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• 
  Cozy ReadingDecember 16, 2025

  To all my readers and writers out there, I know it’s been a while since you’ve seem my words on the pages but I’ve busy. My fingers have been busy keeping up with art and craft shows and holding up the pages of some cozy reading.

  One of my goals this year was to read or listen to more audio books to fall into the worlds of other writers. I wanted to find those morsels that bring a warm and fuzzy feeling to my belly. I went on some quest to fill my shelves with new inspirations, genres unexplored and breaking the rules with “banned” books.

  I traveled to a fantasy world inspired by baking shows, A Fellowship of Baker’s & Magic, by J. Penner. Travelled back to a World War II era of rations and fashion with, The Dressmakers of London, by Julia Kelly. I followed a young woman to Chile with a dream to become a journalist and novelist in a man’s world. One of my favorite authors, Isabel Allende didn’t let me down with, My Name is Emilia del Valle. Finally, my literary hunger lead me to the “banned” book section in Barnes & Noble, and I picked up, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. It’s still a read a in progress.

  During this cozy reading era, I didn’t limit myself. I told myself to wander the book shelves like a lost soul. I picked out genres I normally wouldn’t read. All I cared about was a good story. I didn’t always know what kind of words I was hungry for. I just let myself experience.

  Why? Words are like food. When I lacked the words to carry on a conversation or felt life is too routine, I turned to other writers. I let them fill the silence. Sometimes, they’ve saved me. Just when I thought the last brain cell left my body, a sudden surge of inspiration went through my body because of their words. The right kinds of words can change someone’s life. Try to remember that during the holiday season.

  If you’re feeling down, then lose yourself in a book and escape the world you feel trapped in. Put on that audio book as you drive around doing your errands. Not affirmations, or guru audio. Just a story with good writing.

  I hope you continue to find the books that help you feel lifted up this season. I’m going back to my heated blanket for more book therapy.

  Imagine Inspire Create: 52 Weeks of action and gratitude is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S6XCLFY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_Q7MHM9CFBSASDG56YMJQ

  Get closer to your writing goals with my Writer’s Journal filled with writing prompts and exercises. You can find a copy at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0931QRL7C/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VTHN0QSHXRYK6RJ1XSWQ.

  Yoon Ju

• 
  Finding UnicornsSeptember 14, 2025

  Today, I ventured out of my hobbit hole and wandered the streets of my own city. Influenced by foodies and cozy cafe finders, I found myself turning down an unknown road. The Maps app on my phone finally decided to work it’s brain today and I turned onto a street tucked behind the busy main streets. It found a shortcut that took half the time to get to Uptown, Minneapolis.

  New routes at old locations lead to new adventures. My compass was so turned around by the short cut that I had no idea where I was until voice in Maps told me I arrived at my location. Focused on finding parking and getting photos of a new wall mural, I had still no idea where I was until I walked across the street and turned the corner.

  I was at the corner of 31st Avenue and Hennepin. Familiar store names and shops came into view and I laughed. Why hadn’t my GPS taken me this way before? Usually, it took me the long away around on the highways. Who knew I was this close to Uptown.

  My husband and I turned away from the street to newly opened cafe. Moona Moono, stood before us. We had reached our destination. Then a growl came from the man next to me. His stomach carried us down the block to find something to eat.

  The light breeze and perfect walking weather felt like more like a small town movie than a busy Minneapolis location. We passed the smell of black peppers and something else earthy at Penzeys Spices before our feet stopped in front of Amazing Thailand. In the off hours, before dinner, the place was empty. Normally, late night dinners with friends lead to yelling across the table and bumping someone’s chair behind us. We could actually hear each other talk in early hours as we had our pad Thai and fruity drinks.

  I don’t know if the popularity of this area has changed but my husband and I didn’t mind the empty streets. Sometimes, a space to hear yourself think is comforting. Besides a table of friends in the distance, we had the place to ourselves and took our time finishing our meal together. A day out together with a relaxed pace and no plans was a moment that was going into my journal once we returned to the cafe.

  We looked through the windows as we made our way back to the corner. There were people shopping for spices and browsing the book shelves of Magers and Quinn. Only a few people passed by us on the sidewalk. I didn’t mind missing the night life crowd in the early afternoon.

  Back at our destination corner, my husband patiently waited for my social media videos before we opened the cafe door again. The big windows, bright white walls, and neatly organized tables gave Moona and Moono a new, modern feel. Those social media posts were exactly the same as what I saw around me.

