Saturday, December 29, 2012

Coming Soon!!! A New Non-Fiction Release


A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO FINDING THE RIGHT DOCTOR
Tips from a Healthcare Credentialing Expert

by Dilsa S. Bailey, CPMSM


Choosing the right doctor for you could lead to a life or death decision.  How would you know if your professional healthcare provider has the adequate experience or education to care for your health?  This expert offers a few tips to help you choose the best qualified and the best suited doctor to meet your healthcare needs.  Her tips include:
  • What hospitals and health plans know about your doctor.
  • What you should know about your doctor’s experience and history.
  • How to define the characteristics of the doctor you want and the characteristics you don’t want.
  • Resources for helping you make your decision.
  • Resources to help you control your medical care.
This is a must read for anyone who is searching for the right doctor.  If you are not, the next time someone asks you for a recommendation, tell them to pick up a copy of this informative resource guide.

To keep abreast of the release date in early 2013, sign the guest book on my official website.   Order Now at www.goodshowpublications.com!
 
 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A First for Me - The Beautiful City of Charleston


Wow, two new firsts for me yesterday.  One, I finally made it to Charleston, SC.  Having made the trip for business and only having the luxury of about four hours there, I was impressed.  Savannah, one of my favorite walking cities, may have to move over and make room for Charleston on my annual visiting schedule.  The historic flavor, the open air market, and the beautiful view of the water were all I needed to see to make sure I return for pleasure next time.

 The second first for me was the item on my plate at the Fleet Landing Restaurant there on Concord overlooking the waterfront.  While relaxing on their outdoor deck watching dolphins play and being surprised by greedy birds that weren't afraid to land close to our tables looking for crumbs, I enjoyed my first taste of Triggerfish.  I'd never heard of it before, but it was absolutely delicious.  It was served on a fresh toasted roll with avocado aioli, pepper jack, lettuce and tomato.  My mouth is watering thinking about it.  I'm definitely going back to Charleston, maybe even back to the Fleet Landing restaurant.  All of the food was great and the staff was friendly. 

 There were so many restaurants to choose from, and so much history to trace whether it was where the first shot in the Civil War was fired or where my ancestors were sold on the auction block.  I could feel the spirits beckoning to me explore.  Now I have to decide whether I want to explore during a festival, like the Gullah Festival or come back when it's quietly charming like it was yesterday when I can watch the basket weavers up close and personal without competition.  All I can say now is that the variety was absolutely exciting.  So, look out Charleston, I will be back. 
 

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Coming Soon!!!


The Sperlings have taken a vacation while their author wrote another book.   Kali needed the breather after a harrowing adventure with the dangerously, handsome Sperling twins in Split Images.  Maybe she needs to read my non-fiction book coming out soon:  How to Find the Right Doctor:  Tips from a Healthcare Credentialing Expert.  That's right! I, Dilsa Saunders Bailey, am a healthcare credentialing expert.  You will be able to buy it in Kindle, Nook, or Print.  Stay tuned to get the tips you need to find the right doctor for you.
In the meantime, catch up with The Sperlings at the latest book event on Saturday, December 8th in Atlanta.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Stepping Stones of Faith


Did you know that you can follow the path of faith one stone at a time?  I’m just figuring that out myself.  What is it that I am referring to, the stepping stones?  The stepping stones are the little obstacles, the hills, the detours, the indecisions, and the tests we encounter in life.  My faith in the God-governed universe has been growing one step at a time.  And as I step from the first stone to the next, that faith grows stronger.  What is even more intriguing is as I take a step (action) my life gets better.  I see things clearer.  I comprehend more of what I hear, and I see and hear the relevancy as I never have before helping me to make better decisions.

As I mature in faith, I revel in its reality and the comfort of knowing that faith isn’t the result of some wishful thinking, some mirage, or myth.  I now know that seeing may lead to believing, but believing before seeing is faith.  Here is hoping you are on the same journey toward a stronger faith, one stepping stone at a time.  There is no limit to faith.

