Well hello, you.
I haven’t written a personal blog post in what feels like forever, so today, I thought I’d do just that. For shits and giggles, as they say.
Here’s what’s been up with me:
I am a full-time card maker. For the past year or so, I didn’t realize that YouTube and making cards was going to become such a big part of my professional life. But that is exactly what has happened and I could not be happier. True, I have other jobs that I work at (art director for Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine, product designer for Simon Says Stamp), but creating tutorials has emerged to be equally as important in the scheme of my work life. I could not be happier about this, as moving into card making has re-energized me creatively and professionally.
I know some of you may miss Cathy the Scrapbooker, and I still ADORE that hobby, but I like to say you have to follow your creative bliss and if you ain’t feeling it, you walk away. Plus, I still have ALL the pages and albums I created to savor. It’s all good, friends.
That said, when you see me using ALL THE THINGS in my videos, remember: this is my job now, and you do NOT have to have all the things like me. But I DO hope you can take design inspiration from every card I share!
And seriously? Just by watching my videos you help my business! So thank you!
My offspring are doing well in their lives. My daughter has recently passed the bar and is moving into her professional life as an attorney and my son is in his senior year of college, and continues to play music in what spare time he has. I am so very proud of them both but don’t tell their stories here anymore. They are truly amazing humans.
My hubby, Dan, is also doing well. He works his little tushka* off for his 5th and 6th grade students. He loves his now six-year-old career as an elementary school teacher.
*seriously. His butt is so much smaller than mine. Ain’t that how it goes?
Speaking of Dan… we are celebrating 30 years of marriage next week. It’s not perfect but I still like him more than most people I know. We have worked hard on making ourselves better people, thanks to continuing therapy. And the work continues. He is a good man and I’m so grateful for our lives together. And we have an empty nest. Most of the time.
I am still obsessed with nail polish. I wrote about this several months back, but painting my nails is the way I disconnect from the stress of life. It’s probably healthier than cheap red wine (although I’ve done my fair share of that since the pandemic started!), and the end result? Pretty nails.
I know I’ve convinced many of you to hop on the Olive & June train, and the feedback you give me? We love this stuff, too!
I am also an affiliate for Olive & June, so every purchase you make, I get a small percentage of the sale and as a self-employed queen, every little bit helps! And if you are buying your first full mani or pedi system and use my code, OJCATHYZ20, you save 20%. It’s good stuff!
Other than that, life is good. Sure, I’m a little rounder at present and deal with anxiety and a myriad of little tweaks and pains in my wrists and hands, but other than that, I’m alive and well.
I have deeply supportive and meaningful friendships. I have a home and the means to take care of myself and my family. It’s not lost on me the privilege of being in my life every day.
Makes me want to work harder. Be better. No pun intended.
Until next time, crafty friends! Carry on!
Lynn says
Enjoyed your update on life!! You must be so proud of your kids! You are responsible for many smiles and laughs in my life. Love love your videos. I appreciate your tips and tricks in card making. Please thank your husband for his service in developing our youth. Happy Anniversary!!
Beth says
Great to read your update! Life is good! Love your social media and blog posts. I’m a health care worker, and I love how your cards remind me that a clean and simple card is just as much fun to make as an elaborate one. (Quick is all I have the energy for these days.) You inspire me.🥰
Lori Spicer says
Hi Cathy, Thanks for the update! It’s nice to know a little bit about your world since you’ve become a big part of mine. I discovered you last year and, being a newbie, was excited to find your fun videos. I check every day as my morning “waking up” routine to see if you’ve posted a new tutorial. Your great cards, combined with your sense of humour, have helped get me through this pandemic. It must be odd to have so many people around the world (who you’ve never actually met) thinking of you as a “friend”, but I – for one – appreciate having you in my life 😁
Theresa says
Glad to hear an update. And happy all is going well. I’ve hopped on the Olive and June train…and it’s a fun one!!!
KimberlyO says
Love you Cathy! 🙂 (Not in a stalker-ish way.) I occasionally wish I scrapbooked, but we don’t have human kids, which limits what a person can scrapbook about. I suppose I could scrapbook about myself but.. who would want to ever look at it?? 🙂
I’ve been working on loving my body shape “as is”. Sure, most of us always say we want to be skinny, etc., and I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t want to be where I was 5 years (at my thinnest in my adult life). All in good time, but I’m not 100% dwelling on it.
I love the Olive & June polish system(s). I do wish they had a few more colors that aren’t a nude pink. I own a few of them and they are so similar. But I do love some of the newer colors like the Back to School set. I’m definitely still buying colors though. I think it’s one of those “obsessions”.. must buy more colors!! (And my nails have been naked all week. The HORRORS!
Lynn Lindsay says
I enjoyed your blog post, Cathy. Happy anniversary to you and your husband. We celebrated 32 years of marriage this year (35 years, if we include the three years of cohabitation before marriage 😉). Where DOES the time go! I started card making just before the pandemic began and this creative hobby definitely helped keep me sane through it all. I enjoy your posts and videos. You always provide great inspiration. I also appreciate the work that you do for SCT magazine. I love receiving my print copy every quarter.
Judyinhuntsvilleal says
Enjoyed the update!
Honestly, I think lots of scrapbook less as the kids fly out of the nest…
LOVE your creativity!
Martin Catherine says
Dear Cathy
I am following you no matter what you post ! Thanks for being always there
I live in Switzerland and would like to try Olive and June products … do they sell in Europe ?
Best to you and your family
Catherine Martin
Cathy Zielske says
They don’t at this time but I think they are working not it!