  Everything they had was perfect for those who love good quality stationary, cute, novelty items, Asian ceramics, and Korean beauty products. They had a good selection of matcha, tea, and coffee based drinks. There were a few snacks but they were the usual imported prices. The seating area wasn’t huge but it was big enough for 9 tables for 2 and 2 large group tables for activities.

  Did I mention that they hold monthly activities? The activity days include journaling, book club, craft nights, and blind box swaps. I think I found a weekend hangout to write, read, and sketch. The only problem will be not buying all their merchandise. I came away with sticker sheets, new pens that you usually find art supply stores, and a new snail headband. Okay, the last one may be too much for some but the bouncy eyes made me giggle.

  At some point, found my way back to my husband by one of the window tables. He trusted me enough to choose two new drinks. One sparkling jasmine tea sparkling lemonade and one sparkling strawberry refresher was set before him. I smiled at the big yellow notepad in front of him. He was busy drawing out ideas, something I haven’t seen him do before. He was trying something new today and drawing up new designs for his 3D creations. I opened my new pens and joined him at the table. Receipts, postcards, and a yellow drink umbrella made it into my journal with a few tests of the new pen.

  Then, the minutes passed too quickly. I didn’t have time to finish a sketch of our dinner or open The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. Closing time was at 6:00 pm and I wasn’t ready to leave.

  My legs were restless and still wanted to wander after days at home. So, we wandered back down the block to Magers and Quinn to browse the book shelves. Something made me stop outside and run my fingers over the discount racks. It must have been fate because I picked up a blue cover book with a unicorn on the outside. A quick pick through the pages of The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook, by Selwyn E. Phipps convinced of my first and only purchase.

  The thought of own story of a station cat who helps lost humans went through my mind. It’s a little bit fantastical, and sounding more for adults than children. A guide that helps someone find unicorns, might help me with own cat story. Right now, my cat still hasn’t left the station back in Tokyo since last November. Maybe I just need more magic in my life. Adulting isn’t easy.

  Lately, the world is full of unrest and going through an upheaval. A hopeless romantic at this time, might simply be somebody who still believes in hope. How many of us adults have silently given up? It’s not just about our jobs anymore. Many of us might not even realize we gave up. I hope living in leggings and t-shirts now that I work from home doesn’t count as giving up. No make-up days are now a reality too. Oh boy, I should start digging into my new books and enter the world of magical stories. Stories that help me through change or move in the right direction. A direction.

  The unrest inside of me felt the same as walking those book shop aisles without a direction, or a book in mind. Everywhere there are books, and places to get lost but I’m just simply feeling lost and overwhelmed with choices. The fingers around my book gripped tighter. Sometimes, when we don’t know what to do and that means going to the front counter for a recommendation or for those of us who are introverted, just picking something and sticking with it. Sometimes a choice instead of no choice is what we need to get us moving in a direction before we find ourselves again.

  Yes, a book about unicorns was the right choice. Maybe today was all about following the things that called to me. Sometimes, that voice is wrong but today it was right. It was what I needed.

  As I continued to wander the book shelves I doubted my choice. Was it too simple? Was it too childish? Maybe I needed a book about humor? When was the last time I read a book that made me laugh out loud? Why don’t I laugh more often? I guess I need to find a funny friend too. Maybe adulting is realizing that we can live like Benjamin Button. Why get old when you can live in reverse?

  Other books tempted me but I looked down at the cover again. A serious title for something fantastical. No, this was what I needed. The humor and magic is there. No need to ask for more help. My $2.60 book was tucked away inside my canvas bag like an undiscovered treasure.

  I silently asked myself if I was done wandering for the day, and lead my husband back to the car. I watched as he set my unicorns in the back seat. We were headed back down the same short cut again. The Saturday adventure didn’t end because my husband announced he needed a bathroom break. Don’t ever tell him I shared this, but there are days when he has the bladder of a chihuahua. I tried not to roll my eyes before giving him a look. We were in the “ghettos” of Lake Street, an unfamiliar place where I strongly encouraged locking the doors at all times. I let out a quick sigh and frantically searched for a store or shop with a bathroom. I dodged homeless cardboard signs and stopped at more than one questionable place for him to tinkle.

