It’s been about a week and a half since I last blogged and honestly? I haven’t taken that long a break since I went to Slovenia a few years back. (I like to drop in “I went to Slovenia” whenever I can, considering most of the time, I just go to the grocery store, school, Target and home.) Here is an update on some things in my life at present.
Wondering if taking a break from regular blogging might be in the cards this summer. No, this isn’t a goodbye blog post, but it seems right now that the stories I could be telling about this middle era of my life… some of them involve people (read: teenagers) whose stories need to stay private for the most part. When I signed on to a career as a memory keeper, I prided myself on telling it like it is and that’s okay if it’s just about me. You feel me on that one? So if my blogging seems sporadic, it’s not because I’m done with it but rather, I’m being more selective with what I write about. So there’s that.
Welcoming my college-aged girl back into our home for the summer. Aidan has finished up her sophomore year with a bang. She plays collegiate ultimate and her team, the St. Olaf Vortex, competed at Nationals in North Carolina a few weeks back where they placed third. It brings me so much peace to know she’s found her place and made some of the best friends of her life to date. I’ll keep writing the checks to that college for sure.
Anticipating seeing some of the photos my BFF Tara Whitney took of Aidan and her beau, as well as a few she shot of my family. I will soon have a lovely photo of me and my teenaged boy, much to his chagrin. I think he’ll appreciate it. Some day.
Researching what photo printer I should buy to replace my old Photosmart 8750. I am considering getting the Epson SureColor P400 (my friend Ali has it and says it’s working well for her), but I’m not loving the idea of spending that much money right now. Back in the day, companies like HP and Epson gave scrapbook magazine editors, like yours truly, free printers. It was a totally awesome thing, let me tell you. In this modern era, that doesn’t really happen anymore so mama has to make smart choices. Especially while Papa is looking for work as a teacher.
Hoping that Dan gets some more interviews this summer so he can move onto the the next phase of his work life as an awesome elementary school teacher.
Planning a new class designed around simplifying the process of making a scrapbook about your year. Yes, it’s basically taking a Project Life type of approach, but I have some ideas about letting go of the need to cover it all and instead covering enough to make a meaningful document. I have a very loose idea that this class will show you in real time, how someone can start with absolutely nothing but photos and emerge with a plan to create a printed book that covers your entire year in less than 30 photos a month. Stay tuned on that one.
Loving my letter board from Letterfolk. A few months ago, I bought The Writer and I am still kind of giddy about it. I picked up a few extra packs of the Helvetica letters (swoon) and I am having so much fun with them. If you’re on the fence, I say go for it. Memory keepers love word stuff, right? At the very least, follow their stellar Instagram account. I think it’s my favorite in all of the land. It’s a perfect blend of humor, wit and showing you their product in action. So, so good!
And finally, we are mourning the passing of Dan’s older brother, David Zielske. Dave died last week at the age of 53. He leaves behind loving parents, siblings, cousins, and many nieces and nephews. He was a kind, creative and big-hearted man. He also struggled with depression and alcoholism for a large part of his adult life. My heart aches for Dan’s family and their loss. Addiction is hard. The disease of alcoholism is brutal. Rest in peace, Dave.
Jeannie says
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my brother 7 years ago to alcohol. He was 50 when he died. You know in your heart that you will some day lose your parents, but a sibling should be with you in your old age. Peace to Dan and your family
Cathy Zielske says
Thank you.
Stacia says
Oh, Cathy, 53 is so young. 🙁 I’m so sorry. Sending peace and love to Dan and your family.
And on the flip side (’cause life is full of these jarring dichotomies, isn’t it?), I am so tickled to hear that Aiden is so happy in her new college home. Isn’t that just the best? My teen (3rd kid) is only in 9th grade but is taking a “college explorations” class this term and getting all intrigued by the many possibilities out there. I fervently hope he finds the “right fit” too. Because that’s what it’s all about!
Marcie L says
I too have lost a brother in law to addiction. It is a tough one to swallow for sure. My prayers are with you, Dan and your families.
Cathy Zielske says
Thank you.
Mitch says
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. You’re in my prayers…
Heidi says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you in this hard time.
Tiffany says
My condolences, Cathy. Many hugs and prayers for your family. I hope we get to see a photo or two from Tara’s photo shoot. Enjoy your summer!
