Summer is in full swing here in the Upper Midwest, and I thought I’d update you on a few things that are happening right now:
Celebrating the triumphant return of my son, Cole, from his 16-day camping trip out west. I ain’t gonna lie: it was weird to not be in communication with him all the time, but he made it pretty clear that he just wanted to be off the grid. While his data usage may have suggested he was not as off as he’d hoped to be, it was a little taste of what it’s going to be like in a few months when my baby heads off to college.
Loving what Dan is now calling my Red Wine 80s mix on Spotify. And yes, you can listen to my mix by clicking here. Lest you think drink more red wine that I ought to, I really only bust it out periodically. Still, I have dreams of doing a live YouTube broadcast one day called Cheap Red Wine Crafting. I think it’d be highly entertaining. Or not. But if you like new wave 80s mix, check out my playlist!
Feeling grateful every day that my family was unharmed in their recent car accident. I posted a bit here and there on social media, but in case you missed it, Dan and Aidan hit a deer head-on last week while returning from a few days up north, and walked away with nothing more than a bruise. I will find out for sure if Stevie (seen below pictured in 2015) is totaled after our insurance company gives her the once over. She did what we paid her to do. I will never complain about a car payment ever again. And yes, I will be getting another Subaru.
Putting together my newest e-course this week, a class designed to show you how to create a mini album of messages for someone (or something!) you love. My two most favorite scrapbooks I’ve made to date are the Messages to My Senior Boy and Girl an in a few weeks, you can learn exactly how to create an album like this! This album concept is perfect for a school year, so my goal is to launch it before August for anyone who would like the templates (and there are new ones in addition to the design you see above) and the inspiration to tackle a project that covers a span of time. Watch your email for when the class will launch! (Not a subscriber? Click here!)
Practicing Copic coloring. You know how some people say coloring is super relaxing? Well, for me, it’s really not, mostly because I feel like have NO idea what I am doing most of the time. That said, I’m slowing figuring out how to combine markers to get better results. This post from the wonderful Yana Smakula inspired me to create my own Copic Marker chart, which I’ve added to my Crap Free Resource Library, a collection of free downloads for subscribers to my newsletter. If you want a chart to help you practice, sign up for my newsletter today! If you’re already a subscriber, just shoot me an email and request the link and password!
Like the card above? Here are the supplies: (Note: all links are affiliate links at no cost to you, but when you purchase, I get a small percentage from each purchase. And yes, that is helping me to keep my business going!)
And that’s what’s up with me. How about you? Anything you’re doing that you’d like to share? By all means, do.
Stephanie Hokenson says
Super excited for your new class!
Cathy Zielske says
Me, too! I know it may not be for everyone, but this is literally my favorite album project of all time! So excited to launch this class!
Michelle Tercha says
That card is so cute! I love my Suburu, too, and won’t buy another kind of car, ever. I’m glad your family is ok after that scary accident. Thank you for sharing your card and your playlist. Fun! Michelle t
Cathy Zielske says
Enjoy that playlist! It just makes me super happy! And nostalgic.
Carolyn P. says
I was wondering what model of Subaru do you have? I will be getting a new car (eventually) and I’d like a safe SUV.
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Carolyn, it’s a 2016 Subaru Forester. I think the mid trim level version. Not the most expensive one, but not the least expensive one. I will say this, however: the Outback has a smoother ride, but… I like the look of the Forester. I will be test driving both, as soon as our insurance company lets us know what is going on.
AnnieM says
Cathy, we just leased our very first Subaru—we LOVE it. It’s the smaller Crosstrek. Awesome…and we might in the very near future lease another one for an epic road trip—the new Subaru Ascent. 🙂
Brandy says
The Smiths on your playlist… thank you for continuing to be really darn cool. And I understand about copics . I love the idea of using them, but I have to keep giving myself positive self talk about my general craft skills when I try… stressful!
Cathy Zielske says
Ha! You mean thank you for being stuck in the 80s? Oh, you are WELCOME, sister!
Download the Copic chart and get to practicing! I linked to Yana’s blog post because she has great combos to try out! Check her out!
Stacy A says
I haven’t heard Club Tropicana in forever! And so much Yaz! Thanks for the great playlist!
Cathy Zielske says
Is it not the best? That song… takes me BACK!
April Z. says
I love your playlist! I’m all about 80’s new wave. :))) Something About You by Level 42 is one of my all time favorites.
Cathy Zielske says
That song is literally one of my favorite dance tracks ever. I have vivid memories of being in a club in Dallas’ West End, dancing on a giant speaker to an extended remix of that song. And yes, I was killing it.
Camcat says
Thank you for your playlist !!!
Didn’t know all the songs but love them all !!
Cathy Zielske says
Classic 80s list. YASSSS!