Monday, September 24, 2012

The Power of Commitment


One doesn’t experience commitment until you enter a room filled with businesswomen whose goal is to learn, network, and uplift each other.  That is the type of commitment I experienced this past Thursday at the Women’s Leadership Exchange held in Atlanta.  The program offered a variety of tools to establish and maintain your own business.  I learned so much as I walked away more stoked than ever to move forward with my entrepreneurial goals.  The taste, the smell, and the vision of freedom are just a few days, few hours away.  I can feel it as the power of commitment rises within me.
Andrea March, one of the co-founders, should be applauded for starting this network supporting women entrepreneurs.   This organization not only helps businesswomen connect with businesswomen, its philosophy is to help us expand that connection by helping each other.  We were encouraged to network to find three people who could help us and three people that we could help.  What a dynamic ‘Pay It Forward’ model.  Along with Andrea, we were introduced to an award-winning entrepreneur and journalist who happens to be the CEO of SBTV.com and who shared three growth secrets we wouldn’t learn in business school.  I won’t tell; you have to visit her website.  But, believe me, I took as many notes as I could and found her information to be very insightful.

All of the speakers were great, including guests who were there to receive very special awards.  These Women’s Leadership Exchange awards were bestowed upon some very accomplished women.  Their stories inspired me to never, ever think of giving up on my dreams.  And, I won’t.  I am putting everything I learned last week to use already, especially the information about branding and social media.  That is why I find this type of networking so valuable.  If you are like me and in the process of building a business, keep an eye out for this conference in your city.  It’s worth it.  However, if you are like me and have limited funding with big ideas, don’t let it deter you.  Find three people that can help you and find three people you can help.  Businesses aren’t really built alone.  There are resources available.  All you need is the power of commitment.  

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

What is Within You


"The world without is a reflection of the world within. What appears without is what has been found within. In the world within may be found infinite Wisdom, infinite Power, infinite Supply of all that is necessary, waiting for unfoldment, development and expression. If we recognize these potentialities in the world within they will take form in the world without." 
Haanel, Charles;  The Master Key System

As a writer I am constantly in a state of the world within, creating characters, plots, and situations or just reporting what I have investigated or what I have observed.  What happens when these words escape my within-ness is this, words on paper or electronic screens for someone else to absorb within.  We all have a within-ness, how we think, how we are prepared to react, and how we take action to create our own worlds.

This morning I planned to write a note about remembering September 11, but as I awaken I saw the sad news of the protests in the Middle East and the death of our ambassador in Libya.  I pray that mankind as a whole can one day look within our hearts individually and find love, peace, and harmony and let that spread like wildfire.  Because let's face it, all any of us really wants regardless of our beliefs is love

“Finally, my brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honest, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things.”  Philippians 4:8


 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Just in Time Reading

I just finished reading the The Age of Miracles by Marianne Williamson.  I am on a quest for spiritual enlightenment, so when I hear a quote by an individual that resonates with me, I take the time to seek out their publications.  I can’t even tell you how I heard of Marianne Williamson.  It could have been a name drop or a segment from Oprah.  I don’t remember, but what matters is I do find Marianne’s writings very enlightening, especially this particular book.

Being a middle-aged woman who has a sudden urgency about living my life to the fullest, this book hit close to home.  The Age of Miracles reinforces the inner voice in me that says life is not over after the midlife.  And maybe, I don’t have as much time as I have had before, or perhaps I have even more than I could ever expect.  What counts is how the time I have now, in this moment, is utilized.  Am I using it to serve others, or am I using it to feel happy in my own skin?  Do I accept me for being me? 

The Age of Miracles is a reflection of us individually and as a generation.  Our generation had so much hope, wanted to change the world so badly.  But with all our protests, we helped to damage the world almost close to non-repair.  Change is possible though, we again can be the generation to affect that change.  We can actually save the world this time around, and save our own individual spirits in the process.

 No more ‘me generation’ mentality.  We are all in this together, and the miracle can be what was meant to be, as we have aged and have learned so much along the way.  I do believe I will be reading this book more than once, maybe even more than twice.  I hope you will, too.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Happy Labor Day Weekend!



Hope you are enjoying this summer’s end holiday weekend with family and a good book.  To help you celebrate, I would like to introduce you to a complicated and deadly romance in the suspense series - The Sperling Chronicles.  The first novel, Dreams Thrown Away, is now on Kindle through midnight Labor Day for only $.99.  Download and enjoy.
 