  Waiting for him with locked doors and alert eyes was one of the times when I question the word “adventure” but luckily, he didn’t take too long. After a head shake and a closed car door, we were headed home again. In the back streets of Minneapolis, some people made questionable choices when driving, as in obeying common sense laws, not traffic laws, took place. I had to hit the breaks a few times for those who decided to turn into oncoming traffic without looking, or caring. As we got closer to home my grip on the wheel started to relax enough to stop for another bit to eat before our decision to add a moving at home to our night.

  Snuggled on the sofa, the rest of the night was quiet. When my husband decided to head to bed I started to reflect on how much I love wandering, even if it’s down a book aisle. Saving specific days for finding new places has always lead me to new experiences and discoveries. I mean, my unicorns were waiting for me to find them. It was destiny at a discount price.

  My advice, set aside time to explore and find your unicorns. I’ll let you know if I come across any.

  I hope you stay inspired!

  Imagine Inspire Create: 52 Weeks of action and gratitude is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S6XCLFY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_Q7MHM9CFBSASDG56YMJQ

  Get closer to your writing goals with my Writer’s Journal filled with writing prompts and exercises. You can find a copy at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0931QRL7C/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VTHN0QSHXRYK6RJ1XSWQ.

  Yoon Ju

• 
  End of Summer UpdateAugust 23, 2025

  The end of summer is already here in Minnesota and the State Fair has begun. The next two weeks will be full of new foods on a stick and a small break from event life. While my writing life may have been on hiatus, my art life has kept me busy. Yes, I’m still trying to figure out ways to balance both muses but I have come to the conclusion that life is always a work in progress. As long as I keep moving forward, I’m happy.

  Being in the second year of my of quitting my 9 -5 has created a lot of new “firsts”, and I have managed to journal those in a new sketch book without margins or lines. These blank pages allow the freedom to journal, use stickers, or sketch. Having no restrictions has helped the pages turn.

  I thought writing things down would unlock more creativity when it comes to ideas. Not limiting the kinds of materials I can use also took the pressure to fill empty pages and writer’s block. Sometimes my thoughts came out in bullets, other times it was in paragraphs. There were no rules when I started this journal. I just wanted to write it down, so that I could go over the memories later.

  I’m happy to report that my summer included some record breaking months for events. That scary leap is no longer so scary. My life has opened up gallery showings, new events, and new experiences. I don’t think I could give up the flexibility and freedom of my schedule. The pace of working myself to death is gone. Some days I get a lot done and some days I only get a few things done but I’m no longer punishing myself for slower days.

  In order to keep myself connected to the pen, I’ve kept a new journal. I’ve also been adding and editing new book ideas. Those still have a ways to go before I’ll be satisfied with them. I keep hitting speed bumps that stop my fingers. Something is missing. What will it take to get them done?

  Well, lately, I’ve been looking at writing retreats because I think setting aside a block of time where I can focus would get me closer to the finish line. Maybe a class or group would help but that will have to wait after our big holiday shows.

  The quiet of the cold, winter months will give me more time to focus on the stories I have turning in my mind. One thing that has changed, is that I write down an idea for my stories in my journal or in the notepad of my phone before I start over on entire chapters. No more 1,000 pages trash heaps. Well, I can’t make any promises but I’m trying.

  The point of this post is to let you know that I’m still writing even if I haven’t posted in a while. I hope everyone is having a noteworthy summer, there’s still a few days left. May you be inspired this week because hearing good words may be left up to us, the writers, these days.

  Imagine Inspire Create: 52 Weeks of action and gratitude is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S6XCLFY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_Q7MHM9CFBSASDG56YMJQ

  Get closer to your writing goals with my Writer’s Journal filled with writing prompts and exercises. You can find a copy at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0931QRL7C/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VTHN0QSHXRYK6RJ1XSWQ.

  Yoon Ju

• 
  A Day of IndulgenceMay 4, 2025

  May Day is here and there’s nothing like spending the day walking outside, shopping, and browsing book shelves without a time limit. This is a fresh start to spring. I spent the day indulging and not worrying about money. It’s my birthday month and I decided to treat myself to a new wardrobe, add more steps to my physical activity goals by walking outside and shopping, and finally feeding my brain with good words.

  With one more layer of clothing peeled off, my mood felt lighter too as I walked to the shops. I could lift my head up to sun and finally feel the warmth. A slight breeze in the spring air was fine until I walked into a swarm of gnats. Breath blew out so they didn’t get sucked in and with a quick jerk and duck I sighed in relief. No bugs were eaten or stuck in corners of my eyes. Another huff of relief because none enter the nose.