Liza (PRstamper84) says
Always enjoy reading your take on life and to know that while we all have similar struggles, is all about perspective and making the best of each day. Really like all you bring and share, Gid bless!
Leora says
Love you, Cathy! Thank you for sharing the ride with me/us. And Happy (almost) anniversary!!!
Leora
Carolyn W says
Hello CZ! Thanks for sharing as it’s always so good to see what you are up to. I am continually inspired by your creative endeavours & am glad you are finding joy in this shift into card making 😍
Antoinette Naude says
Ah such a lovely update and your joy shines through in your videos.
Truly happy for you.
Thanks for always showing us the ups and downs of this jolly ride called life and may there be many more with Dan as well – Happy Anniversary!
Hugs,
Antoinette
Cheryl H says
Love watching your videos. Very entertaining, informative and ALWAYS good for a LOL moment or 12.
Keep Booping ❤️
Cathy Zielske says
you know i will!
Andrea Robert says
Love you, Cathy. Thanks for inviting us into your craft/dining room, and your life. Every day that I get to watch one of your videos is better and brighter because of it.
Cathy Zielske says
So kind of you to say!
Barb Domin says
You are truly an inspiration! Thank you!
Kelly says
❤️ luv your posts blog & otherwise videos & chats!
You are awesome !
Liz Hall says
Congrats to your daughter.
Love to see the Bee outfit in your post!
Nancy says
Thanks for the update Cathy…. I am happy you have found your groove in the world! You are blessed, for sure!
Cathy Nowak says
Thank you for sharing your experiences. My husband and I are almost to our 39th anniversary next month and continue to work together with therapy as well. Thanks for letting people know that it’s a continuing effort and process. It doesn’t just “happen”. I am new to your channel but enjoy your quirks and clean and beautiful style. I look forward to what comes next and will be happy to see your artistic process evolve.I do challenge you to a very traditional Christmas card for those of us who are living in that space(not stuck in a rut!)😬
Fonda says
You’re just plain fun to be with!
Michele Luxenberg says
You are a real JOY, CZ. You give so much to your fans and followers and the love you have for card making comes through in all you do. I have never , in all my years of following you, felt pressured in any way to have the exact products that you use in your videos. I’m there to watch your creative process and I’m usually rewarded with your fun and witty personality as well. Keep on booping on, Cathy.
Kathy McConnell says
Reading this from the vantage point of an elder, I can so relate to your life! I can also vouch that with a positive attitude like yours it gets better. In this crazy card making world you are a treasure. Thank you for all you do. And for the bee costume pic.
Beth Knapp says
Thank you for sharing a little bit of your world.
Kathy says
My favorite line….”I like him better than most people”. Going on 35 years I know what you mean. Perhaps the pandemic created a bit too much WE time 🤣😂. Just kidding of course.
Toni says
I adore you.
Tonya says
I found you through the very first virtual SCT crop and I have followed you ever since. You truly make crafting fun and make my heart happy. We are empty nesters as well so I have been crafting more over the past few years. So thank you for all you put out in the world. So glad I found you. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving
Mary Lehett says
Cathy, you are just so real and I love that about you. LB is the like that too.
Just keep doing what your doing because it’s all fabulous! You are beautiful inside and out. Not too mention a creative genius. Congratulations on your wedding anniversary!
Kristina Gentle says
You are absolutely wonderful to watch on YouTube. My favorite part is how excited you get as a card develops! That eeeeekkkkk’ness. It makes me happy! Keep on boobing! And creating!!
Elayne Catey says
I am so glad I discovered you, wish I had sooner. You are delightful and real and always make me smile. I like your clean and simple style of cards. Makes us feel less pressured to get super fancy and intricate. Always look warded to spending a few minutes with you. Boop!!
Fiona Scott says
It’s true, life is what we make it, so I say make it happy.
If that means changing tracks occasionally and following a different dream, then so be it.
Thirty years is a marvellous achievement for anything, but for a marriage it’s very special. Congratulations to you both, and to your wonderful family.
Long may you all continue in good health and happiness.
Carol (Sue) Jones says
Gosh, I love you (not in a weird or unsavory way). Such a cool person. So creative. So upfront and honest. And funny! Miss Queen Bee. My family calls me QB but it’s not for a flying critter. LOL!
Loved this post, especially the photos! Power on lovely lady. Wish I knew you in person. Oh the fun and silliness to be had!
💖
Christine says
Wow, time really does fly! I remember your kids as young children. Congrats to your daughter on passing the bar. Happy anniversary to you and Dan.
I understand the shift in your creative focus. I believe that change is necessary to keep the creativity flowing. I have been an observer in this business for almost 25 years now and wow how things evolved over time.
I wish you all the best and lots of YouTube subscribers😊
HeidiG says
Loved the update Cathy. Congrats to Aidan on passing the bar! Happy early Anniversary!
Angie Cammack says
You are just the best!! Thank you for the update and know that you inspire so many, Cathy. Sending hugs and wishes for a happy anniversary, and happiness in general!!
Jody V says
I love your roll with it attitude. We spoke a long time ago. Admired from one adopted Canadian child to another. Go girl!
Vinessa says
My 20-something nails would be very disappointed with my 50-something nails. Yours look amazing! Took a leap of faith and hopped on the Olive & June train. Love your videos, and your craft, and your awesome sense of humor. You inspire.
Karan says
Hi Cathy I have been following you since the early scrapbooking days. Its always great to see the bee costume come out for a whirl. Glad you are doing well 🙂