If you have already had the pleasure of reading it, please “Like” The Sperling Chronicles Facebook page and recommend to your friends.  Pass this message along.  Download the second novel, Split Images, too.  Have fun reading.  Check out the Reviews for Dreams Thrown Away, too.  Add your own.

Friday, August 24, 2012

The True Me No Matter My Age

"The eternal self dwells in eternity, and eternity intersects linear time at only one point:  the present.  Who you are in this moment, therefore, is who you truly are."
- Marianne Williamson 

The Age of Miracles

Sunday, August 19, 2012

You Get What You Look For...

If you look for the good things in life, you will find them. If you look for opportunities to grow and prosper, you will find them. If you look for positive, enthusiastic friends and associates who will support you, you will find them.

 

Ziglar, Zig  (2012-01-18). Born to Win: Find Your Success Code (Kindle Locations 2276-2277). AudioInk. Kindle Edition.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

One Thing Aging Teaches Us

"You are who you are, not who you might be one day. Your life is what it is, not what it might someday be. Focusing on who you are and what your life is right now, you come to the ironic and almost amusing realization that, yes, the fun is in the journey itself." Marianne Williamson

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

What Do You Expect?

If you expect to feel great, nothing will slow you down. And what is true for you is true for others. Your expectations for others will become what they deliver and achieve. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Ziglar, Zig  (2012-01-18). Born to Win: Find Your Success Code (Kindle Locations 2265-2266). AudioInk. Kindle Edition.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Enjoyed the Atlanta Quilt Festival

Have you ever thought of quilting as a hobby?  I grew up with a grandmother who made quilts.  Some of them were so heavy, if you slept under one you would wake up too tired to move.  But, they were beautiful.  I think that's what attracted me to the Atlanta Quilt Festival last year, that and an invitation from one of the quilters who thought I might be interested in displaying my books.  It was a wonderful experience then, and just as wonderful yesterday at this year's opening ceremony.

O.V. Brantley is the spear-head of the Festival and the CEO of the foundation that celebrates her grandmother's love and talent for quilts.  I couldn't help but enjoy the amazing quilts yesterday at the opening ceremony of the Atlanta Quilt Festival at the South Fulton Arts Center. The festival is sponsored by the Clara Ford Foundation and the Hammond House.  These two organizations were gracious enough to invite authors to display their books.  I happily brought my romantic suspense series, The Sperling Chronicles to display and introduce to new fans.

Between chatting with those who love fiction and suspense, I was able to take the time to marvel at the works of those talented quilters. Kudos to those ladies! Their work was not only intricate, delicate, and creative, it exuded the love that went into every stitch. I hope everyone gets a chance to visit the Hammond House and help celebrate these magnificent works of art.


Dilsa Saunders Bailey is the author of two romantic suspense novels about a deadly family feud fueled by a bizarre love triangle.  Look for The Sperling Chronicles:  Dreams Thrown Away and The Sperling Chronicles:  Split Images at Amazon.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Stood Still Long Enough

After all these years, I have realized that though it is okay to want to be a perfectionist, it is even better to accept God’s perfection as is.  There is no reaching that level in a human existence.  That’s a hard lesson.  I know it is for me who had been living and doing at full-throttle with an overloaded plate for so long.  It was inevitable that again, I would crash and burn.  This last time, I had to wonder why.   What was the insane purpose of trying to do everything and trying to be everything to everybody?  The answer, there was no purpose other than one that was selfish.  Selfish in thinking that it was all possible and that it all revolved around me.

In response to this awakening, I began to study to find out my true purpose, one that didn’t center on self.  And boy, did I learn more than I wanted to acknowledge about me.    I won’t go into the details, but only that it has been a conscious struggle to make a decision on the next direction I want to take in my life.  Sure, part of it is how I will be remembered.  What legacy will I leave when I transition from this plane?  Will it merely be about what I wanted and what I achieved for my personal satisfaction?  Who else will be the better for it? 

