https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/finding-my-center-in-a-volatile-world-stress-hormones-and-the-art-of-pivoting monthly 0.5 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/ae7844f4-3cf4-4b79-8020-21547acdbe80/download+%2848%29.png Blog - 2026 Reset: Finding My Center in a Volatile World - Stress, Hormones, and the Art of Pivoting - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/3a50a2b6-c87b-4831-bea0-3b6b0796ba9e/prepper.png Blog - 2026 Reset: Finding My Center in a Volatile World - Stress, Hormones, and the Art of Pivoting - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/f51b6cf9-f4ca-4656-bb52-c2ff7094c4b2/download+%2852%29.png Blog - 2026 Reset: Finding My Center in a Volatile World - Stress, Hormones, and the Art of Pivoting - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/85e3b37f-c764-4392-96f2-83fee71ee0b1/reformer.png Blog - 2026 Reset: Finding My Center in a Volatile World - Stress, Hormones, and the Art of Pivoting - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/2026-reset-newyear monthly 0.5 2026-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/24715489-b68b-4eb8-b04c-96dcbad36039/openart-image_ahilE5sJ_1767668345232_raw.jpg Blog - 2026 Reset: Debt-Free Goals, Local Adventures, and Taking My Small Business Seriously - Happy New Year, everyone. Or should I say: “new year, new you”? Yeah… about that. I’ve never totally subscribed to the “resolution” thing. I’m not a big goals girl in the traditional sense. I’ve joined challenges, I do push myself, but it’s never been about hitting some perfect number or keeping up with what everyone else is doing. Ask my trainer. I’m the person who says, “Let’s just do 36 reps in a row and see what happens.” If we don’t make it, we try again next time. If we do, we bump it up. That’s more my speed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/b57e25bc-2657-4a23-b708-1f97a75d7b09/openart-image_AIFeq55I_1767668412321_raw.jpg Blog - 2026 Reset: Debt-Free Goals, Local Adventures, and Taking My Small Business Seriously - Trimming the obvious First stop: monthly expenses. I went through all my streaming services like I was performing a breakup audit. A couple of them didn’t make the cut. Monthly savings: unlocked. I kept my gym membership (I’ve had it for 20 years - wild), but I paused my twice-a-week trainer sessions. I’ve been working out my whole life; I know what to do. I’d just gotten really comfortable having someone else think for me and hold me accountable. Now it’s on me to show up and actually use the thing I’ve been half-donating to for the last decade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/712b733f-ed74-4009-8cf4-3f429b8961b6/openart-image_Eda6Lj-B_1767668449907_raw.jpg Blog - 2026 Reset: Debt-Free Goals, Local Adventures, and Taking My Small Business Seriously - The Big One: No New Clothes (Mostly) This is the part that feels… big. After my closet clean-out in November, I filled ten tall kitchen trash bags with clothes. Ten. And my closet is still bursting at the seams. Somehow, I still manage to say, “I have nothing to wear.” So for the next six months: No shopping for clothes, shoes, or accessories. Instead, I’m “shopping” my own closet and actually wearing what I have. Because I live in reality and not in a Pinterest board, there are a few caveats: I can buy essential undergarments if truly needed. I can purchase clothing items specifically to test quality for new designs I plan to sell in my Etsy shop. If I receive a gift card or store credit from a return, I can use that. I’m giving myself a small $100 thrift budget for the entire six months, because clothing waste is out of control and thrifting feels like the most responsible compromise. It’s a lot. I know. I’ll be sharing how it goes - the wins, the temptations, and the “why does Target know my name” moments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/8c04023d-e8ac-4439-84e6-5f73d07e856c/openart-image_JCnYYTw5_1767668525548_raw.jpg Blog - 2026 Reset: Debt-Free Goals, Local Adventures, and Taking My Small Business Seriously - I’m planning my next craft project soon and will share how it goes - and whether it turns into a new obsession or just becomes That One Hobby I Tried Once (looking at you, hyper-specific seasonal projects). Case in point: there was a time I spent way too much money at Michaels to make a Halloween topiary with a friend. It turned out incredible… and I used it for one season. Just one. This time around, I’m aiming for things that last longer than a single holiday photo op. