Hey. What’s up?
I wanted to check in with a wee update on life and what’s been happening around these parts. I’ll keep it easy and breezy, and not at all sleazy. (Sorry, I’m a sucker for rhymes.)
First things first: no photo tells the whole story. Case in point:
Cropping is life, my friends. With all these people home, you never know who will show up in the background.
(Also, I’m doing a LOT of pointing in photos these days. Pointing fingers is what I’m doing now. And yes, this clip is one of my all-time favorite SNL skits.)
Speaking of all the people being home because of the pandemic we are presently living through, I think the Zielskes have managed it fairly well in terms of sharing space.
Normally, mid June is the time when I find myself thinking, “It’s okay… Dan’s home all day and you can still do what you need to do and it’s all going to be just fine!” But, he’s been home since early March, so right now? It’s just more of the same. Smoooooth sailing, as they say.
Aidan is still home, as well, working full time. Her firm has not returned to their high rise yet. I’m sure that time will come but for now, she offices here.
Cole is also home, and his school is planning what a lot of schools are planning: return early and be home before Thanksgiving for the fall semester. My fingers are crossed that it all shakes out for the positive.
So that’s the family update, but now, I’ll talk about a subject I have more freedom and authority to discuss… me and what I am doing presently:
Experimenting… with new video intros for my YouTube channel. My goal is to make them a bit more personal and fun. Plus, I’ve done a handful of live streams under the 10-Minute Design Chats for Crafty People header, and people seem to like them. I am learning a bit more with each live, working out some bugs and refining my tech. If you don’t already, consider subscribing to my channel so you can catch me the next time I’m live (though they are also available on replay!)
Enjoying… the update on my website. Me and my web designer have been working behind the scenes to rebuild the site to make it run more smoothly and to enable me to update things more easily. If you haven’t checked out the home page, by all means, do. I think it’s just simple and good.
Working… to launch my new digital shop on July 1. Hopefully things will go smoothly enough and I can hit that target date and also announce my new design team who will help me show you cute ways to use my digital products.
Rocking… the long hair. Honestly? I had no idea it would look good. As in, none. The only experience I had with long hair prior to cutting it all off my freshman year in college? This:
And yes, that was a faux angora short sleeved sweater. GAWD, I loved that thing.
Reading… How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi. I am learning to unlearn the biases I have both consciously and unconsciously grown up with. I encourage you to check out Professor Kendi’s book if you are wanting to start on a path towards anti-racism.
Taking… an online workshop/creative writing exploration called Inner Field Trip with anti-racism educator Leesa Renee Hall. The goal is to explore unconscious biases. If you are interested, her Patreon-hosted prompts began yesterday. It’s not too late to join.
Hoping… that the coming fall finds people back where they really want to be (Dan in his classroom, Aidan on campus for her last year of law school, and Cole back on campus for the start of his junior year.) Oh yeah, and mama home working in the peace and quiet. But now I’m getting ahead of myself.
Okay, back to work for me! Tell me one little tid bit from you life today in the comments below. And thanks for still stopping by to read!
Nancy R. says
My daughter has also been working from here in MN (she lives/works in Chicago) so it has been a blessing! She has been going through cupboards and closets helping us organize! No hair appointments has given me the courage to go gray. I’m liking my hair longer and my husband and daughter are liking the natural gray growing out. A hard challenge is my dad was diagnosed with cancer early in the quarantine and they are in the process of downsizing (56+ years in their home) to a small one level townhome. It’s hard to not hug him and keep distant while trying to go through stuff! I too am reading and LEARNING Kendi’s How to be an Anti-Racist.
Nina Houghton says
Because I work for an essential business as an essential employee, I have never missed a day at work during the pandemic. My work is such that it can’t be done from home. So I have been incredibly envious of all the people who have been crafting, doing my favorite things like knitting, sewing and all things paper! But the good part is that I have learned some great new techniques, and am so appreciative of all who have shared new ideas. This has been a great period of creativity in the craft world! And now that so many people are going back to work, I have to get used to busy roads and highways again. It was so amazing to be the only person driving on roads that had always been crammed with vehicles. I know some are bemoaning this pandemic period in our lives, and certainly it has been heart-breaking for many, trying for many others, and overwhelmingly difficult, but it has also been a time of reflection and renewal. I pray daily for everyone and for my country.
Nina Houghton says
P.S. I LOVE your hair! It looks amazing on you!
jennifer Holden says
We’re just starting to get through our plans for schools returning which is good and everything else slowly opening here in Northern Ireland. Just heard Hairdressers can open for 6th July…woot woot.
