, and carriage houses. You can sit on the patio and enjoy the wonderful view below of the clear flowing water of the Crystal River amidst the aspens and pines.

 
Years ago, a railway went from Carbondale just outside of Glenwood Springs past Redstone to Marble where some of the world's best marble, including the six-ton piece used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was quarried. The railway is not there, but along Highway 133 you can see where the railroad bed once was. Along the riverbed you can see pieces of scrap marble, and I understand it was dumped there to shore up the riverbank. Below is a picture of a couple chunks of the white marble laying alongside the road leading up to the old quarry.

The little town of Marble is surrounded by tall peaks and thick aspens as the road twists and narrows as you travel along the Crystal River. The Colorado Yule Marble Mill, located about four miles above the small town of Marble, closed in 1942 but reopened in 1990. Blocks of marble are trucked down as shown in this picture.  

I'm told this is one of only a few places in the world where you can get white marble.

If you're ever in Glenwood Springs. Colorado, take a small roadtrip along Highway 133. Follow the beautiful Crystal River. Stop in Redstone and do some exploring, perhaps take time to get a drink or a snack in the old hotel and travel back in time as you visit Marble. It's one of my favorite places. What's yours?

I hope this gives you a few tidbits about the Redstone and helps you better picture the small town Erin and K.C. talk about in my story, A Perfect Catch. If you haven't picked up your copy of the book, it is available in both ebook and print formats through Amazon.com.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com

 
 

Sunday, April 12, 2015

If Walls Could Talk

I love speculating about old homes. Think of the stories they could tell us about the lives of the people who lived there many years ago.

A few weeks back my husband and I went for a drive in southern Idaho and I took these two pictures. These old homes fascinate me.  One is just sitting there empty, and it made me wonder what happened. Did the family move away? Did they just grow old and die and no one wanted the home? What did they do while they lived there? Did they have a big family?

So many questions went through my mind. The home felt empty and lost in this world and I just had to snap its pictures.

A few miles down the road I saw this old home and thought it interesting. It has been renovated and looks like someone still lives there. I still wondered about its history and the family who originally built it.
Why does one home get remodeled and continue to be lived in and the other doesn't?

Can you feel the difference? One has life, the other feels empty.
Wouldn't you just love to hear the stories about the lives of those who worked here, baked bread, ate together as a family in days gone by?

The other day I was doing some research on Cripple Creek and found this picture of an old house in that area. I wonder what secrets it could tell us.

I know most of the stories are long dead and gone, and probably we won't ever get to hear them, but I still wanted to share one of my passions with you. I'll keep wondering, and when I do hear stories about families of the old west and early days of settlers, I'll listen closely and enjoy them while I picture the old homes that were built with loving hands, hours of work, to house a young family or a hard-working settler with big dreams.

What about you? Do you ever wonder what stories you'd hear if the walls could talk?

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Reach For The Sky!

Dare to dream. Dare to reach for the sky.

The first step on the road to success is to DREAM IT.

Creating goals - both business and personal - are very important.  Do you want to succeed?  Take a moment and do this.

1.  Write down your goals.  Write down what you want to achieve, both in the short-term and long-term. Get on the right track - DO THIS! I know, I hate writing down goals too, but I think it is important to identify what it is you want to achieve.

What do you want to accomplish?
When do you want to achieve this?
Will you allow others to help you?
What do you want for yourself and your family?

BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR GOALS!!!
(Taken from Choice Financial training manual)

By making a commitment to succeed, you're making a statement to yourself and others.

I remember hearing this and it struck a cord.  I'd like to share it with you.

If you want to do something bad enough
  No one can stop you.
If you don't want to do something bad enough
   No one can help you.
     -----James Owens

So true.  Here's another saying:

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

When you say yes to something, you say no to something else.  Unknown

Make a choice to be successful.  There's still time this year to accomplish something you've wanted to do.  For me, obviously, it's finishing a book or perhaps a set of short stories.  Right now, I'll take the challenge with you and make a commitment.  Will you join me?

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Monday, February 23, 2015

I have news!

My newest story, A Perfect Catch, is now available on Amazon.com in kindle format.

Here's a short excerpt:


They pulled the chairs closer to the fireplace. K.C. sensed that Erin relaxed as she stared into the flickering flames. He watched the way her delicate fingers held the coffee mug. He fantasized about her fingers with their neatly trimmed nails. Desire coursed through him, and he longed to hold her hand and kiss her palm, perhaps feel them running over his body.

            He wanted to touch her, to connect with her. When he reached for her hand, he was pleased she let him hold it and clasped her fingers in his. Her skin was soft and warm, her hands small and delicate. She smelled of powder, her hair filled with the scent of lilacs, and he ached to run his hands through her sun-streaked brown hair.

            “You look deep in thought,” Erin said.

            K.C. glanced at their clasped hands then looked at her. “Thinking I’d like to kiss you.”

            Erin attempted to pull her hand away, but he held tightly.

“Don’t pull away from me.” He waited, and when she didn’t move, he leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her mouth.

He heard her quick intake of breath before she pulled her hand from his hold. “It’s late.”

He watched her stand abruptly, and for just a moment, regretted kissing her. When she paused before walking away, he saw the slight blush on her cheeks and relished the feel and taste of her on his mouth.

“Goodnight.” Her voice was businesslike, and she hurried from the room.

He realized he was in trouble. This woman was so different than most of the fluffy, soft, perfumed ladies he dated, and yet he was drawn to her brusque ways. He loved watching the way she smiled or how her face lit up when she talked about fishing. She wasn’t as buxom as many of the women he spent time with, but she had all the right curves. Even though she didn’t try to be, she was all woman.

He sighed.

Why in the hell did she have to be the one he knew would get hurt by what he had to do?

*****

A Perfect Catch should be available in paperback shortly.  I'm also working to have it available in other formats and hopefully that will happen this month.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey
www.KRBailey.com