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/21e68661-aa99-4105-91b7-95c0c3d7595b/openart-image_ELa2x4j6_1767668723768_raw.jpg Blog - 2026 Reset: Debt-Free Goals, Local Adventures, and Taking My Small Business Seriously - Not throwing everything away. Just… shedding what doesn’t fit anymore. For me, that looks like: Paying off old debt and choosing freedom over impulse purchases. Trading big trips for local adventures and creative projects. Treating my business like it matters, without losing the joy that started it. Taking what worked. Leaving what didn’t. Carrying the solid parts forward and letting them grow. Bring on 2026. I’m curious to see what you have to offer - and who I get to become while I’m living it. https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/paper-trails-my-take-on-pick-a-color monthly 0.5 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/76bd7700-bf50-4902-beea-67ae457c3693/pickacolor1.png Blog - Paper Trails: My Take on Pick a Color Pick a Color unfolds over a single, ordinary day in a nail salon, but the quiet details make it feel much larger than the timeframe suggests. All the women working there wear the same name tag, and clients rarely notice who is behind the service. Through Ning, the manager and former boxer, we’re pulled into an inner world most people never stop long enough to imagine. She watches customers cycle through, keeps the energy of the day moving, and thinks about the life she wanted versus the one she has. The writing is spare and sharp, built on small, subtle moments that say more than any dramatic plot twist ever could. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/ec155774-b34e-482d-90ee-e901709ea00e/pickacolor2.png Blog - Paper Trails: My Take on Pick a Color The themes sit quietly but firmly: class, identity, survival, and the way immigrant workers navigate a world that doesn’t always create space for them. Ning’s reflections mix humor with heaviness, giving you just enough to understand why she moves the way she does. By the end, the book doesn’t deliver a big revelation. Instead, it nudges you to look more closely at the people you pass by in your own life and recognize the depth they carry. https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/midlife-musings-when-night-wont-end monthly 0.5 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/581efed8-bced-4ecb-ad05-5e44b54123f3/openart-image_vMSaEnWl_1762406317880_raw.jpg Blog - Midlife Musings - When Night Won’t End - You’re Not Alone — The Stats Back It Up When I started talking to friends, I realized I wasn’t the only one pacing the house at night. One friend texted me back at 3 a.m. - “Oh good, you’re up too.” There’s a quiet solidarity among women awake in the middle of the night, each of us trying to figure out what changed. According to multiple studies, 40% to over 60% of women report sleep problems during the menopausal transition. The SWAN Study (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation) highlights how sleep issues are not only common, but often one of the most disruptive symptoms of midlife. By stage: Perimenopause (transition phase): ~40%–56% of women struggle with sleep. This stage can feel like a hormonal rollercoaster, unpredictable cycles, mood swings, and suddenly, the body’s entire rhythm feels “off.” Postmenopause: Between 52%–64% of women report persistent insomnia or poor sleep quality. Even when the hot flashes fade, the disrupted sleep often lingers. So if you’re wondering whether it’s “just you,” it’s not. Sleep disturbance is one of the most common and persistent menopausal symptoms, one that ripples into every other aspect of health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/aea36154-7c6f-4960-ba94-5480a5e6062e/openart-image_-sv3rq_x_1762406590731_raw.jpg Blog - Midlife Musings - When Night Won’t End - The Brain’s Role in Midlife Sleep Loss Our brains are intricate machines built on rhythm, daily cycles of light and dark, rise and rest. The “master clock,” located in the hypothalamus, helps regulate temperature, hormones, and the timing of sleep. When estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, they throw off this clock. There’s also an emotional component. The same drop in estrogen that affects sleep also impacts neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood. That’s part of why insomnia often shows up alongside anxiety or irritability during perimenopause, it’s not just the mind, it’s the chemistry. I often describe it as having my “internal dimmer switch” broken. The days are overstimulating; the nights, too alert. Even when my body is tired, my brain doesn’t seem to get the memo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/6076bb6a-73f5-4e91-9e43-8c6632a12ec0/openart-image_940uqKkT_1762406768292_raw.jpg Blog - Midlife Musings - When Night Won’t End - When Sleep Loss Becomes a Whole-Body Problem The effects of poor sleep go far beyond feeling tired. Sleep impacts almost every organ system. It’s when your brain clears out waste, your cells repair, and your hormones rebalance. Without it: Cognitive function declines - memory, focus, and decision-making all take a hit. Metabolism slows - chronic sleep loss increases insulin resistance and weight gain. Emotional regulation weakens - making you more prone to irritability and anxiety. Heart and bone health suffer - research links short sleep to higher risks of cardiovascular disease and lower bone density. It’s a domino effect that feeds itself: less sleep leads to more cortisol, which leads to more fat storage and inflammation, which then disrupts sleep even further. