Holiday Season - What's Your Favorite

We are in the middle of the Holiday Season and as I was out running errands the other day, I found myself thinking about my favorite thing about the season. As I started listing off things I like, I decided it would be a lot easier to list what I hate rather than what I love. But, I don't want to get into the negative. Not this time of year. I believe this should be a happy time, a time for joy and peace and nice things. So, here's my list of things I would call my favorite things.

1. Family and Friends. Getting together, enjoying each other's company, sharing good food, good memories. I hope each of you have friends and family to share this special time of year with.

2. The beautiful Christmas Carols. I've always loved Christmas songs. Even the funny ones like Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. All of the Christmas songs are special. Take some time and listen to one or two of your favorites.

3.  The bright lights. I love the way the lights twinkle on the Christmas tree. I so enjoy taking evening rides and seeing how the houses are lit up -- each different, each something special.

4. Seeing the excitement in my grandchildren's eyes. I think this is one that really should be at the top of the list. It seems like kids, young and old, get excited to receive a special gift, sit on Santa's knee, take part in a Christmas play, or even sing with their school class. They get so excited to dress up, and I love the happiness that shows on each of their faces.

5. Giving. Yes, the spirit of giving abounds. I have to admit I love the feeling of doing something special, buying the perfect gifts, or giving to others who haven't as much as I have. If you haven't done that, try it if you can. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside knowing that I'm doing something good in the world today.

Ok, so I could go on and on, and I'm sure if you take a few minutes, you could too. I hope you will take some time to enjoy the holidays. Take some time for yourself to relax, listen to a Christmas song, smell the beautiful pungent smell of pine trees, and just relax doing what you love best.

May this season be a season of joy. May you find peace and happiness. May the love of family and friends surround you.

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

So Many Different Ideas

Isn't it funny how one person can absolutely love a book and another person can't get into it. Doesn't like it at all. I guess that's one reason why there are so many different books written by so many different authors each with different themes, characters, ideas. I love it that we are so diversified. I love that I have so many different choices.

I'm writing this because of the new story I'm in the process of editing - The Mountain View Café. It's a story I wrote a while back. My sister loved it. Her friend Margo did too. I had a beta reader look at it and she told me it was hard to read and was probably the least favorite of the books I had written.

I smile because that's okay. I want my writing to invoke different feelings and emotions. If not, I wouldn't have done my job. Right?

I'll be anxious for you to read my book - The Mountain View Café and let me know how you like it (or not) Lol

Here's a brief blurb:

As the owner of the Mountain View Café, Franny Alexander has found a way to move on after losing her husband in the war and surviving a brutal attack. She just wants peace and to enjoy the life she’s created.

The war left Dean Bailey with terrible emotional and physical scars. He now has his own construction company and is attempting to settle into a good life.

Maggie is a lost young woman trying to find her place. An abusive relationship with a drug addict has stripped away her self-esteem. She’s full of bitterness after her mother took her away from her childhood home and had her father declared dead. Now she’s searching for a better life.

Shaun Mathews is a great psychologist who tries to be there for everyone. His life takes an unexpected turn when a young woman rushes into his office and throws him into an impossible situation.

Can these four lost souls, who have struggled to survive the pain and hurt life has thrown at them, find the happiness they are searching for at the Mountain View Café?

I'm excited to finally get this one published. I'll be anxious to hear what you think.

In the meantime, enjoy that you have so many wonderful stories to choose from. I am. I love reading, and I love reading new works by authors I haven't read before.

Take a care. Find a new author. Try out a new book! And I'll let you know when The Mountain View Café is published.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Hello Again

Hello Again!

I'm thrilled to announce I have a couple of stories getting really close to getting published. That's always a great feat for me.

The first one is The Mountain View Café. I've been working on this story for several years now. I have to admit I keep putting it on the back burner and then keep bringing it back out. I decided it is now or never. It's a story that I started years ago when my husband and I purchased our 1955 Chevy Bel Air and went to some car shows. It was fun meeting others who enjoyed classic cars, and I think one of the funnest things is the Cruise-In where everyone drives up and down the main road to show off their cars.  It gave me the idea for this story.

What took me so long, you ask? Well, the world kept changing. When I first wrote the story I wanted it set after the Viet Nam War. Course, that was so many years ago that most don't think about it much. Now the war is in the gulf - Irag, Iran, etc, so I decided to rewrite and bring it more current.

