Comments on: Guest Post – What I Learned From Balloon Animals – by Karen Swim

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:29:32 +0000

Hi Owen, you are so right! Such a simple act but one that can bring joy to young and old. Thanks for commenting!

Karen Swims last blog post..Hurricane Life

By: Owen Jaden

Owen Jaden — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:33:09 +0000

Hi Karen,

The smiles one can create through balloon art is amazing.

By: Jeanne Dininni

Jeanne Dininni — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:53:23 +0000

Karen,

What a wonderful story! As writers, we tend to put great stock in words. Yet, when we don’t have words to help us connect with others, we must find other ways to relate and other levels on which to connect. Using non-verbal methods of communication is definitely an exercise that can prove helpful occasionally to ensure that we’re not communicating on a superficial level but that our personalities and our hearts are shining through.

Your post is an inspiration!
Jeanne

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:40:31 +0000

Hello and welcome back Robert! I had so much fun with your blog friends. What a wonderful group that assembles here in the zone. I really appreciate the opportunity and am looking forward to having you write a guest post on my side of the fence.

Karen

Karen Swims last blog post..How Will You Measure this Month?

By: Robert Hruzek

Robert Hruzek — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:30:47 +0000

Here’s a big ol’ balloon smile for you Karen, for filling in for me here at the Middle Zone while I’m out! Thanks for a thought-provoking post on communication, and for making me think a bit more about something I tend to take for granted.

This was a great discussion, Karen!

By: Janice Cartier

Janice Cartier — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:13:49 +0000

Karen-I am smiling big time with your words today. That smile has a big, big hug in it. This touched me. Janice Cartiers last blog post..Seashells or Dalmations?

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:32:20 +0000

Karen, your touching story put a warm smile on my face today. As writers, we are often consumed by words and it’s easy to forget that sometimes the most meaningful communications happen without any words at all (like hugs and kisses!).

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:13:50 +0000

Kelly, thanks! Today a family member really made me mad and I learned the other side of non-verbal communication. LOL! In my silence I said a great deal. Where’s a good balloon animal when you need it!

Karen Swims last blog post..Rocking the Sunshine Spirit Year Round

By: Kelly

Kelly — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:23:07 +0000

Karen,

Nice post—simple, direct, and visual—like the animals. (And like Dale said.) Advice I need to hear now and then so I don’t let my words run away with me!

Regards,

Kelly

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:38:27 +0000

Hmmm, some of these posts did not show up for me until today. Oh golly, I hope I did not break Robert’s blog!

Dale, I never thought about the power of balloons but you’re right! One thing that the team members shared is that all the little girls wanted balloons shaped into a heart. I thought that was so powerful. You are lucky that you get to make people smile for a living! Thanks for the tip too, I am going to use it!

Sheila, thank you so much! I am so happy that I could share a grin with you. I so agree with you in our busy lives, it is nice to simply communicate and focus in on people with our hearts. Thanks for that warm thought Sheila. Now, I’m smiling again!

Karen Swims last blog post..Rocking the Sunshine Spirit Year Round

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:23:28 +0000

Hi Alina! Thank you so much! You are always so kind and open even in the midst of a crazy work week! Footyman, you are so very right. When operating with a pure heart, the message can be conveyed in any language. Thank you! Lillie, thank you! You are always such a great encouragement! Joanna, that would bother me too if the "guy" was using the term to talk more to men. It doesn't bother me when it's just used general and refers to everyone. I tend to say "you all" instead of "you guys." Karen Swims last blog post..In the Zone

By: Sheila Sultani

Sheila Sultani — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:51:52 +0000

Karen - what a beautiful post - you had me seeing smiles and color - I couldn't stop grinning while I read your post. It's nice to set aside everything except the basic need to communicate and be heard/understood by all. Sheila Sultanis last blog post..Take A Minute and Get A Couple Quick, EASY Backlinks!

By: Joanna Young

Joanna Young — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:25:30 +0000

Karen – thank you

“Guys” doesn’t bother me. I remember it did bug me when one former boss used it to address a mixed group – but when I look back I think it was more that he ’spoke’ more to the guys who were guys than the guys who were gals… if you know what I mean.

Joanna

Joanna Youngs last blog post..Structure = Freedom: Making Time to Write – Guest Post by Ami Spencer

By: Lillie Ammann

Lillie Ammann — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 06:40:59 +0000

Karen,
Thanks for sharing this heart-warming and inspiring lesson.

By: Dale

Dale — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:09:51 +0000

Hi Karen

Balloon animals have a very special power — they cross all age levels and communication barriers. I heard stores of youth groups, missionaries and church members using balloon animals to entertain kids and adults as the travel through foreign countries. Over the years I’ve been amazed by how a simple little balloon animal can bring so much happiness to an individual. Lucky for me I do this for a living and I get to see the rewards of my work by the smiles of happy people.

Magical Balloon-dude Dale

P.S. Keep the balloon out of direct sunlight and in an air condition room an it will last weeks, if not months.