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/ac97132b-1a1b-4e0b-b1b2-f0bbc8dcfef8/openart-image_eG7mrLBU_1762407044261_raw.jpg Blog - Midlife Musings - When Night Won’t End - The Emotional Side of Sleeplessness No one warns you how emotional sleep loss can be. It’s not just exhaustion, it’s the unraveling of something steady and familiar. It’s crying because your brain won’t stop spinning. It’s staring at the ceiling at midnight and wondering how long this phase will last. There’s grief in it, a subtle one. Grieving the energy you once had, the predictability of your body, the version of yourself who didn’t have to think about sleep. But there’s also connection. The moment you mention menopause, every woman has a story. A symptom. A night she thought she was losing her mind. And in that shared experience, something softens, the shame, the silence, the feeling of being “less than.” We are not broken. We are in transition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/6c84111b-3301-496c-b9ea-1594b8f862a2/openart-image_gbkc5RpC_1762407098006_raw.jpg Blog - Midlife Musings - When Night Won’t End - What Helps (for the Neuro-Spicy Brain) If your brain runs on high gear, the usual “just go to bed earlier” advice won’t cut it. These approaches can make a real difference: Anchor your mornings: Neurodivergent brains often benefit from light therapy or a quick walk outside early in the day. Morning sunlight helps reset melatonin and dopamine cycles. Create transition rituals: Instead of trying to “turn off,” give your brain something to turn toward. Use a 15-minute wind-down ritual: a shower, dim lights, gentle playlist, or journaling, as a cue for rest. Brain dump before bed: Writing down thoughts, to-dos, or worries helps quiet the mental noise. It tells your brain, “You don’t have to hold this overnight.” Temperature and texture: Many neurodivergent folks are sensitive to sensory input. Weighted blankets, cooling sheets, or gentle white noise can provide grounding sensory feedback. Be consistent, not perfect: ADHD brains crave novelty, but sleep loves predictability. Find a few anchor habits and keep them steady, like magnesium before bed, no screens after 9, or a specific bedtime tea. Seek integrated care: If you have ADHD and your sleep has worsened during perimenopause, talk with a healthcare provider familiar with both conditions. Hormone therapy, adjusted ADHD medications, or sleep-specific interventions (like CBT-I) can be life-changing. https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/winewordsandoldfriends monthly 0.5 2025-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/f10f79f8-0db6-4fdf-9ff4-5bcf09ad5543/brownies.png Blog - Paper Trails: Wine, Words, and Old Friends - The Feast The host made this incredible roasted chicken, and everyone brought something to go with it. I took brownies - boxed, but organic, and I doctored half the batch with white chocolate chips. Honestly, they turned out amazing: gooey, rich, perfectly messy. (Though not as messy as my first batch, which crumbled apart so badly I left them home. Always make two boxes - lesson learned.) Dinner always starts the same way: we eat, we catch up, we laugh. Everyone shares snippets of their lives - new jobs, travel, little wins. Once the plates are cleared, we dive into the book discussion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/34212725-83be-466e-a262-cc13ae2e8ddf/abriarclubbook.png Blog - Paper Trails: Wine, Words, and Old Friends The story weaves through different perspectives - each woman hiding her own struggles while trying to find belonging in a tense, political time. I liked how it touched on loyalty, fear, and the kind of quiet courage women often show in the background of history. That said, it didn’t completely pull me in. