Checking In

/in , /by

Hello Friends;

It seems like it’s been ages since our last connection but in reality it’s only been three days. But I guess with all the things happening in the world and in our lives it feels like a lot has happened in three days. Am I right?

Puppy for cuteness only. We would not gift a caregiver a puppy.

Anyway, we have signed up as sponsors for the Heartland Caregiver Convention hosted by Sandwiched KC. The event is November 1st. Here is the registration page if you are in the area and would like to attend. We plan to donate a gift basket to the event. What would you like to see in the gift basket? Hello Caregiving swag, large print books, coloring books, activity sheets, maybe a CD (does anyone, besides us, even listen to CD’s anymore?). What makes or breaks a great gift basket in your opinion?

Besides our little announcement and “gift basket poll” we really just wanted to check in on you, say hiya, and drop a little encouragement into your day.

 Delaina shared a post that someone created and it has us thinking about value. The post is a quote attributed to Kobi Simmons talks about the price of a bottle of water. The cost rises depending on where you are: a supermarket, the movies, an airplane; you get the idea. And goes on to say that if you don’t feel valued maybe you are in the wrong place.

 Delaina is playing the submission game again. AKA, writing poetry, editing poetry, submitting poetry, waiting to hear if the poetry was good enough for said journal to publish it. And that’s just it right? She is not really waiting to hear if the poem is “good enough.” She is waiting to hear if the poem is a good fit with the journal. That is the thing right? It’s not about quality as much as it is about placement. It’s about finding the right place for the poem.

The same is true no matter what any of us bring into the world. Our words, art, talents, and contributions are valuable. They are what the world needs now because we are here to create them. Be true to you, tune into your intention, and find your playground. We believe in you. We know there is value in your creations. And we know that you are what the world needs now, because just like water, you are valuable.

Okay, that is us for now. Meanwhile let us know what you think we should put in our gift basket and let us know if you have found your playground.

 In love, light, and gratitude,
 Delaina and Kristin

New Inspirations

/in , , /by

Hiya!

Okay friends, we’ve got a few new things coming your way. We’re pretty excited about them so here we go:

First, we’ve created a new mug design and you inspired it. You have been following us for a while so you know how proud we are of our mandala art. But you might not know that it was our gratitude for you that kept us striving to create our Mantra Mandalas. We know a lot of you were disappointed when the plug was pulled on our Mantra Mandala Mugs. Well we have finally found a partner that will help us put those mugs back in your hands. To celebrate we added a splash of color as part of the new design. (Delaina’s decadent crush project.) We started with ‘Love’, because that is what we feel for you. And what better time to bring more love into the world than right now. Am I right?

Love Mug

Second, Delaina has finally convinced herself to try haibun poetry. You might be wondering what that has to do with new things. Well maybe it doesn’t. But she found a, new to her, poet and some great articles about writing haibun to share with you. If that sounds like something you’re interested in…click the links below:

 

And we saved the best news for last…

Kristin is ready to let you in on her secret project. It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a while but life kept getting in the way. As it does. It’s an activity book to help with engagement and entertain the older guy in your life. We hope to have it ready in time for the Holidays. Fingers crossed, please and thank you.

We hope you are doing well, staying focused on the love there is in the world, and sharing that dynamic light that you are with the world through your voice and creations.

Let us know what you think about our new mug design. And tell us what your decadent crush project is?

In love, light, and haibun,
Delaina and Kristin

Thank you for your support and for being in our lives.

Feed Your Soul

/in /by

Yesterday, Delaina bathed in the poetry of Mary Oliver. Her new ritual is to read one poem a day. Absorb it into her soul. Then write one of her own. The poem was “June” from Owls and Other Fantasies.

Then we loaded up a handpan to visit with our friends at Prairie Elder Care. It was an emotional afternoon as we haven’t really been there since our Bob passed. But it was also healing to see his friends and the people that cared for him and us during our journey. They are our PEC family and it was good to reconnect.

In the near future we will be sharing simple guides on in-home activities you can do with your loved one.

Have a great day friends. We love you.

In love, light, and gratitude,
Delaina and Kristin

Meanwhile, share with us your favorite daily ritual or favorite soul-filling activity.

Celebrate Slow & Steady

/in , , /by

Hiya;

Slow and steady wins the race to joy.

Congratulations! You made it to Thursday. Let’s celebrate that fact.

It’s important to celebrate our steps forward no matter how small they feel. Progress is progress. Delaina wrenched her thumb the other day and has been wearing a brace to help support her hand and also as a reminder to take it slow and steady. 

Speaking of slow and steady, our Hello Caregiving YouTube Channel is pumping up. Yes, we added two fitness guys that we feel really get the ‘aging gracefully’ thing. But don’t take our word for it, check them out for yourself. They are under the “Resources” heading where you will also find “The Pocket Psychologist;” who we love because she is full of stress relieving tips. We can all use that, right?!