An answer is slowly developing, much like anything that develops in life.  Life is a series of moments and reflections, of actions taken and no actions taken.   For a few months, I stepped back to be still and to stand down so that my thoughts could gather cohesively and constructively.  How joyful that became.  One day as I was sitting back listening to the sounds of nature in my backyard, it hit me.  My mind was blank.  I was not worried about the list of things I had to complete.  I wasn’t thinking about bills, or relationships I thought could improve.  I was just sitting there, being silent and just being human. 

In today’s world, we brag about being busy or overloaded.  We are addicted to our work lives, social media, and being in the spotlight.  We seek the material with zest and with zeal.  I think along the way, being human has been put in the background, left to the future termed as ‘one day.’  Standing still was a reminder to me to be present always.  Be thankful for the past experiences, the lessons that created us.  And to be thankful for the future, which will bring the new opportunities to experience joy and happiness.  But, if you want to really succeed in life to never forget to be present and to focus on the joy and the happiness already at hand. 
Dilsa Saunders Bailey is the author of The Sperling Chronicles, a romantic suspense series about a deadly family feud fueled by a love triange and a woman's scorn.  Dilsa Saunders Bailey's shares her thoughts in the blog simplydilsa.  Her books can be purchased on Amazon.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Everything Has A Season

I was recently a guest blogger on Renaissance Mom...Here is a copy of my advice to the moms visiting this site:

We have all been there wishing today would be over. Waiting for our dreams, our hopes to come alive, especially when are you a mom juggling kids, work, hockey games, husband, volunteer work, and whew … I am exhausted thinking about it. We have all wanted to finish that degree, take that trip to Maui, or write that book in the midst of our busy every day lives. I’ve been there. It took me twenty years to finally finish my first novel, and by that time I had hit that magic number, age 50, and I was looking back trying to figure out where all the time had flown. I’d raised my two children and had a career in healthcare, but I had this entrenched feeling that I would not be happy until I finished writing that novel.

My little voice kept whispering, do it. Do it! But, my purse that needed a funds reimbursement daily said, no. You have to work to earn money, have a job, I told myself. You can’t sit around writing for the fun of it. I had this image of writers being broke, hungry, chasing after the next check. So I hindered myself a few more years with that negative image. I thought successful writers were the lucky ones, but they were so few that I had no chance. After all, I’d been a manager for twenty years. What would I do without a paycheck and without someone to tell what to do?

I finally decided to jump out of the boat, take a risk. Live without a paycheck. Took my funds and invested in a real estate career. Started selling houses, and boom the market fell through. Oh well. I took my injured ego back to healthcare and decided that if I went out like that again, it would be with something I knew best. I started writing a business plan for a credentialing verification organization. Was thinking about it constantly, you know the adage ‘your thoughts become things.’ One day, I went into my basement to go through some old files to find resources to help me with the business plan, and the first thing I put my hand on was an old version of my soon to be book. That’s when I fully understood, ‘having an epiphany,’ the ‘Aha’ moment as Oprah would say. I was going to finish my book.

Three months later, I was done and realized I was going to have to wait until I found an agent and then I would have to wait until the agent could convince a publishing company to put it on the market. Heck, I was 50-plus. My patience had already worn thin. After finding an editor, I decided to release it myself. I did and I was so proud when the Print-on-Demand publisher I used sent me my first copy of Dreams Thrown Away.

Now, I had the bug and as I look back I had it bad. I went back to my computer and began number two, but life started getting in the way again. I went from one demanding project to another. Couldn’t blame children or husband for distractions anymore, it was all corporate employment demands that filled every minute. And then, I had another epiphany. If I can work long hours for them, I can do it for me. I finished the second novel, a sequel. Decided to rename and re-release the first and went for it. I still have time challenges, but it doesn’t matter. I am in my season. Writing brings me joy whether I earn a penny or a million. I wouldn’t change the time spent on it, even if I could.

But, here’s the kicker. I have no regrets about all the paths I have traveled before getting to this season. Every minute of life is valuable and contributes to the better life ahead. So don’t sweat about your current season, another one is coming.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father’s Day!!!