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. The group felt similarly divided. Some appreciated the historical angle and the found-family dynamic, while others thought the pacing dragged or that too many storylines got wrapped up too neatly. A few wanted more closure or depth from certain characters. One person said it felt like the kind of book that could’ve been great if it had taken more risks - and I get that. We still had a lively discussion, though. It’s always interesting to see what people connect to - one person really related to the main character’s independence, while another couldn’t get past the slow start. There was a lot of “I didn’t buy that ending” energy in the room, but also a few defenders who said it was satisfying in its own quiet way. https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/no-bones-about-it-mabel-the-dog-i-didnt-know-i-needed monthly 0.5 2025-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/238bc9aa-529a-4506-a857-40ba0b36f088/20211012_121120.jpg Blog - No Bones About It: Mabel - The Dog I Didn’t Know I Needed - Finding Mabel Naomi was exactly what I needed: a little chaos, a lot of love, and a reminder that joy still existed in the middle of loss. Watching her come into her own was healing. Then one day, I heard that her half-sibling was available for adoption - and something in me just knew. That’s how Mabel came into our lives. She was seven months old, skittish and scared, with terrible separation anxiety. Her foster mom described her as “a little funny,” but when I met her, all I saw was fear. She trembled in my arms the whole ride home. At that time, I had just started dating my partner. And because Mabel couldn’t be left alone, not even for a few minutes - she came with us on our early dates. He held her while I ran to the restroom and found restaurants with dog-friendly patios. Looking back, it says a lot that he stayed through all of that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/d2304da7-c471-44dc-9d2c-ff3f5c629fe8/20241122_081752.jpg Blog - No Bones About It: Mabel - The Dog I Didn’t Know I Needed - My Little Chaos Gremlin Training Mabel has been… let’s call it optional. She’s probably the least trained of all my dogs, but honestly, that feels right. It’s a bit like raising kids - your first one gets all the structure, the second gets some flexibility, and by the third, you’re like, “Eh, they’ll figure it out.” The other dogs helped guide her, and I learned to let go of perfection. Mabel represents the “chaos” side of my brand - the quirky, unpredictable energy that keeps things real. When I started designing the Chaos Gremlins collection, I thought of Naomi’s grumbles and her funny little teeth… but Mabel was the true muse. She’s the embodiment of that beautiful, messy energy that makes life interesting. And oh, does she live up to the title. Mabel has a talent for finding fun where she shouldn’t - stealing socks, snatching whatever looks interesting from the laundry basket, and proudly parading around with her “treasures.” She has a thing for tissues too; if there’s one within reach, she’ll turn it into a confetti explosion across the house before you can blink. She also hates wearing outfits or costumes. If you’ve ever seen our Halloween or holiday photos, she’s the one with the unmistakable “please send help” face. I love it - she, not so much. But even in her protest, she’s ridiculously cute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/ed4d0f7b-cd86-442d-8586-d71cfe1100fc/20220504_135038.jpg Blog - No Bones About It: Mabel - The Dog I Didn’t Know I Needed - The Heart of the Chaos She’s my reminder that not everything has to be polished or planned to be wonderful. Sometimes, it’s the untrained, unfiltered parts that make life richer. What I love most about Mabel is her balance of contradiction. She can look at you with so much intensity and wisdom that it feels like she knows things. Other times, she just looks utterly bewildered - like she’s trying to remember what planet she’s on. But she is fiercely loyal. For a 13-pound dog, she believes she’s a wolf. If she senses something off, she’s the first to stand between us and whatever it is. She may be small, but her heart is enormous. I can’t imagine my life without her. She rounds out the little constellation of personalities in our home - Otis, my heart; Naomi, my soul; and Mabel, my chaos. Together, they mirror all the parts of me: the steady, the anxious, the curious, and the wild. It’s funny how life works that way. You don’t plan it. You just open your heart, and somehow the right souls find their way in. Mabel may not have been the dog I set out to find, but she’s exactly the one I needed. https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/midlife-musings-itchyskin monthly 0.5 2025-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/6df7629b-6466-4856-8f3e-c9e1b1e3c4e9/openart-image_ly6EQygx_1759378113932_raw.jpg Blog - Midlife Musings: Itchy, Saggy, and What the Heck Is Happening? The Itchy Scalp That Started It All It all began with my scalp. Out of nowhere, I developed the kind of itch that could make you lose your mind. This wasn’t a casual scratch-here-and-there situation. It was the kind of itch that makes you want to claw at your head and distracts you from work, conversations, even sleep. I finally caved and went to the doctor because no over-the-counter shampoo or conditioner made a dent. The diagnosis? A mix of eczema and “changes related to midlife skin.” Translation: something about my skin barrier wasn’t functioning the way it used to. I was prescribed medicated shampoos and creams. I swapped my products for “cleaner” ones, sulfate-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free. I bought an exfoliating shampoo to help clear buildup. Some days the itch is tolerable. Other days it flares right back up. And while I manage, it made me realize something: women (and men) in midlife often just cope with new symptoms instead of finding real solutions. If it’s not life-threatening, you’re told to “just deal.” But constant itchiness is exhausting, even if it’s not considered “serious.