  Walking on carefully squinting to avoid any more clouds of socializing bugs. It’s definitely warmed up and it still feels too early for them. I’m not ready for our state bird, the mosquito, to be on the hunt. Good thing I learned to keep bug spray in the car.

  Crisis averted, I started to relax again and enjoy the warm weather. Not too cold, not too hot. Even though I add another year to my age this month, I stilled felt good as I reflected on the changes I’ve made over the past two years. This is the start of my second year, working independently at home.

  I can’t complain because my wish to return as a domestic cat came true. I made it come true. I can snuggle under heated blankets, stay up at night, work when I feel like it, and nap without guilt a boss to disturb me. I’m not chained to a desk, and some people are jealous maybe even a little bitter because I’m not under the tyranny of boss where every second has to be kept at the highest level of production at all times.

  By the way, my last boss wasn’t that bad. But the pressure and stress to deliver perfection was there and it was real because I worked to provide professional services for another client. I was responsible for managing a team that was supposed to provide the highest level of servants to a group of lawyers. When you have other people’s lives in your hands and millions of dollars on the line, you kind of expect perfection.

  Trying to run my own business and deliver high end services at another job was a little too much. Worrying about missing deadlines and worrying about not being able to participate in a show because someone called in sick when you paid over a $1,000 in non-refundable funds wasn’t the greatest experience either.

  I had to choose because doing both was effecting my health. I knew it was only going to get worse because I also get insomnia from time to time. You can only imagine what else that would do to a person. Taking the leap was scary and took consideration. Did I let my art and writing die when it’s what I’ve dreamed about doing since I was a child?

  Some might said to keep it was a hobby. But did they really understand how that hobby was growing? Keeping the day job that wasn’t my passion was the sensible thing to do, for my parents. But I’m not them.

  So, I did the thing that scared me. I did what many people dream about but never do. I made art and books my life. And it was one of the most liberating feelings I’ve ever had in my life. Are there worries? Yes, but now I ask myself why I waited so long. Who cares if it doesn’t work. Besides, you can be fired at anytime and no one could care. I’m not stuck. I can make changes and adjustments at any time.

  No more waiting. Life is too short and too many people I knew passed away before they could retire. I also realized that I would have to deal with finances no matter how much I make. Now, I wouldn’t change the freedom of my schedule at all.

  Will I always do this? Honestly, I don’t know. I’m done pressuring and punishing myself. If I change my mind later, oh well. My inner cat says, “Meh” too. Why are we so hard on ourselves or someone else for changing their mind? Most people I know still don’t know what they want to be when they grow up or aren’t doing the thing they dream about. The path of life doesn’t go in a straight line. Maybe telling ourselves that we have to do the same thing for the rest of our lives holds back our self discovery.

  At least, my self discovery is in motion. As I get older, my goals in life get simpler, and that’s what I call wisdom. The childhood fairytale with castles and courts have changed into just wanting to be happy most of the time. Part of me doesn’t mind the days when I feel a French melancholy. Sometimes the tears help me feel human.

  Sometimes the miracle of life is making sense of anything in this world. Simple is better. I’m still trying to find my “one true sentence” and then have it happen more often. Inspired by Hemingway, what I’m trying to say is that I’m trying to find truth in my words more often.

  One way to get closer to to the kinds of words I would like to write is continuing to feed my brains with good writing by other authors. The trip to the book store today lead to some treasures. My reading finds for the month are, The Twilight In Paris, by Pam Jenoff. This week follows my interest in war time and post war time in London. I’ve been following vlogs that talk about recipes inspired by war time rationing. It didn’t surprise me when I picked up this book that takes place in 1953 London. The real treat is that this is a limited edition copy from Barnes & Noble that was signed by the author. I had no idea that they started selling these.

  The second book I picked up is, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. I’ve picked this book up several times while at the book store and I finally made the purchase. It’s a cozy read about going on a journey to find treasure while gaining the wisdom through self discovery. A read that might help me feel more human on somber days.

  My final stop this weekend is for chips and salsa, a daiquiri for the husband, and something too spicy to finish for Cinco De Mayo celebrations. Snacks and a good drink before walking home in the dark are a must.

  Listening to cars pass with their headlights on and feeling goosebumps on my skin isn’t a bad way to end a day of indulgence. Not seeing the gnats in the dark is probably better. I did manage to remain bug free as the key turned in the door.

