Tag: #thepaisleyfrog

Breezin’ Through Summer on Vacations

Summer Vacations

Vacation, all I ever wanted.
Vacation, had to get away.

Vacation by The Gogo’s

Summer vacations.
The bigger adventures.
Pack a bag.
Grab a map.
And follow the open road, train, boat, or plane.

State parks.
Tents flapping in the wind.
The sounds of crackling campfires.
Mesmerized by an endless sky of stars.

RVs hugging narrow roads.
Mountain lions in the distance.
Archeological finds waiting to be discovered.
It’s a small world looping in our minds over and over again.

Which one is your favorite?
Mine is Mesa Verde National Park—
where cliff dwellers turn back time,
stairs lead to fire pits and kivas,
and petroglyph panels reveal a language all their own.

Image Credit: “Mesa Verde” by Elaine from Sheffield, England is licensed under CC BY 2.0. 

Summer Vacations.
The beach calls.
The ocean waves pull you to surf.
You can feel the salt on your skin.
And you can taste it too.

Vacations nudge us out of our comfort zones.
Trying new foods.
New locations.
New trails
New adventures.
Discovering courage you didn’t know you had.

So, go ahead and lean into the fun and see where it will take you.

Summertime is fun!
Summertime is a time for unexpected adventures!

– Nadia Crane, It’s Summertime – Part 4 (Blog, 8/29/21)

This summer,

May your adventures lead you somewhere unforgettable —
toward wonder, toward joy, toward the part of you that wakes up when you wander far from home.

#BreezinThroughSummer #Summer #SummerSongs #SummerVibes #LightAndAiry #SummerWhimsy #TasteOfSummer #Seasons #ThePaisleyFrog

Breezin’ Through Summer with Outings

Summer Outings

I’m sailing away

Come Sail Away, Styx

Water calls to us in summer.
Do you hear it?
Rivers. Lakes. Oceans.
Cleansing us.
Reflecting on us.
Refreshing what feels old and stale.

Summer outings.
Going down the shore.
Or to the beach, depending on where you’re from.
Sand in my toes.
Ice cream on the boardwalk.
Salt in the air.
Light, airy, and bubbly.

Summer outings.
Day trips.
Lakes.
Or ponds.
Floating. Fishing. Sailing. Canoeing. Kayaking.
Still water that settles the soul.

Summer outings.
Day trips.
Rivers.
Tubing. Jumping off rope.
Rafting down the Buffalo.
Getting to know someone special.

Summer outings.
Day trips.
Little escapes.
Change the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Relinquish fears to set sail.

— Nadia Crane, I and Thou: Happy New Year! (Blog, 12/31/23)

This summer,

May the Spirit meet you in your outings—
in your comings and your goings.
May the water wash away fear and anxiety and
refresh you where you need it most.

#BreezinThroughSummer #Summer #SummerSongs #SummerVibes #LightAndAiry #SummerWhimsy #TasteOfSummer #ThePaisleyFrog #Seasons

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Breezin’ Through Summer While Wandering

Summer Wanderings

I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

I Wonder as I Wander, by Jacob Niles (performed by Barbra Streisand)

Summer wanderings.
Days that last a little longer.
Inviting us to drift.
No agenda.
Just a quiet nudge to explore.

Wanderings.
Unhurried.
Unplanned.
Moving from one place to another — or no place at all.

Through farmers’ markets.
Flea markets.
Grocery aisles bursting with color.
Strawberry reds.
Blueberry blues.
Lime‑green grapes.
All calling our names to take them home.

Down shaded trails.
Along cobblestone roads.
Toward waterfalls tucked out of sight.
Into bookstores brimming with books.
Past marinas where boats wait to sail far away.

Summer wanderings teach us:
to slow our pace,
to follow our nudges,
and to notice the beauty of the in‑between places.

Wander.
Meander.
Wherever you go.
Chatting.
Reflecting.
Alone or with a friend.
Go lightly. Follow your heart.
To all the places your spirit leads.
Even if it’s…

Wandering in a plush green forest…

— Nadia Crane, The Dance of Love, Florida Writers Anthology

This summer,

May your wanderings lead you somewhere unexpected —
toward joy, toward peace, toward the place your heart
has been trying to find.

#BreezinThroughSummer #Summer #SummerWanderings #SummerVibes #LightAndAiry #SummerWhimsy #TasteOfSummer #ThePaisleyFrog #Seasons

Breezin’ Through Summer Finding Summertime Friends

Summer Friends

We stick together and can see it through
cause you’ve got a friend in me

You’ve God a Friend in Me by Randy Newman

Friends are like pearls.
Found in an oyster.
Lots of people come and go.
But real friends stick around.

Summer friends are different.
Lighter. Less intense.
They stretch you.
And make you smile and laugh.

Summer friendships come and go like breezes.
They teach us:
To let go of complication.
To let joy in without overthinking it.
To be free.

