Break

I spent the weekend plotting the last few chapters of my third and final Julia book. I'm so thrilled about where her story is going, and I can't wait to share it with you! Lots of exciting (and unexpected) stuff. :)

Anyway, as I near the end, I need to spend some time focusing on the book. I'm going to take a little break from blogging for the next week or so... My creative energies need to flow toward Julia, not my blog. In fact, I may very well lock myself away in a room and not come out until it's done! Wait... that would leave my little ones to fend for themselves. M&Ms do not an appropriate meal make. Better rethink the padlocked door, I guess.

Locked door or not, here's hoping I get a lot done! And in the interim, here are a couple of fun things for you to do with the time you would normally spend reading my posts.

-Give yourself a mini-manicure. Sprinkle a little teaspoon of sugar into a dollop of your regular handsoap. Scrub gently for a couple minutes. Rinse completely. File your nails, push back your cuticles, and finish with a yummy handcream. I love pretty hands!

-Read one section (up to the nearest break, not necessarily the end of the chapter) in the book you're currently reading. I treat myself to mini reading sessions all day long. It raises my spirits and reminds me that I'm more than just a short order cook, carpool driver, and owie kisser.

-Pray for someone. Sit still for a minute and ask God to bring someone to mind. Believe me, he will! Spend a few moments praying for that person and his or her family.

-Call your grandmother. Come on, when is the last time you talked to that amazing woman? It'll make her day--and yours too.

-Run up and down your stairs. If you have a staircase, put it to good use. Run up and down until you're panting and your legs feel like they're going to fall off. It's a great way to blast some calories in the middle of the day and wake up your groggy mind!

-Write an encouraging email. Since you're on the computer anyway, take a few minutes to send someone (anyone!) a quick email letting them know that you appreciate them. Sweet notes for no reason are like finding dark chocolate in your cupboard.

-Leave your spouse a message on his voicemail. It can be "I'm thinking of you," "I love you," or something else entirely. You know what I mean. ;) It'll make his day.

-Close your eyes. Sit back for five minutes and try to still yourself. Sometimes we run, run, run all day long and never take a second to just breathe. Don't spend more time on Facebook. Turn off the computer and allow yourself to be alone for a couple minutes with your thoughts. It's so refreshing.

Hope those ideas give you something to do! I'll be back in a while... In the meantime, blessings to you wherever you are and whatever you do.

Warmly,
Nicole