Also… Speaking of stress relief:

We have added some Mantra Mandala Coloring Pages to Fourthwall. Check them out if you are feeling the world to be a little drab. And please, if you decide to give them a try, share pictures of your creativity with us for a bit of fun. 

Here’s your gentle reminder: fill your day with the little things that make a difference to you. One fit, stress free, colorful moment at a time.

In love, light, and joy

Delaina and Kristin

P.S. What’s something fun you’ve done for yourself lately. We’d love to hear.

Recommendations

/in /by


Hiya!

There are some great things we are enjoying and want to share with you.

 The fabulous Carina Bissett of “Storied Imaginarium” on Substack has published a new anthology Fractured Reveries: A Storied Imaginarium Salon full of brilliant writers. Two of those writers are Helen Patrice and Allison Pang. You can also read Helen’s poetry in our anthology Paper Birds and Allison is responsible for the gorgeousness of Paper Birds. Keep in mind these are just two of the great minds that will take you on a journey in Fractured Reveries. If you haven’t picked up a copy we highly recommend you check it out.

 Delaina just finished reading Finger Exercises for Poets by Dorianne Laux. She loved it! The book is full of poetry prompts, examples, and it is great to read the poems through Dorianne’s eyes. Delaina, being Delaina, read the book through and will now go back through the book rereading and doing the exercises. She highly recommends this book to anyone that loves the magical puzzles of poetry.

Another recommendation by Delaina for poets and writers alike is to subscribe to “Storied Imaginarium” and “Two Sylvias Press’ Weekly Muse”. She feels her writing has improved greatly since subscribing. And that they both create fun and highly supportive environments to thrive within. Check them out.

 Let us know what books are you enjoying right now? What are your favorite Substack subscriptions?

 In love, light, and reading,
 Delaina and Kristin

light blue background with darker blue circle on the righthand side. And the title of new video: "Peaceful Moments–Frothy Frolics by Delaina J. Miller"2025

Rainbows and Peaceful Moments

/in , /by

Hello Friends;

We hope you are thriving through life’s moments. The challenges we face remind us of our authentic strength and that we rooted in light. Even in the moments when we can’t see our successes they are there. Just as the sun and the moon light the sky, we bring light to the world whether we believe in ourselves in any given moment or not. You are matter, your matter matters, and no matter what discouraging thing you might hear today you matter and you are loved.

Today we are sending love out into the world with poetry and music.

Delaina has decided to start sharing her poetry readings on Insight Timer along with her high vibe sounds and meditations. She has offerings that are free and part of Insight Timer Plus. Give her a listen here–Delaina on Insight Timer

 

We have added another video to our Peaceful Moments playlist.

This video is great if you are looking to: put a little pep in your step, feeling the powerful energy of the ocean, take a break, and entertain a loved one while you tackle a project.

You can find more of Delaina’s videos here at Delaina on YouTube

or more engagement videos for your loved one here at HelloCaregiving on YouTube

Let us know how you are doing.

In love, light, and purpose,
Delaina and Kristin

Caregiving & Poetry

/in /by
Read more

Paper Birds Giveaway

/in /by
Read more

Spring Brings Poetry

/in /by

Good Morning!

Ah Spring, the trees that bloom rise as giant bouquets.
Give yourself a moment right now to enjoy Spring / Fall, both are beautiful seasons. It’s Spring here and it is so beautiful.

Here is a picture of our ornament Pear tree, we have nicknamed The Prince of Trees because it seems to require more nurturing than the others.

It is a poetry inspiring month. We can understand why National Poetry month is April.

Please share some of your Spring or Fall photos.

In love, light, and words,
Kristin and Delaina

Coloring Books for Mental Wellness, Relaxation & Joy

/in , , /by

Are you searching for the BEST Coloring Books to promote Mental Wellness, Relaxation & Joy, but can’t handle all those tiny spaces?

Relax- You’re in the right place!

Introducing: Small Words, Big Shifts coloring books – a new series of 3 books with our new Mantra Mandalas.

Grab a copy here: ===> On Amazon!

Just like the title says, these books contain short words (Love, Thrive, Joy) that, when twisted into our delightful Mandalas, create larger spaces to color.

This was very helpful when my mother was recovering from Brain Surgery – One of her therapists recommend coloring, but she had trouble with the tiny spaces in our other books.  Thus the motivation for us to create  some uplifting, positive coloring with larger areas to color. TaDa!

Mental Wellness made easy – with our creative spin on Mandala based Coloring.

These books also work well, if you enjoy creating in a ZenTangle style – larger spaces lead to more interesting & creative ways to color.

The best part?

Coloring these abstract Mantra Mandalas enhances your Mental Wellness, without the stress that comes from coloring other types of art.

So go ahead, click the link (===> to Amazon ) and  buy a Mantra Mandalas Coloring book today so you can be a chill / zen sloth in no time!