Sure, friends come and go.
Hang on to the ones who are uplifting.
Let go of ones who aren’t.

– Nadia Crane, I and Thou: Summertime Part 3 (Blog, 7/15/23)

This summer,

May the friends who cross your path bring you simple joys, lightness, and a kindness that reminds you to
step out of your comfort zone every now and again.

#BreezinThroughSummer #Summer #SummerSongs #SummerVibes #LightAndAiry #SummerWhimsy #TasteOfSummer #ThePaisleyFrog #Seasons

Breezin’ Through Summer Under the Trees

Summer Trees

Trees swayin’ in the summer breeze,
showin’ off their silver leaves,
As we walked by

A Summer Song by Chad and Jeremy

Trees are majestic.
They are strong.
Their branches sway like couples dancing.
They give us food to eat.
Shade to rest.
A place for birds to call home.

Trees are deeply rooted.
Unwavering.
They teach us:
To stand firm.
To bend and not break.
Drink living water.
And to reach for the light.

And in the quiet places of our lives, when the wind moves through the branches, we hear a whisper:

Sway with the trees and stay awhile.

— Nadia Crane, Spirit of the Wind (Blog, 7/15/23)

This summer,
May the summer trees sway with you
and lead you toward where your heart wants to go.

#BreezinThroughSummer #Summer #SummerSongs #SummerVibes #LightAndAiry #SummerWhimsy #TasteOfSummer #Seasons #ThePaisleyFrog

Breezin’ Through Summer Feelin’ the Breeze

Summer Breeze

Summer breeze makes me feel fine
blowin through the jasmine in my mind

Summer Breeze by Keith Urban

A breeze is magical.
It’s soft.
It’s whimsy.
It’s freeing.
A feeling of refreshment hits the face.

Breezes are life-giving.
They are gentle.
They arrive unannounced.
They lift us toward the light.

Summer breezes come and go.
They teach us:
To release what’s holding us back.
To move with the Spirit – not against it.
And free us from judgment so we can feel again.

Daisies are early risers, like the tulips.
They grow, thin and slender, swaying in the breeze.

— Nadia Crane, Sacred Blooms: Daisies (Blog, 3/17/26)

This summer,
May the breeze move you in the direction
where your heart wants to go.

#BreezinThroughSummer #Summer #SummerSongs #SummerVibes #LightAndAiry #SummerWhimsy #TasteOfSummer #Seasons #ThePaisleyFrog

Wine & Faith by Nadia Crane: Reflection #4

A Reflection Series for Mental Health Awareness Month

The Stress of Walking on Eggshells

Excerpt from Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa

It’s the day before Jill’s trip to Napa. Her husband, Derek, enters the bedroom.

Derek: “Jill, what in the world are you doing?” Derek’s tone exuded disbelief.
Jill: “I’m packing,” I said calmly.
Derek: “…Stop packing!… You’re not going anywhere. Who do you think you are?…”
Jill: … “You told me to go to Amelia’s…You and Dr. Kate agreed…”
Derek: “I didn’t mean that literally. Are you stupid, Jill?”
Jill: “No… Are you saying I shouldn’t believe anything you say?…”
Derek: “…. Go! Get out of here! Good riddance.”

He stormed out of the bedroom in a huff.

Faith Reflection

Have you ever had the feeling of being one misstep away from a blow-up? Or a sense that your words are twisted despite your calm tone and kind intentions?

When we feel this psychological wear and tear, it is exhausting. Over time, the body stays on high alert. Trapped in a never-ending loop of fight-or-flight. Eventually, emotions become harder and harder to regulate.

You begin to second-guess yourself. Then, you start to wonder if you’re the crazy one.

But sometimes, this feeling of walking on eggshells is a signal. It tells us that something needs to change.

In Wine & Faith, Jill isn’t just packing a suitcase. She’s on a quest to unpack years of silent suffering, invalidation, and anxiety.

She is stepping into a place of self-preservation. A sanctuary where she can confront the reality of her life.

To reflect.
To unravel the complexities.
To seek clarity amid the chaos.
To reclaim her identity.

In this pivotal scene, Jill clings to the hope of transformation.

Jill stands up and draws a line in the sand. She wants the walking on eggshells to stop. But Derek sees this moment as a betrayal. A boundary crossed.

God sees Jill’s line. And He honors it.

Even when others twist your words or belittle your truth, God never will.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

God knows what was said, what was done, and how it made you feel. He is our safe place.

Haiku

Words dig deep within
Crackling eggs beneath my feet
Divine presence awaits

Reflective Questions

Have you ever felt like you had to watch every word or action to avoid someone’s anger? How did it affect your sense of peace, trust, or identity?

What boundary do you need to place (or reinforce) to reclaim peace in your inner sanctuary?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to do so.