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/b690fc40-2403-4a2d-b77b-92b2d72a8a1a/ChatGPT+Image+Oct+1%2C+2025%2C+09_12_04+PM.png Blog - Midlife Musings: Itchy, Saggy, and What the Heck Is Happening? Collagen Collapse: Estrogen helps stimulate collagen production, the protein that keeps skin firm and structured. In the first five years after menopause, collagen levels can drop by as much as 30% (Shuster et al., British Journal of Dermatology). Elastin Breakdown: Elastin is what lets your skin bounce back after movement. Without estrogen, elastin fibers weaken, making skin loose or crepey (Dermatological Changes During Menopause and HRT, Cosmetics Journal). Hydration Loss: Estrogen also supports natural oils and hyaluronic acid, which keep the skin plump and moist. With less of it, skin becomes dry, flaky, and more sensitive to irritation (Estrogen-deficient skin: The role of topical therapy). Fat Shifts: Estrogen influences fat distribution. Without it, fat pads in the face shrink while abdominal fat increases. That’s why the face can look hollowed in some areas and puffy in others (Menopause, skin and common dermatoses, Part 2). In other words: it’s not just in your head. The changes are biological. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/95855943-300a-4922-ae8c-0256a09df48c/openart-image_q9nB5vfe_1759378342568_raw.jpg Blog - Midlife Musings: Itchy, Saggy, and What the Heck Is Happening? What the Research Suggests Because I like to understand the why, I’ve also been reading up on evidence-based approaches. Here are a few areas researchers highlight: Collagen Peptides (oral supplements): May improve hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle depth within 8–12 weeks (Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2019). Omega-3s: Reduce inflammation and support the skin barrier, which helps with dryness and itching (Journal of Clinical Biochemistry & Nutrition). Hyaluronic Acid (oral or topical): Shown to plump and hydrate skin (Nutrients, 2017). Evening Primrose Oil / Starflower Oil: Contains GLA, which supports elasticity and moisture (International Journal of Cosmetic Science). Phytoestrogens (soy isoflavones, red clover): Weak plant-based estrogens that may help with skin thickness and dryness (Clinics, 2012). Of course, not every supplement works for everyone, and you should always check with your doctor before starting anything new. https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/neurospice-embracing-my-quirks-and-quiet-rebellion monthly 0.5 2025-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/0a0db582-463e-468c-8335-a174278ff130/openart-image_OeW6Xcrc_1759192240085_raw.jpg Blog - My Spicy Brain: Embracing My Quirks and Soft Rebellion This craving for order shows up in other parts of my life, too. For example, I’ll go through my closet and drawers every two months - pulling everything out, refolding, sorting piles to donate, and trying on items I haven’t worn in a while. When it’s freshly done, everything fits perfectly, and I feel so accomplished. But within a week, the folded clothes are messed up, things are stuffed into drawers, and somehow there’s less space than before. I’m never sure where it all goes, but I keep repeating the cycle. I laugh about it, but there’s comfort in the ritual: starting over, getting a fresh slate, even if I know the “system” won’t last. It reminds me that sometimes order isn’t about perfection - it’s about giving myself a reset. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/64e54dd3-b2fb-4db8-9a80-739b1ca6682b/openart-image_UY8GeA6g_1759192376900_raw.jpg Blog - My Spicy Brain: Embracing My Quirks and Soft Rebellion Living in a Pinball Brain My brain loves to jump from one project to another. I’ll start working on socials for a blog post, only to realize I forgot to adjust the margins on my latest book draft. So I switch to the book. Then, mid-adjustment, I’ll get an idea for a new sticker saying and start sketching designs. While drafting, I’ll remember that I should finish the book revision so I can upload the manuscript - and suddenly I’ve got three projects halfway done. It can feel overwhelming, but this “pinball brain” is also where my creativity thrives. The connections I make between ideas often lead to some of my best work - like a sticker design born from a blog