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• 
  Country LifeJune 6, 2026

  This weekend the husband and I drove out of the Twin Cities, and across the border to a small town in Wisconsin to visit my parents. A weekend away after a busy month of May sounded good. The suitcase was packed one more time.

  Instead of seeing the flat lands heading to Des Moines, Iowa like last weekend, were headed toward one of my favorite drives into Wisconsin. I think it’s the hills, trees, and different farms that make it more interesting. Farms and houses are sprinkled between country roads with horses, cows, and goats. Dairy farms sit next to fields of corn or soy beans. It doesn’t feel like your a flat earther the car climbs up and over the hills. Flat earth would be boring.

  My body relaxed as I wound around the familiar country roads. My eyes perked with curiosity as I spotted a few new houses. Fewer empty land lots as more of us try to escape city life. Could I see myself out in the country all year round? Well, I could do without the bumper to bumper traffic, summer construction, and busier everything with school out. But winters might feel too long and a trip to the local coffee shop might not exist.

  Despite being a homebody, I still need some human interaction. I also don’t want to drive for an hour to get to my favorite restaurant or book store. Book stores with coffee are a plus. So, I still need city life with weekend getaways.

  Don’t worry, there was some excitement in the country. We went to the local creamery in the next town over. They had cheese wedge stress balls, chocolate cow pies, cow pattern everything and of course, fresh cheese curds. You gotta have cheese curds in Wisconsin.

  Our late night table was filled with treats and cards as we gathered around the table. The limit was about 3 rounds of cards. The joke was that the losers have to go sleep in the barn. I guess I felt sorry for my husband because he snored away next to me.

  Did I mention the milk trucks? My husband is an early riser and he heard milk trucks go past at 7:00 in the morning. I was dead to the world and dreaming. The only drawback was that my parents live on a busier county road.

  Traffic picked up as soon as school let out and more people exit the city for a road trip of their own. Sometimes, there are tractors moving past on the side of the road to go plow or harvest their fields. So, it’s not completely quiet.

  Before the car noise picked up this morning, I stood on the front deck and closed my eyes in the sun for a quick pause. No one was there to witness or comment on the moment. I can’t even see their neighbors with all the trees and hills around them.

  Walking around their yard, I think I found a perfect reading nook in a front yard tree. One long branch stretches out close to the ground and waits for a country cat to come sit in the shade. A lazy day in the shade surrounded by the sound of nature sounded good. Then, a car engines killed the moment. Someone sounded like they needed a trip to their local mechanic.

  Before I baked away in the sun, I retreated back into the cool house. The sound buffer between me and the cars on the country road was back.

  What did the afternoon look like? Well, I think the husband was napping across form me as I typed this post. Let the light to heavy snores begin. The best part is when the sounds gets so loud that he suddenly wakes himself up. I think it’s the look of confusion on his face at that moment that gets me.

  Ever lay wide awake next to someone going hard on their snores and want to give them a shove? I tell myself that it’s not very nice to do but it’s tempting.

  Well, I should get going before I get carried away with invasive thoughts. Until next time, keep writing!

  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

• 
  Next…June 3, 2026

  The halfway point of the year is here and I feel like I’m standing at a new point. A starting point that lead to cleaning out my closet and filling donation bags. I feel the rush of a fresh beginning. There are multiple directions that I can take and that may lead to walking in a few circles but that’s okay.

  I asks myself, “where do I see myself right now?” The answer? I see myself sitting in some hidden corner under the sun sketching and writing in my blank journal. When I don’t feel like drawing our words, then real ones will fill the pages. No more fighting between my muses. Both are prompts because pictures can capture what words cannot, and vice versa. There’s a reason I’m also a Pinterest queen. My hunger for words and edible scenery is insatiable.

  During the winter, I flooded my muses with audio books and books filled with paper. I lost myself in the stories of other writers while my own keyboard slumbered. I didn’t panic because I know the words are there. It’s okay to let them rest without guilt. As long as my eyes and ears are kept busy, I’m content.

  While I sculpt with my hands, my writing muses wait quietly in the shadows until it’s their turn. It’s a learned skill to be able to call up your muses instead of them impatiently calling you. Maybe it’s a change in perspective. I tell myself that I’m in charge of my emotions not the other way around.

  Am I growing as I get older? Am I getting wiser? I don’t know. Sometimes, I still feel like a child trying to figure out if growing up is worth it. I mean, I didn’t sign up for this thing called bills and adult responsibility. Why can’t we go out and play all day?

  Maybe that’s why I traveling away from my home environment is on my mind. I need a break from all things familiar. Room to stretch, like a cat after a long nap. I want something new. Different sights, sounds, and smells. If I end up in circles, it’s because of Google Maps not some internal sense of feeling lost.

  So what if I get lost. Sometimes, I need to get lost in order to find out where I am. Yes, as an adult I intentionally tell myself to get lost when I feel stuck on a project. Anything to get me out of the mindset that got me into a roadblock.

  Well, this is where I’m at right now. Waiting for direction. I’ll let you know where I got lost next. Until next time! Stay 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.

  Yoon Ju

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  Junk JournalingJanuary 20, 2026

  The celebration bubbles have burst and a new year has begun. I’m not sure how I feel about the start of 2026 up here in Minnesota. Without hitting my own nerves, it feels strange to carry around my passport with me as a precaution or having to rehearse the phrase, “I am a US citizen in my mind before I head out the day.” But it’s happened.

  Let’s just say it. I am someone blessed with color. The odd thing is I’m paler than most people up here. Does that even make sense? Well, scenarios have played out in my head because I have a writer’s mind. Would telling an officer if I get pulled over that I can’t come in for questioning because my crock pot is on at home be enough of a reminder as to why some things are ridiculous.

  I grew up here and I do use my crock pot at least once or twice a week. When I certain words come out of my mouth, I do sound like I belong in the movie Fargo. I also look up hot dish recipes. Having grown up in the suburbs, my life looked like the blanket of snow outside my window. Of course, now I find that statement sad but it’s the truth.

  And should someone really have to sound or look like a character from Fargo up here? How many people who look like most of the characters in that movie are carrying around their passport right now or rehearsing certain phrases just in case?

  How am I handling everything up here? Well, I’m not letting it stop me. Before things grew to national coverage, I was already struggling. I feel stuck on a never ending story but I’m still typing something and taking tidbits from other writers that I follow. My magician’s bag of prompts have helped me with my writing and my artwork.

  I’ve added a new trick to my magic bag this year and it’s been keeping me consistent. My new way of prompting is junk journaling. Yes, I am using stickers, paper scraps and whatever else I can tape into a blank journal to get my brain stimulated again. I don’t worry about full sentences, grammar or making things pretty. I focus on filling up the pages with whatever catches my fancy. I have to say, this method filled up blank pages than trying to come up with some brilliant phrase.

  So, if your brain is off to a sluggish start this year, then junk journal. Get out stickers, scrap paper, cocktail napkins, or whatever you can tape down into a blank journal to get your brain working again. Sometimes, it’s not about deep meaning or the perfect sentence. It’s about movement and action.

  Sometimes, we need a new kind of escape to get inspired. Let’s just hope my escape is only about art and filling pages up here. Until next time, junk journal away. Stay safe 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.

  Yoon Ju

• 
  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