Considering how much of it exists in the world, it’s surprising (or maybe not) that blood banks are perpetually short of their key product. Blood and blood components are needed to help people with various medical conditions (including those with blood cancers), for surgery, and for emergency situations, like during childbirth or after a car accident. When there isn’t enough blood to go around, the consequences are devastating. So today’s post is to ask you to please consider donating blood, if you can. You’ll be rewarded with the warm sense of having done some good in the world (and a cookie). Your local vampires would approve 🧛
No judgments on where you read, but for the sake of books everywhere, please don’t bend the cover back like this! Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels.com
Today is National Drop Everything and Read Day, which really should be an international holiday, as far as I’m concerned. DEAR day happens every 12 April, in honour of author Beverly Cleary’s birthday, but can be celebrated all month and beyond. The goal is for people to take time out of their day and spend it reading a book. Seems like a great holiday to celebrate (I suggest your favourite warm drink as the official accompaniment).
Looking for something you can read right now? I’ve got you covered…
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Is anyone else feeling stuck lately? It could be winter blahs. It could be two years of mostly staying home and not being able to go anywhere fun or interesting. Or maybe it’s just something everyone goes through once in a while. Whatever the reason, if you’re feeling meh, you can bring back a bit of the spark by injecting some creativity into your day. Give these a try…
Dance
Put on some music and, as the saying goes, dance like no one’s watching. It’ll get you energized and maybe even spark some inspiration.
Cook
Skip the recipes and see what you can put together with what you already have on hand. If cooking’s not your thing, order in and get something you’ve never tried.
Play
Break out a creative or problem-solving game– basically anything that involves active participation instead of just following instructions. RPGs (like D&D) are perfect for this, although you generally need at least three people and a few hours to get the best experience.
Doodle
Blank paper + the writing tool of your choice. Don’t overthink it– just scribble away.
Photograph
Go for a walk or just wander around the house until you find something that catches your eye. Try to get as many different photos of one object as you can.
Daydream
Let your mind wander and see where it goes.
Redecorate
Rearrange the furniture in a room, or plan out your dream house. See the potential in your space.
If there’s something around the house you’ve been thinking of getting rid of, see if you can figure out how to improve it or find a new way to use it.
Compare
Pick (or have someone pick for you) two random things (e.g., a bear and a pair of socks). List everything you can think of that the two have in common (like, a bear and socks are both fuzzy).
Sing, with a Twist
Pick a song and make up new lyrics for it. You can write them down if you want, but it’s more fun to make them up as you go. The lyrics don’t have to be deep– sing about what you’re making for dinner or about your pets or how you’re feeling at that moment.
At its heart creativity is all about seeing things in a new way. Have fun and don’t overthink or self-edit. It probably won’t solve your problems, but being creative can set you free.
What do you do to stop feeling stuck? Share in the comments…
Books take you to new worlds. Download one of mine now:
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Aspasía S. Bissas 