It's getting really close to being ready to publish. I have a tentative cover made and hopefully I can finally hit the button to send it to print. Watch for it.

I'll talk about the second one in a later post.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

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. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Friends - Our gift to Ourself

"A friend is a present you give yourself."  Unknown

This made me think of all the wonderful friends that I'm lucky to have. That's when the above saying came to mind. Friends are special presents in this life. Here's another thought about friends that I love:

Make new friends,
Keep the old.
One is silver,
The other gold.
     Unknown

I don't know who wrote these thoughts but I think they convey my feelings perfectly. I have friends I've known since high school (and believe me that's a long time ago). I still cherish the time we get together. Seems like lately, we don't get together as often as we used to, but I love that we can go for ages and not see each other, but when we do, it's like no time has passed. We can laugh about the past. It's fun to catch up on their family, what they've been doing. Not all have had easy lives - as many of us don't - but we can smile and exchange how we handle the day-to-day trials.

I have friends I've just met either from work or through my writing organizations. They are special people. For whatever reason, we bonded. We have the same interests. We have fun. We don't have a long history, but we've grown close, gotten to known about each other, our families, and enjoy time together.

I also have family members who are more than a sister or inlaw, they are friends. We were thrown together because of family, but we cherish those wonderful times we spend together.

Lately, I've met a few new people -- usually readers like myself, and we may never see each other again, but for a few brief moments, we talked, laughed, shared what we like, and moved on. There are just so many great people in this world.

I've been blessed. I have a lot of great friends. Some are wonderful acquaintances. Others know my secrets and still care about me. I know I can call on them for help and they'll be there.

So, I'm going to close with another thought I'd like to share:

Friends are angels who lift us to our feet
when our wings have trouble remembering
how to fly.
     Anonymous

Have a great day!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Writers Are Unique Characters

It's funny, before I started writing and getting published, I was in awe of authors. They were special, talented people. Now I'm a published author, I'm still in awe of the special, talented people who I've met. I belong to the Romance Writers of America and personally call lots of published authors my friends. They are helpful, supportive people. I'm very lucky to know them.

One thing I'm impressed with is how they find the time to accomplish so much -- complete and publish several books a year, raise children, maintain a happy marriage or relationship, and still find time for social activities.

A friend of mine designed some cute T-shirts that read, "I'm an author. I might be alone, but I'm never alone in my head." It's true. At almost any time, we're developing new characters who become part of our souls, who are close to our hearts until the story we're writing is finished. Then we write 'The End' and have to say goodbye to the characters we've tortured and loved.  But the neat part is we get to start all over and meet new ones, decide what they look like, what their flaws are, and what situations we'll throw them into. A writer's world is constantly changing, but that's a good thing because it means there will always be new stories and books being published and I love that idea.

Where do we get our ideas? I know anything can stir my imagination - a television program, a ride in the mountains, or a thought I read. Ideas are everywhere.

But a word of caution -- you or someone created like you could become a character in a story. but it's okay because romance writers always create stories with happy endings!

Just some food for thought as you pick up your next book --

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://KRBailey.com

 

Thanks All My Friends

"Friends know your secrets and still love you the way you are."

I love that thought, and as we end 2013 and begin the new year, I know I'm so grateful to the many wonderful friends I have.  Some of my friends are new, and they are special, giving me help and encouragement each day.

I have some friends I've known for years.  I've trusted my deepest secrets with them, and they are still there, ready to talk, ready to give me advice, and I always know they will never betray anything I might tell them. 

I have some friends I met through work that I so appreciate.  We try to get together for dinner now and again, and I do enjoy their company.  I have friends who have moved many miles away, but have taken the time to stay in touch over the years. They fill my life with so much happiness.

My sister is one of my special friends.  We've had so many good times, sharing secrets, talking out problems and seeing fun places together.  Even though she lives nearly 500 miles away, we still talk, get together, and I don't know what I'd do without her love and support.

I've been lucky to have been married to my best friend and soul mate for over 26 years.  We have so much fun together, and I'm so thankful for him.

To my readers -- thank you for your support.  I count you all as my friends even though we may have never met in person.  You're great and I appreciate you all.