Happy Father’s Day to All the Men out there who have raised children, mentored them, supported them, helped them build character, and put smiles on their faces.  Here’s a toast to the ones who have set examples for the types of husbands their daughters will marry and the type of husbands their sons will become. 
We appreciate you! 
Whether you were the biological dad, the step-dad, the grandfather, the uncle, the older brother, or cousin and in many cases, the mom, grandmom, or aunt who had to stand in with the sage advice and the love of a father, you allowed us to stand on your shoulders!
Happy Father’s Day!!!

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Hilton Head Still in My Head


About a month ago, I finally had the opportunity to make it to Hilton Head Island, SC.  Hearing about it many times from friends and co-workers made it sound enticing enough for me to check out.  Wow, what a relaxing beautiful beach.  Not overly crowded, but that may have been because I was there in April.  But, the water was already warm.
So what makes this beach town any different from the others?  One word or two, its simplicity and beauty.  Oh, and may I add another?  Eco-friendly.  Which is why the first thing I noticed was the stores, or for what I thought as I drove across the bridge into the island that there weren’t any.  But, there were.  Not shouting at you like most strip malls, malls, or stand-alones as you drive down the road.  These stores were recessed from the highway behind beautiful greenery and signage low to the ground, their logos almost indistinctively blending into the environment. There were no tall signs announcing a Target over here, or a commonly identifiable CVS over there.   Instead, if you were looking for one of your familiar stores, you had to really look or you would pass it quickly.  Did I have a problem with that?  No way.  It was a nice change from being blasted in the face with advertisements, not even one billboard. The stores blended into nice beach muted colors, low-level buildings that were all the same but still a tad bit distinctive.  The McDonalds didn’t look like the McDonalds we are used to seeing.  But, you get the picture.

Hilton Head Island was a lush, soothing environment.  Just being there gives you pause to breathe.  Like most beach towns, there is so much to do.  At the same time, so much to not do if you are like me, who finds lying on the beach enjoying the sound of the ocean and the sound of the seagulls as the “thing to do.”  However, this grand little island had long green bike trails, golf courses, shops, restaurants, boats, fishing, and did I mention food?  I’m not going to laud any of the restaurants.  The food was good, but not exceptional.  I am told I missed the exceptional restaurants.  So I will have to go back.  As an aside, breakfast was great at the hotel, but it is at most of those chains. 

I did enjoy my adventure to Hilton Head Island.  It was a peaceful, healing place with lots of friendly faces.  So guess what?  I’ll Be Back!!!

Achieve Any Goal

Monday, May 28, 2012

Why Do Women Stay?


I'm doing a little research.  Would love your help.  If you have ever stayed in a relationship, and have asked yourself “why did I stay?”  Please let me know.  If you have read the first novel in The Sperling Chronicles, Dreams Thrown Away.  I’m sure you asked that question, and maybe even have an answer for Kali Sperling.  Do you?  I’m compiling scenarios, but won’t use your name.  Any insight would be great.  In exchange, I will give you a FREE DOWNLOAD of Dreams Thrown Away on Kindle or Nook.

 I can’t wait to hear your stories.  And no, it doesn’t have to be a current relationship.  You can share something from the past.  If you don’t have a story, but know someone who does, please ask them to share with me.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Happy Memorial Day!!!

Though we look forward to this weekend as a time to relax, throw some meat on the grill, and enjoy friends and family. It is also a time when we should reflect and be thankful for the millions of men and women who have served in the military to protect us. And, let us not forget those who serve us locally and federally: the policemen, the sheriffs, the firemen, the agents from the state bureaus of investigation, the border patrolmen, the marshals, all of whom lay their lives on the line to ensure our freedom and safety.

As a daughter of a proud Montford Point Marine until the day he died, the relative of Tuskegee Airmen, and a citizen who knows many individuals of all races and creeds who have served in all facets of the services named above,
I THANK YOU!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Perfect Mother's Day Gift


Moms love a little titillating suspense, too.  Introduce her to The Sperling Chronicles novels for Mother’s Day!  And don’t be surprised if she falls in love with Ashton and his roguish charms and devious ways.  

