Cutting Through the Chaos
- Karen
- Jun 23, 2020
- 2 min read
Day 115 of self isolation. I’ve been through quite a few stages during this pandemic. First began the 'confident' phase, where I had a plan to keep myself healthy and happy. Then there was the 'terrifying' phase when my son was so sick, and I was struggling to keep myself upright. Then the 'hopeful' phase, when my son’s health found a foothold, and in the outside world, the COVID-19 curve began to flatten. Eventually, I moved into the ‘routine’ phase, where every day was the same as the next, which blurred into my ‘blah’ phase.
The blahs are like an onion. One has to peel back many layers to find the core reasons why life has stopped being interesting. Sometimes I just need rest. And I do. But when I find myself blaming others, or I'm more interested in their flaws then mine, I know I need to do some work.
Back at the beginning of 2020, I had plans for this year. Plans that COVID-19 and my son’s cancer interrupted. I didn’t have a problem with dropping everything, but a couple of weeks ago, I found I had space to start getting back on track. But it has taken several weeks for me to realize that those plans won't work anymore.
Hard to believe, but I’m a different person than I was just a short 6 months ago. I understand better what I want for myself, my family, and the Just Get It Done Quilts Community going forward. And that means that I have to do some house cleaning.
When I started my YouTube Channel, it was meant as a tool for my guild’s block challenge. Then it evolved into a platform to share my tips and tricks. I threw together my website as a place for pattern downloads. I have had to learn so much to film, edit, and publish it all. My last blog post was last summer, and my previous email was autumn, so clearly, I’m not getting it all done. It’s tough to create content when most of the time I feel like I’m being held together with masking tape.
So this summer, I’m taking the time to rework my website, reorganize my channel, and get some new ideas. I want this community to serve all quilters, no matter if you are brand new or experienced.
And this week, my newest segment goes live on my channel—the Quilt Coach
Through emails, messages, and comments, I get asked a lot of questions. Some are straight forward, and I can direct them to a video, or I answer them in a Q&A. But some are more complicated and need more space. Like when I did an 8 at a time Mary’s Triangles
So this monthly segment will answer those kinds of questions that have appeal for all.
Thank you for all of your love and support throughout this crazy time in my life. I’m looking forward to the next six months and all I have to show you.
I don't always learn from your posts, and I'm not always interested in what you are doing, because I'm about JGID, and you've evolved from that a bit. I do always find you relatable, accessible, and enjoyable to watch. Keep on keeping on, and thank you for what you do. Wishing for the best for you and the family.
While I have (fortunately) not had the serious health issue with a family member that you have experienced, I have found life as I knew it has disappeared. I have had to work at finding a new routine that I can accept. I miss seeing my friends and participating in my quilt groups --- texting and telephone calls do not replace face to face time spent together. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, your sense of humor, and the sharing of your life and your creativity. Thank you and please don't stop!
I watch all your Videos. I have learnt more from you than from anyone else. You have a way about you that makes even the most complicated method easy to understand. I have made my templates and my cardboard cut outs and things make more sense.
I started out sewing garments too, I have a BA in fashion, I came to quilting in 1979 when my eldest was born, and have loved it since then. Now I am trying to design quilts and convert those designs into quilts. I love embroidery and always add some to the backing that is personal to the person receiving the quilt along with where, when and my name.
I live in the UK but…
I'm new to your blog, but not your videos. I went to your website when youtube didn't recognize my sign on info. I wanted to subscribe to any new videos you might make in the future. When I read this entry to your blog, I had to sign up to say, God Bless you & your son, I had no idea of the struggle you may be going through. I'm heart broken that you won't making videos for a while but, life gets in the way sometimes & family is much more important. I will miss you, as will the rest of us, but we will get over it, as I hope your son does too.
Karen, thanks for sharing your story. First, I am glad your son is doing better and hope he recovers quickly. Second, I just wanted to say that watching your videos is like having coffee with a friend. I have been a quilter for many years and each time I watch you I learn something new. Thanks for sharing with us all, stay strong, be safe and keep inspiring us. The very best for you and your family.