tangent, or a planner page idea inspired by my dogs. The trick is learning how to gently corral the chaos. I’ve had to build systems, like writing every idea down immediately, so even if I don’t finish right away, I don’t lose the spark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/60c35330-56c9-497c-aff3-8ba3681d233f/openart-image_qjgrBTiE_1759192819596_raw.jpg Blog - My Spicy Brain: Embracing My Quirks and Soft Rebellion - “Rest is My Resistance” The Soft Rebellion of Saying No Part of my soft rebellion is learning to say no. I used to feel obligated to attend everything, even when I didn’t want to. Now, when guilt creeps in, I pause and ask myself: Is this important to me? Is it important to them? I even keep a personal guide - non-negotiables like friends in need or meaningful events that I’ll always say yes to. Everything else, I evaluate carefully. Saying no still isn’t easy, but it’s part of honoring myself. It’s funny - rest shouldn’t feel rebellious, but in a culture that prizes hustle and busyness, slowing down can feel like an act of defiance. For me, it’s a gentle rebellion: choosing rest, choosing presence, choosing intention. https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/no-bones-about-it-naomi-the-soft-rebel-in-fur monthly 0.5 2025-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/11f9adc2-6f4f-4a42-8435-e65b5328a856/20221013_124526.jpg Blog - No Bones About It: Naomi - The Soft Rebel in Fur Naomi’s personality is way bigger than her eleven pounds. She “talks” in her own little language - squeaks, groans, and huffs whenever she wants to go outside or when she’s annoyed I’m not moving fast enough. She’s dramatic. She’s hilarious. She’s a diva. But she’s also sensitive, and (like me) anxiety follows her around like a shadow. She’s a COVID pup, which means her early world was quiet and safe, and then suddenly, bam - the world opened and everything was loud and overwhelming. Vet visits, crowded sidewalks, unexpected noises? Cue the freak-outs. She’s takes medication as needed, and for a long time I felt guilty about that. But I’ve come to see it differently: it’s not weakness. It’s support. It’s care. And honestly? It’s a kind of rebellion against the idea that we (or our dogs) are supposed to just “tough it out.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/2e51f0e0-a5d5-42a1-8812-3c6a7d4a447c/20210117_151258.jpg Blog - No Bones About It: Naomi - The Soft Rebel in Fur - Those First Days I still remember picking her up - two pounds of fluff with shark teeth. I held her on my chest in the car, thinking she was trembling because she was scared. Nope. Car sick. Poor baby. At home, I had her little setup ready: pen with pee pads, fluffy bed, tiny bowls. I thought I knew what I was doing after Otis. Ha. Naomi quickly showed me every dog writes their own rulebook. Otis outweighed her by forty-five pounds, yet he was so careful with her. Still, I hovered like a hawk those first weeks - she was so fragile, so needy. Potty training? Not her strong suit. Nights were brutal: teeth on everything, Tasmanian devil energy, me crying into the shredded remains of whatever she found. More than once, I wondered if I’d made a mistake. But then I found a trainer. A few sessions later, Naomi showed me she was wicked smart. Smart enough to learn fast… and stubborn enough to ignore me when it suited her. She wasn’t going to be the dog who followed every rule. She was going to be the dog who did things her way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/22d56871-6694-45bf-bf7e-a6d423afb9df/20240729_055204%281%29.jpg Blog - No Bones About It: Naomi - The Soft Rebel in Fur What Naomi Taught Me (and What I Learned as a Small Dog Mom) Naomi isn’t just my dog - she’s a teacher disguised as an eleven-pound gremlin. Living with her has shaped how I work, and how I see myself. 1. Anxiety doesn’t make you weak. Naomi still goes to the vet. She still shows up for her pack. She just needs help along the way. Support isn’t failure - it’s strength. 2. Boundaries are healthy. She’ll play, cuddle, follow - but she also walks away when she’s done. She taught me stepping back isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. 