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR


Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it.  It’s funny how “almost” everything I have wanted keeps coming my way, just not in the form that I expected or thought I had asked for.  For years, I said over and over that I wanted to write for a living.  Then I landed in the medical services profession in hospital settings for close to twenty years.  Most of the time spent in this profession was sitting in meetings, taking minutes filled with a lot of medical jargon followed by writing policies filled with dry legislative and accreditation regulations.  In addition to that, my job responsibilities included writing training manuals and developing guidelines (writing them).  After many years, I finally realized I was earning a living as a writer.  That is what I had asked for, right?
So to clarify what I wanted, my mantra became I want to write for a living and I want to work from home doing it.  A little later, I added travel to that mantra.  I wrote my wish in journals, spouted it to friends or to anyone who would listen, and I thought about it all the time.  I do believe that thoughts become things.  I wanted a writing career to earn a living, writing from home, and writing while traveling to become a reality.  And it did, somewhat.  I have written two suspense novels, and I am no longer the queen of minutes though policies are still a big focus.  I work full-time outside of the hospital setting now where meetings no longer permeate my entire day that included insanely early morning and maniacally late night schedules coupled with a long arduous commute through Atlanta traffic, congested no matter what time of day. 
Thank God I moved from hospital to managed care, which now fills my day with hundreds of emails, instant messages, and more policies to write or tweak.  The electronic conversations alone comprise more than enough words to write numerous books.  Though management is something that wasn't in the plan, I went from managing a staff of two to eight to twenty-six, most of them remotely from their homes.  I, too, work remotely on occasion and soon will be working from home, that’s right, full-time. And travel, right now it's mostly done for my employer.  Over the last two years, I have traveled across country, across regions, and most recently back and forth to Nashville so many times, I sometimes drive there in my dreams. 
Isn’t that what I wanted?  Remember, I wanted to work from home to write for a living and travel.  Oops, need clarification again of what I am asking for; so far I haven’t gotten what I truly wanted. So the mantra has changed to writing novels from home or from wherever I am and to traveling for fun or to promote my novels so that I can become a consistent New York Times or Amazon best selling author. And I have added, to turn those novels into movie scripts and television scripts and write non-fiction books on how to get what you want.   Is that clear enough?  I hope so.  I will keep you posted.
In the meantime, remember this secret which is not really a secret.  “Ask and it shall be given unto you.  Seek and you shall find.  Knock and the door shall be open unto you.”  But, don’t forget, “Be careful of what you ask for, you may just get it.”
Dilsa Saunders Bailey is the author of two hot, sensual suspense novels called The Sperling Chronicles.  She shares her random thoughts in her blog at simplydilsa.    Like her on Facebook’s page - The Sperling Chronicles and join her on Twitter at simplydilsa.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Special Introductory Offer to The Sperling Chronicles on Amazon!


A forbidden love turned lethal continues in The Sperling Chronicles:  Split Images...Buy both books in the series on Amazon.  Buy the first eBook, The Sperling Chronicles:  Dreams Thrown Away and learn the real truth about Ashton during this special $.99 promotion for the next 30 days.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Best Tacos Hands Down


For the past few months, I have been traveling between two cities for my job and when I travel, I eat out.  Last week I experienced the best tacos I have ever had at a little restaurant in Franklin, Tennessee called Sopapillas.  My colleague and I sat on the open air patio under an umbrella and perused their mouthwatering menu.   Never ever having heard of a sopapilla, I went over the list of menu items unaware of the delicious puff pastry I would soon devour.  I ordered the Mahi Mahi taco and was soon served a delicately balanced, inviting plate of a perfectly cooked fish, flaky moist and grilled in a soft yet crisp flour tortilla.  The Mahi Mahi laid in a bed of chopped red cabbage, topped with cilantro, avocado and kicked with a fresh pico de gallo then heavenly glazed in a cream cheese and jalapeno sauce that made me incredible quiet during most of the meal.  I savored every bite and couldn’t leave a crumb behind.  To make my stomach ache even more from fullness, the two scrumptious tacos were served with black beans tossed with pico de gallo and the most enjoyable, buttery Spanish rice.  It was to die for.    Can’t explain it any other way!  My mouth is watering now as I remember this delicious meal.  And to my surprise, our friendly waitress came back to offer us the desert menu.  When we declined, she said the sopapillas came with our meal and we couldn’t miss out.  I’m so glad we didn’t.  The light, fluff y pastry was perfect though I didn’t think I had room for anymore.  If you are ever in the Cool Springs or Franklin area just south of Nashville, check it out.  The cuisine is called New Mexican and I’m sold.  I will be looking for more Tastes of New Mexico.