Cheryl says
Once again, Cathy, you’re timing (new e-course) is JUST what I’ve been needing. I’ve been collecting things (quotes, photos, words of widsom, etc) that I’ve wanted to pull together in a mini album for our two kids (one who just graduated from college and the other is a Senior in college). I just haven’t been able to move forward with the project – but because I LOVE your style (yes, I have your books and SO many of your templates), I can’t wait for this new e-course. You always seem to know EXACTLY how I want to put things together – but you do all the thinking and planning for me. Bless you!
YOU. ARE. THE. BEST!
(and btw, our family also had a “deer collision” about 5 years ago. In our case, our newly graduated from high school son was driving and we collided with 3 deer that decided to jump the highway median just as we were passing. Luckily, no one injured. Car was undriveable but was repaired. It was the most terrifying moment but reminds you to cherish each and every moment.)
Cathy Zielske says
Oh wow! Three deer? Yikes! And yes… the class is going to be fun and affordable and hopefully, you’ll be super inspired to get going on the idea you have!
Pam Abbott says
OMG Cathy! That mix is awesome! I’ll be listening along often. Glad to hear Dan and Aiden are fine. Keep up your crafting genius.
Jackie says
After my 18 yr old son was in an accident (luckily no injuries but a totaled Nissan) we went straight to the Subaru dealer and spent more than we planned. But the peace of mind is so worth it, we got the Eye-Sight (or something like that) that automatically brakes if needed around town (you know that those teenagers never brake soon enough!!!)
Love all their safety features and so glad your family is ok, deer are so scary!!
Looking forward to the class for my soon-to-be senior girl!
Cathy Zielske says
I’m seriously looking at the iSight package, too! Didn’t have it on my Forrester, but… I like the idea for the next car (if Stevie is totaled, which I would be shocked if she isn’t!)
Mary Jo /stewart says
So glad that everyone is ok. I also love to watch Yana Smakula color with Copics. For whatever reason, I find her fingers and in particular, her fingernails mesmerizing. They always look so elegant and beautiful. Unlike mine that look like I had a manicure with a terrorist.
Cathy Zielske says
Oh. My. Gosh. HILARIOUS. Yeah… I tried to keep up with manicures for videos. I can’t do it. I hate having polish on my nails for long. So… I just cut my nails short enough that no one notices. lol!
heidig says
I’m planning on using your new class to make a book for my oldest who is getting married in November. I’m thinking a book of photos through time. Yes??
Cathy Zielske says
Oh yes! I love it! I’m also thinking of doing a book from September to May about my first year in the empty nest!
Julie Corrigan says
Red wine crafting……YES!!!! Then I wouldn’t be drinking alone as I craft?
Cathy Zielske says
Lol! I think it could make for a fun video!
Suzy says
Loving Subaru too! We have a Crosstrek, went with the mid-level trim. Love the Eyesight technology. It really is like having another set of eyes on the road. We won’t trust our family to any other brand now. Best mix of practical and capable. Can’t wait until we can buy one of the new Ascents!
Cathy Zielske says
Ohhh, right! There is a new model to look at!!!
Judi says
Watching Wimbledon every day and staying out of this dreadful heat.
Cathy Zielske says
Sounds like a good plan, Judi!
Susan says
Can’t wait for the new e-course!!! And if the red wine crafting becomes a thing, I want in!
Cathy Zielske says
Barely Buzzed Crafting™. lol!
Kathleen says
Glad to hear your family safe after an accident. Life can be very scary. I am looking at new cars and just added these to my list. Thanks.
Cathy Zielske says
Good car brand for sure!
Barbara says
working….just came back from a week vacation so I’m back at work. No time for crafting until later this week. 🙁 Catching up on life at home. Love reading your posts.
Cathy Zielske says
Glad you stopped by to read!
Sue TR says
LOL Yes! To Red Wine Crafting! that should definitely be a thing. I sympathize w the kiddo out of town…one of mine is in Costa Rica on a community service / travel trip and I know when she’s in town at the wifi cafe because that’s the only time I hear from her! Other daughter is at US Naval Sea Cadet boot camp, working as a corpsman so we are empty nesters this week…. rehearsing for college in 2019 because they’re twins so it will be instant empty nest. And we are looking at getting them a subaru for just the reason you shared.
Cathy Zielske says
Wow! You are in training for the empty nest right now! And yes, I would recommend that brand for sure!
Libbi says
i hit a deer a few weeks ago on the freeway with my Prius. i was so lucky when i hit my brakes i wasn’t rear-ended and my accident didn’t involve any other vehicles. the darn deer i hit ran off but it sure left a lot of shit on my car. fortunately, my car was fully insured and not totaled. hoping Stevie will make a full recovery.
Cathy Zielske says
Oh man, so you know FIRST hand how scary it is. We are still waiting to hear about Stevie. My guess is totaled, based on everything we’ve heard from the tow guy, and the dude at the collision center. But who knows!
Kirsty Vittetoe says
How exciting, and I love that sweet card of yours!
Cathy Zielske says
Thank you!