3. Rebellion can be quiet. Her escape-artist stunts aren’t about destruction - they’re about doing things her way. That’s soft rebellion in action. https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/balancing-work-life-passion monthly 0.5 2025-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/98bc044c-2c7c-4773-8d66-5da28012ee9b/ChatGPT+Image+Sep+29%2C+2025%2C+06_13_03+PM.png Blog - Balancing Work, Life, and a Passion Project When Work Feels Like Play (and the Curse That Comes With It) The funny thing is, it doesn’t feel like “work” most of the time. That’s a blessing and a curse. I can finish my day job and then easily put in another four or five hours on blog posts, stories, or image creation. The hours slip away quickly, especially when I’m doing the things I love. The part I enjoy least? Socials. I’ve used to be someone who posted regularly on my personal accounts, but lately, I haven’t done as much, unless I am traveling. Since I stopped doing it, creating consistent content for my business has been a steep learning curve. It takes energy to think about captions, photos, and timing - and truthfully, it doesn’t come naturally to me. But I’m doing it anyway, because I know the beginning requires investment. You can’t grow anything without planting the seeds first. And speaking of planting seeds… some of them have already sprouted. Website - check. Products - check. First book published - check. Second book published - check. Etsy store - almost check (haha). These milestones remind me that even though progress can feel slow, I’m moving forward. Each step builds momentum, and momentum builds confidence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/994b0eb6-8595-42f0-a3a9-d4ae1d19f1c1/openart-image_UY8GeA6g_1759192376900_raw.jpg Blog - Balancing Work, Life, and a Passion Project Then there was Etsy - figuring out how to set up a shop, create listings, write descriptions that don’t sound like they were generated by a robot, and make sure photos actually showcase what I want people to see. And don’t even get me started on the endless details of shipping and pricing. Every time I thought I had one step finished, another popped up. What surprised me most was that the creative part - writing, designing, dreaming, wasn’t even the hardest. It was the business side. Setting up formation documents, figuring out whether I needed an LLC, registering DBAs, filling out tax forms, opening business bank accounts, and applying for business credit cards, all of that came with a learning curve I wasn’t prepared for. Each step felt like unlocking another level of a game I didn’t know I’d signed up for. Necessary, yes, but not nearly as fun as designing a sticker sheet or drafting a story. Still, those unglamorous details are what give the business structure and legitimacy, and I’ve realized they matter just as much as the creative spark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/b764a937-0df5-4261-a657-3a76bb406f52/openart-image_N46r79Nb_1759292506393_raw.jpg Blog - Balancing Work, Life, and a Passion Project Protecting Time and Energy While Building a Business Now comes the harder part: figuring out how to manage everything at once. There are only so many hours in the day, and if I don’t protect my time, the work will swallow me whole. To keep myself sane, I’ve created a priorities list. Each week, I know exactly what deliverables I need to focus on, and I block time around that. I also make space for the things that matter most - my partner, my dogs, and rest. Those aren’t optional; they’re essential. https://www.fickleflashes.com/blog/book-club-memories monthly 0.5 2025-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/42ef4f5a-0d66-498f-897f-9623f6de2bc1/teasandwiches-med.png Blog - Paper Trails: Book Club Memories - How I Found My Way Back to Reading - Hosting Night When it was my turn, I hosted an evening tea. I spent the whole day cutting crusts off delicate sandwiches, experimenting with fillings, and arranging pastries on mismatched plates. My apartment was tiny, but it didn’t matter - we squeezed in, sipped tea (and wine, because there’s always wine), and laughed late into the night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/2958cd30-1393-4752-9e50-af6eae8ba20f/bookclubbooks+-+small.png Blog - Paper Trails: Book Club Memories - How I Found My Way Back to Reading Some titles stood out more than others: Water for Elephants — rich, emotional, unforgettable Life of Pi — deep, layered, and kept us talking for days The Night Circus — enchanting and whimsical Gone Girl — divisive, thrilling, and oh so fun to debate “There’s nothing more fun than dissecting a book with others—it’s almost like being on a jury.” The best part was disagreement. It felt like a collective unraveling, each of us offering insights we hadn’t considered. It reminded me of discussing an unusual movie or TV show - the group perspective always added flavor, even if the story wasn’t my personal favorite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/689949208667306327e5e8ed/42e46305-93c4-4107-a612-9c0a0459dc97/openart-image_AZQruuh__1759156576505_raw.jpg Blog - Paper Trails: Book Club Memories - How I Found My Way Back to Reading Looking back, I think some of the books I struggled with came down to the characters. If I didn’t connect, the story was harder to enjoy. That realization shaped me later, when I started writing my own children’s book. I wanted to create a character readers would instantly love - so I chose a little goldendoodle. 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