Dilsa Saunders Bailey is the author of the romantic suspense series, The Sperling Chronicles.  Her favorite past-time other than writing is finding an excellent restaurant.


Sunday, April 1, 2012

Launch Party Update


My first Launch Party for the series of novels, The Sperling Chronicles was an outstanding success.  Friends, family, neighbors, and fans all showed up to support me at The Three Dollar Café in Atlanta.  This post is a thank you for being there.   If you were unable to make it, I hope you will be there for the release of the 3rd in the series. 
Just a reminder Dreams Thrown Away, the first novel and Split Images, the first sequel are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble as well as iTunes in the eBook format for those with eReaders.  Print copies are available, too.  Thanks again for your support and making the afternoon so much fun.  The American Cancer Society thanks you, too for your support as well as $1 of each book sold was a donation for its cause to eliminate cancer in our lifetimes.












Saturday, March 17, 2012

Book Launch Party on March 24, 2012

Come share in the celebration of the release of the romantic suspense series, The Sperling Chronicles. Dilsa Saunders Bailey, the author of Dreams Thrown Away and Split Images invites you to join her for live music by The Frame and refreshments on the upstairs patio of the Three Dollar Cafe.

Autographed books will be available at the Launch, but can be reserved on the Good Show Publications website. Reserve yours today and have fun being a part of a good cause. A portion of each book will be contributed to the American Cancer Society.

Hope to see you there!!! RSVP by registering as a subscriber to this site and tell me you will be there!!! And, if you could do me a BIG favor and "Like" my Facebook page.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

I Quit Smoking Today


I love the stillness of the early morning.  I awaken from my last dream in a warm cocoon next to my husband, not wanting to leave that comfort to start a new day.  So most mornings, I stay in the little cocoon just a little longer and meditate on all the things for which I am grateful, or I dissect a dream I had, or I contemplate the things ahead of me that day.  This morning, after I thanked God for his abundant blessings, I began to look back at my life and realized it was about this time of year 40 years ago that I smoked my first cigarette.  It was a spring like day that I cut class with a few other students.  We went down to the football field and someone produced a pack of cigarettes.  I had been around smokers most of my life.  My dad smoked, so did my uncles.  My grandmother smoked when I was younger, but she quit when she lost her only sister to breast cancer.  I had seen movie stars and television stars smoke seductively on the screens looking sophisticated and sexy.  So I gave it a try.

It’s amazing how your body tells you immediately it is not something you should do.  And it did, I gagged and my friends laughed.  I didn’t try it again for a few weeks or months, but again I was with a group of kids that had mastered this smoking thing.  I tried again and coughed and gagged.  But, that didn’t stop me; I wanted to be like them.  I thought they were cool.  Well, off and on for the last 40 years, I have quit for extended periods of time, five years was the longest.  But, I would always pick them up again using one thing or another as an excuse.  It was always a bit hard, because my husband is a heavy smoker.  And I realized I didn’t like the smell of smoke when I wasn’t smoking, I hated being around him. Because now his smell was extremely unattractive, my attitude toward him changed and I could feel myself pulling away.  So again I would pick up a cigarette, so the smell would not be so offensive again.  Like I said though, that was an excuse.

I started smoking again over the past two years, not heavy.  I don’t think I was ever a heavy smoker.  But, my one a day became two, and recently has become three or four.  I then knew I was going to have to quit.  I talked to my doctor about it during my last physical a few weeks ago and she prescribed Wellbutrin.  It’s funny as she began to tell me the benefits of the drug, the only thing I could think of were the side effects on the commercials.  I shook my head no way, but I picked up the prescription anyway.  What’s even funnier is that I haven’t even opened the bottle yet.  I know it is an oxymoron.  I will put the detestable chemicals from the cigarettes into my body, but I won’t ingest a prescription drug.  I have never been attracted to drugs.  They frighten me.  But, nicotine is a drug I remind myself and then run for a cigarette.

