ABOUT TANDY
Tandy Balson was born and raised on the West Coast of BC. She now lives on the outskirts of Calgary, AB. and considers herself blessed to have seven grandchildren (and their parents) living nearby.
Tandy’s greatest joys include spending time with family and friends, travel adventures, reading and writing. She also enjoys baking and sharing gluten-free treats.
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER AND AUTHOR
Her mission in life is to inspire by bringing a fresh perspective to everyday life. She does this through her books, speaking engagements and blog.
As an inspirational speaker Tandy has spoken from coast to coast in Canada and (through an interpreter) in Mexico . She is the author of four books, one of which was a finalist for The 2016 Word Awards in the inspirational book category. Tandy posts inspirational messages on her website blog. Her writings have been published in national and international magazines as well as several anthologies.
AIRDRIE ARTISTS GROUP | VOICE AND VISION ANTHOLOGY
Tandy is honoured to be a contributor to the 2016, 2017, 2018 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Voice and Vision Collaborations. In these she was partnered with an artist who took one of her writings and created a painting based on it. Tandy used inspiration gained from another of her partner’s paintings to write her interpretation of it. This successful project is soon to enter its tenth year and she is once again accepting the challenge to be part of this unique collaboration.
Below is an example from 2022 when Tandy was partnered with Deborah Lawton, a talented artist and sculptor.
Given time, I too, will bloom again
Bloom again
(Creative writing companion to the artwork)
Have you ever found the perfect gift for someone and been so excited you couldn’t wait to give it to them?
That’s what happened when I bought my friend Marcy a Gerbera Daisy. I was thrilled when I found a plant with three big red flowers. Her favourite flower and her favourite colour would make a perfect gift.
Marcy was going through a rough patch, and I knew the plant would cheer her.
A couple of weeks later, she texted me a picture of the plant with the caption, your gift keeps on giving. The original flowers were still beautiful, and a new bloom had just emerged.
Time went by and I received another picture of the plant. It had only one fading flower and wasn’t nearly as lovely. Marcy told me the gerbera daisy was looking a little worse for wear but just didn’t give up. Three more blossoms were coming.
Her next words caused me to stop and reflect. Marcy said, “She (the plant) reminds me of me. A little worse for wear but keeps on going.”
Marcy is an example of maintaining a positive attitude and not giving up hope. Her bubbly personality and infectious laugh draw people to her.
We all have times when we feel a little worse for wear. When circumstances are getting the best of me, I would do well to think of the example of Marcy and her gerbera. Then I’ll remember that, given time, I too will bloom again.
Tandy has partnered with various charities and non-profits in fundraising campaigns.
If your group is looking for a fundraising partner, contact me about promotions we can do with one of my books to help you reach your goal.