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Overwhelm #FeelingInvisible #EmotionalIsolation #WalkingOnEggshells #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaiseleyfrog #LifeJourney

Wine & Faith by Nadia Crane: Reflection #3

The Weight of Emotional Isolation

Excerpt from Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa

This dialogue takes place after Jill and Derek attend a parenting workshop.

Jill: “Derek, what did you think of the workshop?”

Derek: “Well, you know, it is all psychobabble. Goals. Talking together. What is the point? Our kids are fine…”

He doesn’t get it, does he? Can’t he see that he is too authoritarian? It was his way or the highway, which left me feeling like chopped liver.

Faith Reflection

Have you ever been surrounded by people and still feel alone?

Emotional isolation is feeling disconnected despite being physically present. It is a heavy burden. Relationships thrive on mutual understanding and validation.

When you try to share your thoughts, and they’re met with dismissal, it can feel like your voice is lost. Like you don’t matter. This lack of connection breeds loneliness and mistrust. It’s like the person you want to count on and have your back – has checked out.

In Jill’s story, she longs for a moment of mutual understanding but is met with a wall of indifference instead.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. – Psalm 55:22

This verse reminds us that God sees our pain. Even when it is hidden from others.

When you feel isolated, turn to the One that is always there.
God!

God knows your heart and hears your cries. Go ahead. Bear your soul. Let God lift the burden from you.

Haiku

Spoken words dissolve
Into a sea of loneliness
Where God whispers love.

Reflective Questions

When was the last time you felt emotionally isolated? How did you cope?

What steps can you take to make your voice heard?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to do so.

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Overwhelm #FeelingInvisible #EmotionalIsolation #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaiseleyfrog #LifeJourney

Wine & Faith by Nadia Crane: Reflection #2

A Reflection Series for Mental Health Awareness Month

The Stress of Feeling Invisible

Excerpt from Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa

Jill is confiding in her friend Amelia about feeling invisible in her marriage.

Amelia: “Do you feel invisible with Derek?”

Jill: “Incredibly so. I’ll tell you a quick story. My friend Carla and I rearranged the living room one afternoon, having a great time mixing things up. When we got back from the store, Derek had moved everything back without saying a word. When I asked about it, he snapped, ‘I will do what I want. You are not the boss of me!’ I felt dismissed, like my preferences didn’t matter.”

Faith Reflection

Have you ever felt invisible to someone you love?

It’s not a great feeling. Is it?

It’s a unique kind of loneliness. You are physically present yet emotionally disregarded or ignored. This type of feeling creates distance. Not only that, it attacks your self-worth, and you begin questioning.

Yourself.
Others.
And God.

In relationships, it’s natural to want to be noticed.

To be acknowledged.
To be affirmed.
These are fundamental building blocks of a relationship.

When others brush aside our efforts or desires, it’s easy to question our value. Jill’s story reflects the tension between longing to connect and being met with indifference.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted – Psalm 34:18

Feeling unseen erodes self-worth and drives a wedge between partners. Seeking support is not a weakness but a step toward healing. When you feel unnoticed, hold onto the truth that your feelings matter. Even when you think they don’t.

Haiku

Eyes that never see
Words that vanish in the air
God is there for you.

Reflective Questions

-When was the last time you felt unseen in a relationship? How did it affect you?

-What steps can you take to feel more valued and heard?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to do so.

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Overwhelm #FeelingInvisible #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaiseleyfrog #LifeJourney

Wine & Faith by Nadia Crane: Introduction

A Reflection Series for Mental Health Awareness Month

Introduction

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

It’s a perfect time to pause and reflect.

In the next few days, I invite you to join me in a series of reflections drawn from the novel Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa.

Whether you’ve read Wine & Faith or not, these blog posts are designed to stand on their own. Wine & Faith isn’t for everyone. Yet, in the next few weeks, we’ll explore a few themes that most people encounter at some point.

This book isn’t about mental health in the clinical sense, but it speaks to the emotional burdens we carry. It is the perfect book to use as a backdrop for Mental Health awareness.

A Little About the Book

Wine & Faith touches the heart. It shows patterns that repeat across generations, feelings of loneliness, unmet emotional needs, and a strong wish to be seen and heard. It weaves themes of faith and personal transformation with the rawness of human experience.

In Wine & Faith, we follow Jill, a woman trying to make sense of the growing chaos in her life. The walls seem to be caving in, and she is facing a crisis of faith. Her husband, Derek, carries his own inherited, unhealthy patterns.

Wine & Faith explores how brokenness can slowly lead to healing.

In the next few posts, I’ll share:

~A brief excerpt from the book
~A faith-grounded reflection on a hidden stressor
~A haiku to uplift your spirit
~A journal prompt to guide your thoughts

Let’s navigate through Jill’s journey together.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please comment and “like” this post if you feel so led.

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaisleyfrog #LifeJourney