Blog | Content X Design

Progress and Self-Care

October 18, 2026/0 Comments/in Music, Self-care /by CXD

Hello Friends from a chilly Kansas!

What a switcheroo from last week’s warm weather. Today we are sunny and 60 outside- an amazing fall day!

Yesterday Kristin and I volunteered at a Barn Sale (a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s association). We had a lot of crafty fun creating items for the sale over the last couple of weeks, and yesterday the fun continued as we played the handpan and socialized with friends, the residents and their family members.

It’s fun to step out of the normal routine now and then, right?

Possibly due to all the extra creativity, but we had an AMAZING brainstorming session on Friday which resulted in a few brand new ideas and clarity on some projects that we are noodling on. Success all around we say!

Meanwhile, like a herd of turtles, we are both working on our current manuscripts and staying cozy.

Delaina’s poetry book series is really taking shape. We are thrilled with the directions that this book is heading in. If you are a poetry lover, or book lover, or friend or supporter and you want first dibs on publication, click HERE to get on our waitlist for this title.

Have a wonderful self-care week.

In love, light, and self-care,
Delaina and Kristin

The Possibilities With-In—Self-Care Sunday

October 11, 2026/0 Comments/in Self-care /by CXD

Hello Friend;

You know Kristin and I have a cup of warm tea and it is 88º degrees here in Kansas. Typical tea drinkers I guess. Nothing to see here. LOL.

A photo of two women smiling.
We both find comfort in that warm cup. And to be honest there is a lot going on in our world that has us looking for comfort especially in its simplest form.

How are you bringing comfort into your day?

Beyond tea, we have been pulling from our wells of determination as an energy source, and it’s worked. Kristin is almost ready to send the upcoming activity book The Gardener’s Getaway to the editor. It seems like she just started this book and now we could be looking at a November release date!

And I have submitted the poetry book The Wild Song We Sing to the editor for line edits. What was once an idea sparked by a single poem is about to be a full-fledged full-color poetry book. I am ecstatic!

When we follow the energetic nudges that light us up, we honor ourselves. And listening to our bodies is self-care’s golden ticket. We love ourselves enough to acknowledge our needs and follow our ambitions. No matter how big or small our actions are, we can create an environment to thrive with-in. This is true for all of us.

Think about the last time you felt the urge to follow through with something that would bring you joy. You got a little jolt of energy right? You took that spark and turned it into something meaningful for yourself.

Know the best part about our minds? By just recalling that feeling in your body right now you create the experience again. But I bet this time the emotions are even stronger.

The Gardener’s Getaway Activity book is not ready yet but if you are as excited as we are to get your hands on it click here to be notified.

In love, light, and self-care,
Delaina and Kristin

Fill Your Cup—Self-Care Sunday

October 4, 2026/in Self-care /by CXD

Hello from Kansas Friend;

Delaina here, I returned home from a road trip from Gilbert, Arizona yesterday. There is something nurturing about a road trip. Maybe it is because I have spent most of my formative years moving and road tripping but I find the experience lifts my soul. I’m sure it helps that we traveled through Colorado and Northern New Mexico, two of my favorite places. Here is a photo from Cumbres Pass.

Anyway from the Kansas plains to south/central Arizona traveling with my Mom and sister we witnessed so much beauty. The golden aspen leaves contrasting with the dark storm clouds; the saguaros poking the remnant clouds that trailed behind the hurricane’s storm were dramatic demonstrations of our gorgeous planet that inspire poetry in me.

While I was gone Kristin started sowing the seeds of a new activity book—The Gardener’s Getaway. It is going to be so much fun! I’m so excited to share it with you.

Also, Kristin was inspired to create a new Christmas book that will bring new joy to an old classic. More on this soon.

As for me I am ready to tuck back into my upcoming poetry book with new energy—The Wild Song We Sing. This chapbook sized book includes twenty-one poems, a lyric essay, my photography and a couple of surprises, all brought together in celebration of the life we share together walking each other home in this glorious life. We are so close, and I am finding it hard to be patient. But wait we must.

In love, light, and self-care,
Delaina and Kristin

This weeks newsletter was brought to you by the Cozy Winter Picture This! book.

PS: Would you rather: road trip or fly?

a graphic with plant sprigs in two corners on top of fall orange color and the words self-care September; Create moments of joy in the center.

Sunday Self-Care: Ups and Downs

September 20, 2026/in Music, Self-care /by CXD

Self-Care September

Hiya from Kansas where we have gone from the high nineties to the low seventies overnight. One of the advantages of living in the midwest, the weather is a constant reminder to be adaptable. I mean, I’m still sipping a warm cup of tea like usual but I’m also thinking about how much ebb and flow is in our lives and how we can use the changing currents to strengthen our self-care routines.

a graphic with plant sprigs in two corners on top of fall orange color and the words self-care September; Create moments of joy in the center.
We are reading an amazing book called Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt. This is a fantastic book by the way, where Daisy shares information from studies proving that the arts have healing properties both emotionally and physically.

One suggestion mentioned in the book is how music that breaks from predictability helps our brains handle changes in our lives. How powerful is that?!

When I perform live it is mostly in the company of adults caring for people with dementia or people living through dementia. I’ve noticed when playing the handpan, there is a physical change in the audience. As I start playing, the energy in the room starts to relax. Everyone’s breathing deepens. And when I break from one pattern to bring in different sounds the audience shifts in their chair or will wake a little. Sometimes a foot tap will become a hint of a smile or the other way around. I can see how these small shifts cause a physical change in body language.