Loving the openings to your Youtubes recently and of course all the content in them.
Stay safe x
Donna says
You look great, Cathy!
Cathy Zielske says
It’s important reading! Good for you!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Nina!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Jennifer!
Cathy Zielske says
Why thank you, Donna!
Vickie D says
Since I’m retired, it’s (almost) been business as usual. I have been trying to use all the extra card pieces or leftovers I have collected over the years to make cards. I just discovered your videos, so have been enjoying those.
Penny Klie says
Hi Cathy… I am the caregiver to my husband who had a fairly significant stroke 4+ years ago… so when the pandemic hit not much changed for us since movement is not easy. I am glad that things are opening up again and I can hug my children and grandchildren again. It’s interesting that you mentioned the term ‘anti-racist’. When I first saw it used in a post I was confused about the meaning and of course being a retired teacher had to understand the difference between not being a racist and anti-racist. I wandered onto something called Critical Race Theory and see things that are concerning to me.
I love your hair… mine is much longer than pre-pandemic and plan to keep it long. I absolutely love the style of the stamps and dies you design… some of my favorites.
CarrieH says
Enjoyed your update and really loving your hair. Our family is mostly all doing work and school at home, except for one child far away in grad school. We’ve been playing games over facetime with far away family members and are doing some back patio visits with friends to keep us from going too nutty. Things are opening up, but I’m still not going to restaurants or retail shops, just the grocery store when needed. Cooking every single day is getting a little old, but I’m grateful for the ability to do so and that I have most of my family here at home.
Cathy Zielske says
Appreciate you watching!
Cathy Zielske says
Yes, growing my hair in time for a pandemic worked out pretty well. : )
Cathy Zielske says
I have also been feeling burned out on cooking. And it’s weird. We aren’t a big eat in restaurant family but the pressure of doing better meal planning… let’s just say I’ve been slacking off a bit… I live with three other legal adults who can all manage to fend for themselves from the cupboards. Lol.
amanda says
I have actually really enjoyed the ‘down time’, got my finances in order and realised I no longer have to work so hard (I am 57 years) so can spend more time at home with my retired husband and dogs and garden, which I am loving. I love following your crafty world and appreciate all your posts. And you look very healthy these days. x
Laura says
I’ve really been enjoying the little routines of this time of year (such as watering the flowers every evening) and routines that have been sustaining me since March (like talking with my Mom on the phone every night). I work in an essential industry, too, normally behind the scenes, but have to take on some other duties temporarily that are so far outside my comfort zone I can’t even see my zone. Adulting is hard sometimes.
Deborah says
My life started changing in October when I retired from my job. Since then hubby and I bought a new house in a new city and are enjoying the fresh start. The pandemic has not affected my life too much, although, like you, Cathy, I do miss the occasional break from the daily meal prep. I am just getting my studio back in order and realizing that I have been holding on to way too many non-essential items in my life. Are there any crafters shocked by that?
Something else that I’ve been doing with myself during these quiet days is spending more time studying the bible. I feel as though that may sound rather simplistic to some, but I’ve gotten a new perspective on a lot of things.
I also love your hair, the sweater and your chats, which are extremely helpful and engaging. I’m glad I found you.
Cathy Zielske says
I think all of us crafters can relate! Appreciate your comment today!
Beth Perrotta says
Hi Cathy!
I have followed you as a scrapbooked, and now as a cardmaker. I have both of your books in the printed version-still! I feel as if we are living parallel lives. We’re the same age, and our sons are the same age, but I think your daughter is a year older than mine. My husband is a teacher, but at the college level. Love all of the things you are designing for SSS!
Lori Anderson says
Hey Cathy – Remember the cool little phone stand you recommended? I wanted to order one for a friend. Can you pass along the source again?
Thank you!
Lori
Dina says
Since my husbands passing last November; I am living life again as a
Widower. My first husband
Passed when my children were 4 and 12 yrs of age. It is harder the older you get because you are not as apt to take the bull by the horns and try new things. At 59; I guess I’m tired. Lol. Anyway crafting has been my go to; my sanity for a long time. I spend
So much time watching you tube how
To videos; I almost forget to
Craft myself. My new passion is card making but have scrapbooked, painted, colored pencils: etc! I like changing it up. Needless to say I have a well stocked craft room. My grandkids love it! You are a joy to watch and I do spend a lot of
My time with you! Keep
Bringing us that joy! Your personality shines!!!