I would like to begin by saying: I bloody love my beta readers! I love them deeply, respectfully, and with tons of gratitude sprinkles, smothered in whipped cream, strawberry syrup, and more sprinkles on top. And yet, I am a monster. Not only did I ask them, but I chose them specifically for their brilliance. They’re a bunch of well-rounded babes. Frequent international travelers, educated, fun-loving, solid readers, deep-thinkers… all the things. And they are reading my paper-baby for the grand total of free-99. And why? Because I am both on and driving the struggle bus in this newbie author process — aka I’m poor. They’re doing it on the…
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Wintering Through Life: Planning, Pausing, and Unexpected Growth
Unless you’re lollygagging somewhere tropical and smug (you know who you are!), we – the rest of us are still wintering. The snow that got dumped on us these past weeks is still here. Move, Bitch, get out the way! Winter Is Still Winning So I cannot lull myself into letting one semi-decent, sunny day trick me into a fake emotional spring after ice-gate. Sure, the sun popped out a little longer than five minutes. High enough to shine but not heat anything up, so relax people, put your big coat back by the hook by the door, and humble yourself. That was just a teaser trailer of things to…
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The Truth About Finishing Your Project After 40
Waaay after 40, and it wasn’t quick, I’ll tell you that for nothing. So let’s get that out of the way because not even I can start faking that I’m this disciplined creative woodland fairy type, who wakes up at 5 a.m. with a green juice in hand, and joy all over my face as I look over my easily completable checklist. Hell no. Half the time I wake up mad that my bed isn’t steps from a sunny beach, and even madder at my mum for having the nerve to raise me with stupid morals instead of the will to just go ahead and do something strange for a…
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Reflecting on the Year: Being Okay With the Outcome
So maybe not all the things went as planned in 2025. Or maybe they did. Maybe the ‘good’ is just around the corner for you, in 2026. We’re not rewriting the past While we’re in our rest and reflective phase, remember we’re still wintering. We’re thinking back on 2025 not to beat ourselves up or list all the things we said we were going to do but didn’t. Nope. No apologies or shame spirals here. Instead, we’re thinking about the pivots and turns for 2026. The moments that counted Think of a few stand-out moments from 2025. Things that really went well. Maybe it was five things, three, or just…
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Why You Don’t Need to Be Brand-New in 2026
A little hello from me… serving GOOD VIBES only ✨Happy New Year! ✨ Drop a 💫 if you’re stepping into this year with intention, not apology, and say it out loud so it can meet you there.
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You Can Love Christmas And Not Lose Yourself
A little hello from me… serving GOOD VIBES only ✨ Merry Christmas! ✨ Tap a 🎁 if you’re giving the kind of love that doesn’t need any wrapping and pass it on.
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The 48-Hour Pre-Holiday Survival Challenge
Non-apologetic. Completely necessary. Do it once, then repeat as needed. I’m learning that the best skill for navigating any holiday isn’t planting a fake veneer of cheer on your face. It’s doing what you actually want and fully enjoying it in the moment, and again when you look back once it’s all over. So before the chaos hits, here’s the 48-hour reset that I praying will keep me sane, hydrated, and unbothered like a champ. Feel free to steal all or some of mine, or create your own, and then protect your peace like it’s the fragile sliver of calm before the internet gifts you more political clownery with a generous helping…
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Happy Thanksgiving 2025: Gratitude, Laughter, and Time with Loved Ones
A little hello from me… serving GOOD VIBES only ✨ Drop a 🧡 if you’re serving GOOD VIBES only today, and tell someone “I’m grateful for you”, because it matters.
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Your Quick, Fun Escape From Thanksgiving Chaos: Bingo Time!
Happy Tuesday! Thanksgiving is creeping up… next week, in fact. And if you’re fortunate enough to be able to fully enjoy Thanksgiving, just know it doesn’t have to be filled with chaos and stressful-arse to-dos. Who says gratitude can’t come with a playful side of fun (and a pause or ten)? Not me! Remember! Take all the pauses you need, sneak in some laughs, and sprinkle a ton of gratitude into your week (and life), starting with this fun Bingo game. Let’s keep it light this holiday season so we all get to rest and recharge. And who knows, we might see how much we love it, and it might…
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Dear Wine: After The Happy Hour
(A short journal story by Irene B.) 📖 Accessible version: Read the full journal entry (PDF document) Practicing out loud Sharing some of my writing, these fiction bits as part of my creative reps, flaws and all. Keep going with your “thing,” too. Small consistent steps, even imperfect ones, make big moves forward.