  My monthly reads are resting on the sofa next to me as my fingers hit the keyboard and all I can think is that I need more days like this one.

  I hope you find your day of indulgence, and some new reads. Stay word hungry out there!

  Imagine Inspire Create: 52 Weeks of action and gratitude is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S6XCLFY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_Q7MHM9CFBSASDG56YMJQ

  Get closer to your writing goals with my Writer’s Journal filled with writing prompts and exercises. You can find a copy at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0931QRL7C/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VTHN0QSHXRYK6RJ1XSWQ.

• 
  Still ExploringMarch 25, 2025

  In the middle of the night, my mind woke up and I let myself pour out all the thoughts that accumulated onto the white pages of my journal with no lines. Sometimes my thoughts come out in sketches, stickers, and written word and I let it happen.

  Over the past year, I’ve given my inner explorer more freedom. Sometimes I’ve wondered if it’s a good thing or a distraction but I’m still going to let it happen. Growth doesn’t come without traveling outside the lines. Maybe that’s why I chose to journal in a book without lines.

  Despite the fact that I still need to make things to bring to art shows and my urge to go out and explore may pop up at inconvenient times, I’m not going to stop it. Instead, I’m going to stop and listen. This might be the way my brain has been telling me to stop and give it a break.

  Exploring might be a way to give those folds of gray matter some oxygen. Maybe I need to do it more if I’m not able to focus because I never have this problem when I’m feeling inspired. No, in times of inspiration there’s a rush to get the idea out on paper or in clay. There’s an extreme amount of focus that gets upset when there’s an interruption. It’s like someone walking in on me crying when I’m writing an intense scene for my characters. Or, like just now, when I thought I saw a creep crawly run across the floor and now I can’t find my pen.

  So now, when I can’t sleep and wake up in the middle of the night, I’m into mapping and Pinterest pinning. I created guides to track all the places and things I find interesting with no filter. I pin whatever my mind likes and it’s tends to be more imaginative when everyone else is asleep. I let loose and take seconds to pin whatever catches my attention and would like to visit. I noticed that big windows and open spaces for writing tend to end up in my guides with drool worthy food.

  If it made my stomach growl in the middle of the night, then it’s worthy of a pin. If I pictured myself sitting at one of the tables with my journal, then it gets pinned. No matter the number, I kept going. I didn’t care if I couldn’t make it to all the places in one lifetime, I still pinned the thing that sparked excitement in my brain.

  Last night, I must have pinned several new places to visit that involved food and good lighting. I went from cafes with yummy looking food to second hand art supplies stores that looked weird. I’m into weird and interesting places these days.

  Practicing my own prompts, I’m was on the hunt for places that will inspire another flood onto the pages in any form. The trick is to let my journey happen and to stop trying to control it. After my change in lifestyle, letting things happen naturally has been a challenge. Meaning, I realized that I need to enjoy my journey and not give it a timeline.

  Undoing years of high cortisol takes time. I can’t expect it to happen in one day, or one week, when I let it build for decades. My advice, stop letting those outside voices that aren’t you, punish yourself. Like cats, we humans need praise. Don’t let yourself go down the spiral or saying things, like I’m not good at math. You just weren’t taught in a way that made learning it easier. What am I getting at?

  It’s too easy to speak negatively to ourselves, a give into excuses that block us from continuing on our journey. We just need to find a way that works for us.

  Just open up your YouTube feed or look at the book shelves in a store. There’s an endless amount of possibilities and an endless ways to do things. Yes, it might feel like a distraction or a shiny object but just sit quietly and listen. Possibilities are good because it allows you to find the idea that will create the spark that moves you in the right direction. It will bring you closer to what works for you.

  Adulting is about answering the same questions we had as children. Why are we here and what do I want to be when I grow up? No one else can live your journey for you, even if they step in your shoes. Besides, they won’t do as good of a job as you will. We’re meant to find our own journey and what works for us.

  So go out and explore this week. Let your journey happen and stop trying to control it. Until next time!

  Imagine Inspire Create: 52 Weeks of action and gratitude is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S6XCLFY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_Q7MHM9CFBSASDG56YMJQ

  Get closer to your writing goals with my Writer’s Journal filled with writing prompts and exercises. You can find a copy at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0931QRL7C/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VTHN0QSHXRYK6RJ1XSWQ.