Something I have recently realized though is that I am not addicted to cigarettes; I am addicted to the obsession of having a cigarette.  Is there a difference?  I believe there is.  So I have decided to test my theory.  I am likening myself to the Israelites who roamed the desert for forty years in order to arrive at their destination that was only 11 days away and I am putting myself to an 11 day test.  My intention is not to have cigarette for the next 11 days by trying to obsess on writing instead of cigarettes.  And the smell, well my husband and I might have to get used to avoiding each other if he smells.  So, my goal is to write whenever the obsession for a cigarette hits me until the obsession subsides.  Let’s see how many words I produce over the next 11 days.  If you have any tips, I would love to read your words, too.  Post with me at www.simplydilsa.com.

Dilsa Saunders Bailey is the author of a romantic suspense series called The Sperling Chronicles available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Whip Appeal

He took her breath away the minute she laid eyes on him. If you listen to the Michael Baisden Show and would like to know what "Sucka for Love" Thursdays are all about, read the hot suspense series The Sperling Chronicles, starting with Dreams Thrown Away. You will learn up close and personal what "Whip Appeal" is all about. Available in Kindle and Nook, as well as paperback.

Dilsa Saunders Bailey

Sunday, February 26, 2012

"It is the Mind That Makes the Body"

"It is the mind that makes the body."  Sojourner Truth uttered those words over a century ago.  They were words of truth then and have been words of truth throughout history.  I am constantly reminding myself to treat me better, but I get so busy.  I allow my mind to get focused on work, on obligations, on everything other than treating my body like the treasured temple it is. 

Part of my busyness includes authoring a non-fiction book called "Lather Rinse Repeat, Three Steps to Success" which is an analogy for learning, assessing, and doing based on the learning and assessing.  The Lather and the Rinse is supposed to help you set goals, make good decisions, and do better because you know better.   It is about bringing together knowledge and experience to give you a leg up. 

Problem is, I have been so busy in the telling of stories, including my corporate job, my two romantic suspense novels, and the third novel in queue that I haven't been focusing on the practice of Lather Rinse Repeat (LRR).  In my case, LRR should mean I am putting to use the knowledge I have gained to eat right and exercise daily.  But, here I sit so focused on the words flowing into this blog that I am not moving.  And this morning, I had my bacon, eggs, and biscuit.  We don't want to go there on the downside of that breakfast.  So what have I learned that I feel I can share with others in LRR?  I have learned to never stop learning, and that I do know better, and that I am getting better.  And, the one mantra I need to keep in mind while accomplishing all of these things is that "it is the mind that makes the body." 

I will keep you posted on how well that works for me.

Dilsa Saunders Bailey is the author of the searing hot suspense series, The Sperling Chronicles.


Monday, February 20, 2012

Five Things I Remembered When I Heard of Whitney Houston’s Death


1.   No amount of wealth can you bring you joy and happiness.  It brings less worry.  You don’t have to worry about breaking the bank to take your family out to dinner.  You don’t have to worry about depleting your savings account for a pair of new tires.  Less worry yes, happiness no.  Feelings of happiness, joy, and contentment are up to you.

2.   The void can’t be filled with food, drugs, cigarettes, shopping or any other addictions.  It can only be filled with a true spiritual sense and understanding of yourself, a full acceptance that you are who you are, and that YOU are the perfect YOU.

3.   Love is the greatest wealth any of us can have.  We should freely spend it and receive it.  Love is a currency that could bail out any failing economy, if we stopped beating each other down.

4.   Talent is something to be shared.  Every person’s light should shine.  Whitney’s light shone around the world, touching souls at their very depths.  She will never be forgotten.

5.   Commitment is the key to living life to the fullest.  Committing to yourself a wholeness that was given to you at birth, a wholeness of spirit, of sound mind, and of good health.  To hold on to life, you must remain committed.

I can only be thankful that I could get up this morning and reflect on these things, and remind myself to stay committed to living.  Sometimes life is so busy we forget our commitments to ourselves and others.  Today, I hope I will continue to be committed to and mindful of all the love, peace, and abundance that are already mine.

  Dilsa Saunders Bailey, author of the romantic suspense series, The Sperling Chronicles.