Amanda Maddox says
My husband will be 9 years sober this month. Addiction is an ongoing process, as is grieving. My heart aches for your loss, as we just lost my own brother-in-law a month ago. Hang in there. <3
Lee says
From joy to sorrow and all the moments in between – thank you for sharing it with us.
Please accept my sympathy on David’s passing. May you find comfort in memories of sweet moments and grace through all the complex emotions of grief.
Give yourselves time…
Peace…
Cheryl M says
Everyone else has said it so eloquently, but I too am so very sorry for your loss. We’re never ready to lose ANYONE, let alone someone so young.
Hope to see more of Tara’s photos and your new class sounds truly interesting!!
Edith says
How very sad, I am so sorry for you and your family.
Briel says
Thank you (as always) for sharing so honestly. Addiction is so very terrible. I send my condolences for you and your family. As with many others, this hits close to home.
Ann says
Sorry for your loss. I lost my brother last February to alcoholism. We watched him, fought him and helped him but he won. It was what he wanted to do. His favorite singer was Frank Sinatra and “I did it my way”, was his motto, which he did. Blessing to your entire family.
heidig says
So sorry for your loss Cathy and Dan (and family)! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Cynthia says
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
If you’re looking for blog fodder, I would love to hear more about Dan’s and his decision to become a teacher.
Deb says
So sorry to hear of the loss of Dan’s brother. I lost a sister 35 years ago, and still think of her daily.
I have been reading your blog for a long time, but do not comment much. I wanted to lend support to Dan in his job quest. Good for him to embark on a new adventure at this point in life. My Son in Law wants that same thing, to be a teacher, but at this point they have to feed the family!! Anyway, has Dan applied in Anoka Hennepin? I know it’s far from you, but I know we need good male teachers. Also, something you probably don’t want to hear but substitutes are desperately needed. He could work every day, but of course no benefits. Food for thought.
Wendy Blackman says
So very sorry to hear of your loss. We lost my brother 4 years ago, to cancer. Before that we had lost him to alcohol for 20 or so years. He was 3 years sober when he lost his battle. He fought in a war and survived, fought alcohol and survived, only to lose his battle to cancer. He was 50. He was my hero, and I’m still learning to live my life without his earthly presence. Prayers to you, Dan and his family, as you begin this journey.
Jane says
So sorry Cathy,
I lost my mother to the disease (although at 89) and almost lost one of my brothers. We still anticipate that may happen though. Isn’t that awful to think that way!
The “Aidan’s” look adorable together!
Jane
CarrieH says
I am so sorry about your loss. So many levels of sadness here. Dan, you, the kids, the whole family. Wishing you and your family peace in this very difficult time.
Christine K. says
Very sorry for your loss. I also lost my BIL this past Easter at the age of 51. This sent shock waves through my family. So sad on many levels. My father dealt with alcoholism during his life time and addiction seems to be a part of my family tree.
RitaQ says
Just adding my sorry for your loss to all the others. Never easy. Have been missing you in blog land. Take care.
Julie says
Sorry for your family’s loss Cathy. Peace to you.
Julie
Linda says
Very sorry for your family’s loss. I hope you all find peace.
I totally understand about not sharing stories about the teenagers — my youngest is 18 and about to head to college this summer. The past few years I have struggled with what to include in my scrapbooks — the triumphs are easy, but somehow I want to gently chronicle the more trying events as well — I haven’t figured out how to do that.
Curious about your new class. For months I have been debating about writing to you about a class I have in mind — essentially sharing what I have been doing since 2007, that is a weekly (sort of!) scrapbook about what is happening in my life and/or the world. And it has morphed into the greatest collection of CZ scraplifts of all time!
I will look forward to your posts whenever you feel able to do them.
Peace to all!
mch says
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Dan’s brother. Losing a loved one is never easy. My condolences to you, Dan & Dan’s family.
Lynn L. says
So sorry for your families loss.
Audrey V says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My mom died 2 weeks ago, just 1 day before we were expecting her visit for my son’s high school graduation. The last 2 weeks have been crazy for emotions. I wish peace for your family.
Amyd says
So sorry for your and Dan’s loss. ?