So, as 2013 ends, I want to say thank you.  I can't begin to name everyone, but I want you all to know I appreciate you. I love that you care and support me. I wish you all the very best in the new year.

Happy Reading!

Go to http://www.KRBailey.com and learn more about me and my books. 

Thanksgiving - A Forgotten Holiday?

All my life, November meant looking forward to Thanksgiving, a time to get together with friends and family.  We didn't ignore that holiday to shop for things. Christmas carols didn't start playing on the radio until afterwards. Oh, sure, I always had a few friends who started their Christmas shopping early, but stores closed on Thanksgiving to allow everyone time to spend it with loved ones.  We had a beautiful dinner, spent the day with family, and basked in the love we all shared.

Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday. Even aside from the cooking, baking pies and rolls, and all the food preparation, it's become a day to get together and enjoy family. We don't worry about a lot of decorating. We don't feel pressure to buy just the right presents. Instead, we enjoy each other, talking, laughing and relaxing.

I can't stop the ever-emerging way Christmas is crowding out the Thanksgiving holiday -- and don't misunderstand me -- I love the Christmas Season, but I can acknowledge all my friends and family this Thanksgiving. I can say thanks for everyone who has been there for me all year.  I can wish everyone a lovely Thanksgiving Day and that's exactly what I'm doing.

May you have a Thanksgiving day full of peace, love and happiness. May you enjoy the company of loved ones and take the time to enjoy this beautiful holiday before the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season is upon us.

K. R. Bailey

Something To Make You Smile

A great friend sent this to me, and I laughed and laughed.  Thought it might help brighten your day.

GOTTA PEE  
Two women friends had gone for a girls' night out. Both were very faithful and loving wives, however, they had gotten over-enthusiastic on the Bacardi Breezers.  Incredibly drunk and walking home they needed to Pee, so they stopped in the cemetery.  One of them had nothing to wipe with so she thought she would take off her panties and use them. Her friend however was wearing a rather expensive pair of panties and did not want to ruin them.  She was lucky enough to squat down next to a grave that had a wreath with a ribbon on it, so she proceeded to wipe with that.

After the girls did their business, they proceeded to go home. The next day, the husband of one of the women was concerned that his normally sweet and innocent wife was still in bed hung over, so he phoned the other husband and said: "These girl nights have got to stop! I'm starting to suspect the worst. My wife came home with no panties!!"

That's nothing," said the other husband, "Mine came back with a card stuck to her ass that said.....
'From all of us at the Fire Station. We'll never forget you.'

Aren't friends wonderful?  They share so much with us -- laughter, acceptance, even potty breaks!

Have a Wonderful Week and a fantastic Thanksgiving.  I know I've got so many things to be thankful for this year.

Friends

Good friends are like stars ...  You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.

I really liked this thought and wanted to share it.  I've been lucky to have really wonderful friends.  Friends who I know are there for me through everything life has thrown at me.  I have a husband who is my best friend and soul mate.  I have a sister who has always been my confident, supporter and listener.  I have so many great friends.  I hope each of you do too.  And if you do, be sure to be a great friend back.  Nurture your friendships.  They can hold a special place in your heart.

Thought For the Day -- Friends

Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest...but about who came and never left your side.

I'm so lucky to have some great friends, many who have been by my side for years. My hope for you is that you also have friends who will stay by your side, through thick and thin, who will love you, listen to you and support you in your travels through life.

Happy Easter

Just spent the morning with some of my little grandkids and they were all excited to show me the prizes they got from an easter egg hunt this morning. I smile because they are so full of excitement, energy and happiness. After they left and the house got a little quiet, it made me stop and think about Easter and the special day it is.

I just wanted to wish you all a very special Easter whether you are going to a religious service, enjoying family and friends, or playing easter bunny to your children. Life is so great - enjoy it to the fullest.

Live Life To the Fullest

When I read this, it made me stop and think. Perhaps it will be something for you to think about too:

One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore." No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute."

Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye or say "I love you." So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage ... and old cars, and children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, family and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it ..... because we are worth it. Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce.

There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what. Life is important. We only have one. We only have one Mom, one Dad, one unique brother or sister or friend.

I was thinking....I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or words needing to be said.

I don't know who wrote the above, but it is definitely worth thinking about. Don't let life get so busy you don't have time to enjoy those that make you happy.

Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.