On the Journey

A new, but smaller, stack of books to span this month.  I hope you are taking time to read at least one book every month; it is so good for the brain to read a physical book. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/03/10/march-reads-notes/ Thank you all for listening in, all your kind words, support and sharing.  Keep spreading hope and joy aroun...

The books I'm reading this month are various in nature, from heartwarming fictional stories to corporate negotiations.  I am really stretching my brain this month, but also reading some heartwarming well-written stories.  This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/02/23/february-book-stack/

Rest. People often struggle with taking breaks, naps, or getting good sleep at night.  This issue of Snail Mail is all about the beauty of rest.  Please visit my blog post to read or download the issue: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/02/17/february-snail-mail-3/ Poor sleep or lack of sleep can cause many physical and mental issues.  Not unplugging and taking a rest during our da...

I can't pick one.  I love the sunrise and the sunsets for different reasons, but both just fill my soul.  I really want to learn how to take good sunrise and sunset photos to really capture the vivid intensity of colors.  I shared a couple of beautiful sunset photos on my blog (one I took).  This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/31...

I've not really considered writing an autobiography before, but if I did these would be some possible titles (for now).  I do hope that as I've lived my life, and continue to do so, that my story will show a faithful life to God filled with hope and joy in the midst of the difficult times and seasons.  This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/3...

Learning new things, being creative, and being physically active all help keep the brain flexible and youthful.  This year I'm learning to bullet journal and doodle.  This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/30/learn-new-things/ My bullet journal vlogger: https://youtu.be/JTcx62Q4k8M Learning to doodle:  https://youtu.be/EMUJyUMykt8 I hope...

Do you have a perfect birthday dessert that you enjoy?  Join me as I describe my perfect birthday cake.  Would you like to see my almost-perfect birthday cake? Then visit my blog post to see it: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/28/my-perfect-birthday-cake/

I have been a procrastinator.  There are still some times when I put things off.  I find when I get into that rut or habit it is so much harder to get back out of it.  I have learned to apply Mel Robbin's 5-second Rule when I need to kick myself in the pants.   Do you struggle with procrastination?  Or do you just take the bull by the horns and get it done? Help me share e...

Do you know a language (or two) other than your native tongue?  Is there a language you'd like to learn? I am fascinated by languages and in awe of those who know more than one.  Truly it is a gift to be able to communicate with others in their languages.  If you enjoy listening to On the Journey, would you please subscribe and share with a friend.  Let's keep spreading joy and...

I share with you my favorite poem.  When I read it I get the same thrill and melancholy I did the very first time.  I hope you'll share your favorite poem with me.  Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.  Like and share with your friends, so they can join us On the Journey. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/26/...

Even though we are now in the month of Love, I'm still catching up on recording #bloganuary posts.  I really appreciate you coming along for that whirlwind month of writing.  Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.  Hit that like button if you enjoy an episode and share it with a friend you especially love!   This episode is also available as a blog post: https:...

Enjoy this wonderful issue of Snail Mail.  Family and friends are so important, treat them with great love.  Building relationships with family can be hard, but healthy relationships take work to stay healthy; just like our bodies.   Share a copy of the newsletter with a friend or family member and let them know you were thinking about them.   This episode is also available as...

As a recovering control freak, let me break it to you gently, if you haven't already gotten the memo.   Join me today for a Just a Thought episode.  You got this my lovelies! Be sure to share it with you most loved control freaks.  Together we can let the world take care of itself. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/23/just-a-th...

Some children want to be a lawyer-vet-basketball star, while others just have one thing in mind.  Some dreams are simple and some elaborate.  But every dream is wonderful and precious.  I wanted to reach for the stars and sail on until morning.   Thank you for coming along On the Journey, you are very appreciated.  Please leave a like, a comment, or a review; these help bo...

I love to read; I always have.  Reading has unlocked so many ideas and opened doors to me.  I've been encouraged and mentored through books.  I tell my children, "If you can learn to read, you can teach yourself anything you want to know."  Reading is the foundation of a good education. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/21/a-fa...

Complaining doesn't change our circumstances.  What we focus on does.  So I'm looking on the bright side about my Home, Sweet Home!  I also got the sweetest note from a Snail Mail subscriber; it touched my heart so much.  Thank you all for listening, sending stars or likes and sharing this podcast with others.  Let's keep spreading hope and encouragement to others.  T...

I think there is too much of trying to put us in boxes based on our personality, habits, or even color preferences.  We are whole beings and it just doesn't do to look at people through microscope lens.  Thank you so much for being here today and sharing this episode with a friend.  I appreciate your support and encouragement very much! This episode is also available as a blog post:...

I went from being able to fry bologna to creating scrumptious meals with leftovers and garden produce.  I may not be Cat Cora, but I think I could win Chopped: Homeschool Mom edition.  Eating whole, unprocessed foods is the best self-care you can give your body. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/18/good-food-is-self-care/

How do you define your happiest days?  Everyday has a gift, even the hard ones.  Sometimes it takes distance to see the happiness of some days.  I couldn't pick just one so in the episode I'm sharing several. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/17/just-a-thought-happiest-of-days/

Fear can lead to hopelessness.  Both can be overwhelming.  This is how I fought back against fear; it is part of my journey.  I hope you are encouraged and inspired.  In the blog, I link my first Snail Mail newsletter that I shared on my blog:  https://amybain.wordpress.com/2020/09/15/september-snail-mail/ and my first blog post after a four year hiatus:  https://amyb...

Scent is a powerful communicator and provocative switch to recall memories.  You can visit my blog for a links to learn more about the olfactory system and scent.  I would love to hear from you.  Please share a scent that is link to a memory in a comment here or on my blog.   This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/16/oil-and-metal/

I grew up in a smallish farming community and I longed for adventure.  My family didn't travel much when I was growing up, but my husband and I have traveled all around the United States and parts of Canada.  But there was one family vacation that I loved the most.   This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/15/on-the-road-again/

Did you ever play the game "What you buy with a million dollars" as a child?  I remember playing that game.  Big dreams were built in those days.  The Bloganuary prompt today is "How would you spend a billion dollars?"  I found it a lot harder than I first imagined. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/14/my-cup-runneth-over/

Chores.  Can't get away from them.  There are just things that we have to do to make like livable.  Chores build good habits.  Chores build good character.  There are so many lessons worth teaching and learning through chores.  But there may be a chore you still struggle with like me. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01...

"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."  Nelson Mandela.  Success can not always be measured in the tangibles.  By living your best life, everyone can be successful. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://amybain.wordpress.com/2023/01/12/defining-success/