It’s Been a Long Time Coming!

As I’m sure you know by now, I take “blogging breaks” most of the time, without announcing them. My most recent one was like, what? NINE years! Oof. Please forgive me! However, I try to make the most out of them – by being productive in other areas of my life.  Taking up other hobbies. A friend said it’s a good idea, and although I always feel guilty I think I agree? It’s healthy to rest and recharge, to refocus and relax. We should all do it more often! So, what have I been doing in the nine years I’ve been gone. Well, honestly – I couldn’t tell ya… I’d have to look back in the archives. Haha. Yes, I’m that old now!

A few friends usually call, or email me when I’m not active on social media, just to check in and I love that about them. It’s a nice feeling to be missed. It’s not that I don’t enjoy blogging – I LOVE it. But once in a while, I need to re-charge, and focus on different things. Sometimes I get down in the dumps and/or caught up in a creative rut, funk, whatever you want to call it. Welcome to my life. But I’m learning that’s basically an artist’s life, or the life in general of a thirty-something… Maybe? Haha.

Here’s what I’ve been up to lately; (as of 2024 – if you want an update year by year let me know?) I’ve been interning for Letters Against Depression, volunteering at the Library for a Book Buddy program and the usual tasks with Janet, working like a mad woman up making inventory for Whimsy Brooke – my new stickers, stationery and paper goods shop! I started up PR’ing again for a sticker shop called Cute Cut Craft – use Natalie15 for 15% your order!! I’ve also been doing lots of resting and relaxing in between to manage my self-care and such – to say I’m busy is an understatement. But I’m getting back into the blogging loop slowly but surely! If you want to see some updates in check out my instagram.

Somewhere along the way, I lost my spark for reading… I seriously can’t sit down and read anymore for the life of me! and I don’t have any idea on how to get it back! It feels awful, especially spending so much time at my local library – kinda ironic if I’m not utilizing the books. Oof. However, my creativity is through the roof right now. I’ve been amping up my collaging skills, planning skills, organization, plant care, letter writing, interior decorating (I’ve moved at least three times since I last blogged!) and much, much, more! I really want to get back into crocheting and figuring out punch needling and embroidery if I’m feeling ambitious… these are all crafts I’ve been eyeing forever. With love and admiration, of course!

“Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use – do the work you want to see done.” – Austin Kleon ― Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

In conclusion – I’ve struggled and celebrated, cried and laughed, met and made new friends and lost some old friends, scored some gigs and lost some opportunities, grieved, and rejoiced, learnt and unlearnt, and most importantly grown mentally and spiritually (and so much more!!) in the past nine years. What have y’all been up to since 2015? Please don’t be shy – share whatever you’d like in the comments below!