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

Holiday Craft Bazaar

I just spent a delightful two days at the First United Methodist Church Craft Bazaar and met so many nice people. Of course, my favorites are the readers I talked to. It's always interesting to see what types of books they prefer -- paperback or ebook, and there's lots of both out there. Then there are those that love to read and they will read in any format they can get. Those are people like me. I love books. I love reading books. I have a kindle and love it. But I also love to hold a real paperback book and scroll through its pages just as much.

We had several author friends of mine there selling their books, offering to autograph each one, and it was so rewarding to see so many young people who were thrilled to have a book personalized just for them.

That's me with many of my books. I'm sharing a table with my author friend, Alysia S. Knight. 

As the holidays are approaching, remember books are a wonderful gift to young and old alike. Think about buying a book when you are searching for that perfect gift for a friend or loved one.

And speaking of perfect gifts, my story Lila's Christmas Dream, is a sweet Christmas Story. If you haven't read it, you will enjoy it. If you have, think about buying one for a gift.

Available in both paperback and ebook from Amazon.com

Here's a brief blurb:

“Lila. Lila?” Her mother’s voice echoed from the house.

“Oh, I need to go.”

Munchie jumped up when Lila stood.

“Thanks for talking to me.” He rubbed his hand down Munchie’s back.

Lila scrambled toward the door at the same time he stood. They bumped against each other. Lila’s eyes went wide when he grabbed her shoulders to keep from falling. She lost her balance and fell against his chest.

She gasped.

He remained holding her close, enjoying the way her soft curves felt.

“Are you all right?” He dropped his hands from her shoulders, but at the sight of her bright pink cheeks, he slid his finger down her soft skin.

She stiffened.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t…”

She put her hand to the place he’d touched. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “I need to go.”

He watched her turn.

“Come on, Munchie,” she called.

As she limped from the room, he had to refrain from rushing to help her. When she left, the soft scent of her remained in the tack room making it a much nicer place.

He made his way to the door and watched as Lila stopped to pet the nose of each horse. She then said goodnight to the cow before she left the barn.

Smiling, he closed the door and sat on the cot. He’d never met anyone who took time to talk to a milk cow.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

Gideon's Second Hand Bride

I just finished reading Gideon's Second Hand Bride by Author Kristin Holt, and I loved it.

GIDEON’S SECONDHAND BRIDE
A Sweet Historical Mail Order Bride Romance Novella (Rated PG)

The last thing John Gideon wants is another wife.
Mere weeks have passed since John buried his wife, but he must trudge forward. For the sake of his three little ones, he has no choice but to remarry. His mail order bride must agree— this marriage will be strictly business.

Permilia is desperate to flee the bonds of marriage…
The War Between The States cost Millie her kind, gentle husband. He came back in body, but his soul was ravaged by war. To save herself and the life of their toddler son, she leaves her abusive husband though she has nowhere to go, no money, no family. A single option surfaces— a farmer has sent for a mail order mother, housekeeper, and help-meet. It’s a marriage in name only, so she justifies disappearing into the west and keeping her secrets.

...a marriage her husband vowed she’ll never escape.
Oliver Owens warned Permilia the only way she’d leave him would be through the undertaker. It’s only a matter of time before he catches his runaway wife.


He doesn’t want a wife.
She doesn’t want a husband.
Marriage of convenience?
Perfect

~~~~
I picked up this book and started reading. I knew it was a novella and I was in the mood for a short story. I had no idea it would hook me and I wouldn't be able to put it down. Well, that's what happened. I didn't quit reading until the middle of the night. I had to finish it. Loved it.

If you're looking for something that is easy reading and entertaining, pick up this novella. You will enjoy it!

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

http://KRBailey.com

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

Kate's Song - A Great Read

I just finished reading Kate's Song by Jennifer Beckstrand.  It's a sweet, easy read that pulls you into the Amish Community of Apple Lake. 

 

 

 

 

Her heroine - Kate - has a beautiful singing voice and has been offered an opportunity of a lifetime, but it goes against everything she's been raised to believe.  Now she has a decision to make that will affect the rest of her life -- follow her dream or choose the only life she's ever known. 

 

Her hero - a young Amish Man - Nathanial - has loved Kate since they were youngsters, but is his love enough?

 

You'll find yourself rooting for them both, and the story will keep you reading right up until the last page.  You'll definitely enjoy this book -- it was a very enjoyable read.

 

For more about Jennifer Beckstrand's books, check out her website at:  www.jenniferbeckstrand.com

 

 

 

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.

Vacations - great inspiration for writers

Aren't vacations a great getaway from everyday life? I just returned from a trip to Colorado to visit my sister. We chatted way into the night, took in new sights, ate more than we shuld, but enjoyed the precious time we spent together.

As I sat in Grand Lakes waiting for her to finish her purchases in the town's quilt store, I realized it was a perfect opportunity to find new settings for my stories - the majestic mountains, the beautiful lake, the rustic boardwalk and quaint shops. People watching is a favorite pasttime and I was fascinated as I watched people, looking for new traits I can use in my stories - the way they walk, shuffle and strut; clothing they wore - fashionable, tattered, bundled with jackets even though it was quite warm; hairdos of all kinds, expecially the long, sleek look of today, and expressions and mannerisms. When a few motorcyclists arrived and parked their beautiful bikes, it was interesting to see the various wind-blown hair, bandana turbans, and leather clothing. Things we see everyday, but in a new environment, everything was more vividly written in my mind (and my notebook).

What a great way to inspire a new hero and heroine, a lavish or quaint setting, and a new story idea!

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.

Memorial Day

Today I visited the cemetery and put flowers on the grave of my Mom. I stood for a moment and reflected how much she did for me and how much I miss her. She's been gone seven years now, but it seems like an eternity. There's so much I'd like to say to her, so many things I wish I would have done for her while she was alive. It's too late for that, but I found myself feeling thankful for all I do have and vowed to be more appreciative of my loved ones who share my life now. I have a loving husband, a beautiful family, wonderful grandchildren and my Dad who is 83 years old but still healthy and able to stay active. Since Mom's been gone, I've had the opportunity to get closer to my Dad and enjoy the time we share together.

Take a few moments to remember those who have passed on but added so much to your life while they were here. Then I urge you to show your appreciation for those you still can share your life with.

Be happy. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. Most of all - be safe.