I can’t tell you what is going on in the minds of those listening but I can say that I feel a shift in my body as well. It is so easy for me to get in a trance-like state playing. When I notice my mind starts talking, I will shift the sounds to shift the thoughts. I benefit just as much as everyone else in the room. My free-verse style of playing is just one of the reasons I love the voice of the handpan. I feel better and I can tell the small group feels better too.

By the way, Kristin and I will be opening Handpan Magic: A free 5 Day Self-Care Series soon. If you would like to be notified when the doors open, please jump in and join the waiting list here.

Take a moment today and break from your routine by doing something different that brings you joy. Or simply catch yourself when the negative self-talk starts and change the script to something slightly more positive. Personally, we have found creating moments of positive self-talk can change how we feel about the harder moments.

Whew, this was a long one today.

We hope you turn a moment into a celebration as a form of self-care.

In love, light, and soul-care,
Delaina and Kristin

Infinite Light | Handpan Music for a Pan-tastic Day

December 30, 2025/in Music /by CXD

Create a Pan-tastic day with this short guided meditation. Allow the calming effects of handpan music and quiet spoken words of inspiration to release tension while welcoming peace, clarity, and celebrate your infinite light.

This musical pep-talk is perfect for morning reflection, meditation, journaling, emotional grounding, or when you need a sacred, peaceful pause.

In love, light, and sound,
Delaina

What does a “Pan-tastic Day” mean to you today?

Share one word you’re breathing into this moment.

➡️ All Poetry & Music by Delaina J. Miller https://contentxdesign.com/delaina-j-miller

2025 Reflections

December 27, 2025/in Etsy, Hello Caregiving, Music, Poetry /by CXD

Hiya;

It’s that odd time of the year where many of us feel like we are in time-line limbo. We are days away from welcoming 2026 and all of the potential that can come to life. And yet we are reflective of all the dreams, aspirations, and happenings this year.

Emotionally, we are a mixture of feeling vulnerable and excited. We are putting our heads and hearts together making rough plans for 2026, while giving ourselves time to recharge. We have big publishing plans for 2026 and we feel confident that you will find them beneficial.

Share with us your most treasured accomplishments of 2025. And let us know what you are looking forward to the most in 2026

In love, light, and cozy vibes,
Delaina and Kristin

Thank you for being in our lives!

Our Year in Review

Published Books:
Paper Birds
Anniversary Edition of She Too: Four Voices in (Almost) Harmony
The Handyman Special: An Activity Book for People Who Love to Fix Things

40 Meditations, Pan-tastics, Songs on YouTube

30+ Poems

3 New Etsy Offerings for Caregivers

Thoughtful Tuesday

December 23, 2025/in Coloring Pages, Hello Caregiving, Music /by CXD

Available on Amazon

Hiya;

Hey caregivers and family members visiting loved ones this week, we have a caregiver guide to help you create a meaningful holiday visit with your loved ones “Tips for Joyful and Meaningful visits.” The best news is, it’s an instant download you can get it when you need to.

Environment plays a big factor. If you have a big family (or a loud one) watch for signs of fatigue. It may be that your older loved one needs small breaks from the stimulation. This is especially true with dementia.

Also, remember ‘that they are not giving you a hard time, they are having a hard time’. When the frustration levels rise, it could be overstimulation. But it could also be that a basic need is not being met and they are having a difficult time communicating their needs.

Another tip, your energy levels are also important. Take time to recharge your energy before the party starts and find moments to find your calm center too. Allow yourself the grace you give others, that is true self-care.

We also have some activity sheets for you to do with your loved one. If the conversations get too much you can connect in other ways. Our Christmas Downloads on Etsy are instant downloads to make it easy.

In love, light, and cozy vibes,
Delaina and Kristin

📚 Large Print Fictions / Upcycles

Grab some blankets, turn on the fireplace and let our large print fictions warm your heart.

🖨️ Printable Activities on Our Etsy Shop

One of our best sellers on Etsy is our Christmas Carol Songbook. We aren’t surprised. Music is medicine for the soul.

🎶 Delaina’s Handpan Music on YouTube

Get cozy in your own strength and create a fantastic day. To help here is Delaina’s Pan-tastic Playlist full of handpan music. Listen to it anytime you need healthy vibes to fill your body with nurturing energy. Beyond YouTube you can find Delaina’s cozy music on Insight Timer and your favorite streaming venue.

🔧 Handyman Activity Book for Aging Adults

We aren’t Norwegian but we are pretty sure solving the puzzles in our Handyman Activity Book with a loved one is hygge. You can grab your copy of The Handyman Special from our direct link or from Amazon.

✨ Poetry Books

We might be biased but surely curling up in a comfy chair with a poetry book like Paper Birds or the Anniversary edition of She Too is hygge.

🌀 Coloring Books

Get Cozy with some soul-nourishment coloring. Our Mantra Mandalas put a spin on the power of repetition to evoke the feeling of words while you color.

Sounds and Sloth-y Saturday

December 20, 2025/in Hello Caregiving, Music, Poetry /by CXD

Hiya;

It has been a busy and amazing week for us and we are feeling slothy today.

We got to play Santa at Prairie Elder Care Day Program and play the handpan at PEC East house this week. That was a lot of fun.

Delaina read a poem she wrote in memory of her brother. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/zg8zWe65W84

Create a Pan-tastic Saturday with Delaina here: https://youtu.be/NnRiHIQG0P0

We mentioned on Monday we were crossing our fingers that we could share an 8-hour sleep video with you. You must have crossed your fingers too because we were able to pull it all together in time to include the link today. https://youtu.be/nFkbxyfx4Yc

We hope you are taking time to recharge your energy levels with some self-care.

We would love to know what you are doing today? and how you are keeping it cozy?

In love, light, and cozy vibes,
Delaina and Kristin