Just Fun

Getting By in the Holiday Busy-ness

/ still a dreamer / 8 Comments

How are you getting by? There always seems so much to do and not enough time to do it.

No matter how early you start, or how much you think you have done, it still all starts running together in no time. Have you found the secret to keeping it all together when it seems like it will never get done in time?

Here are two time-tested ways that help me get through – #1 Charlie and #2 Coffee. Yup, my trusty Chemex and organic decaf, BUT … with 20% of some yummy caf.

A cuddle that’s just waiting for me, and a thermos of Joe for the day makes that Christmas to-do list just a little bit more do-able.

How about you?

Coping

/ still a dreamer / 4 Comments

In times of stress, it’s important to maintain our balance, and keep as much love flowing as possible. It’s not always easy, but here are a few things I do to stay steady. I’m sure they would help you, too.

Journaling …

I have been writing like a madwoman in the mornings. In part, to clear my head, but also to sort out dreams, and make plans about where I’m headed with important aspects of my life. If you don’t journal, I highly recommend it.

Taking pictures …

Photography lifts me up. I love taking pictures, and I know that expressing ourselves in whatever form of creativity we love is always a bonus. Think about making a little time for your own creative endeavors. It doesn’t need to have a purpose.

Baking/Cooking …

I don’t have a lot of time to bake (or sometimes, even cook), but whenever I do, it’s always so rewarding. Taking the time to nourish ourselves properly and well is important. Isn’t there something you want to make?

Creating for others …

I enjoy creating memes and sharing poetry and music on social media. It is always my hope that I can put a smile on someone’s face, or inspire them in some little way. I’m sure you have ways of doing the same. Do it!

Pulling back from the news …

I have found, for my well-being, I need to seriously cut back on how much news I’m exposed to. The sheer negativity of what is transpiring right now is soul-crushing. We can rarely change what’s going on, but we can change how we react.
We are entitled to some peace in our lives, and one way to find that is to limit fear, especially in overwhelming doses. Prioritize your peace.

And please keep waving.

Find Someplace Beautiful

/ still a dreamer / 9 Comments

My guess is that there is someplace beautiful within walking distance or a short drive from where you live.

This is one of the views walking along the bike/footpath in Frenchtown. So gorgeous. A friend and I had stopped in to The Bridge Cafe for coffee and some pastry, and decided to walk.

We can all get stuck in our homes and/or digital lives and forget that it’s not all that far to find some beauty. It doesn’t have to be nature; it can just as easily be in the city, in a park, or a walk in the neighborhood.

Get outside and look around. Find someplace beautiful. Take pictures. Enjoy your life.

Book Giveaway!!

/ still a dreamer / 7 Comments

I’d love to give you a signed copy of my beautiful picture book, Where Do Butterflies Go at Night, 2nd Edition, so I am sponsoring a giveaway on Instagram from March 25th – April 10th.

To be considered, you’ll need an Instagram account, and then, just follow this link.

Once on my post, you only need to:
* Like my post ❤️
* Follow me @jeannebalsam
* Comment that you’d like to receive the book

You’re now in the mix to win!

The recipient will also receive 2 bookmarks and a butterfly coloring page. Offer only good in U.S. The winner will be announced the weekend of April 12/13. Due to the prohibitive cost of shipping outside this country, I regret that the offer is only good in the U.S.

Should you wish to purchase the book, Where Do Butterflies Go at Night? – 2nd Edition is available on Amazon.