Happy Holidays/Catching Up
Greetings! First, I must apologize that I have been away for so long. As you may know, if you’ve followed me for long, I like to try new things, shift my focus, and see how they feel. I love animals! Sharing information about them has been so interesting and fun but I found the demands of a weekly newsletter were too much combined with the stained glass art which I’ve found a real passion for. (Is the word “passion” getting overused? Probably. I’ll stick with it anyway because it is one of the few things I lose time doing. I get into a flow state. Ugh. Another overused term!)
What does this mean for the newsletter? First, it will not continue in the same format. Beyond that, I’m not sure. My stained glass work focuses on animals. I may focus on my current glass project and information about the animal featured. Or I may come up with something else, like a monthly newsletter, rather than weekly.
I will also be learning drumming after Christmas. The rumor is Santa will be bringing an electronic drum kit down our chimney this year. I expect it will take up a lot of time and energy. I’m considering a newsletter, YouTube channel, or other platform to document my learning process. I think it could be inspirational to see a 57-year-old woman learning to rock out on the drums. The process hits a lot of checkboxes on the “things you should do to age well” list.
Learning something new
Including more music in your life
Exercising
It wouldn’t be very inspiring if I quit after five or six weeks, so documenting the process would also hold me publicly accountable for learning, practicing, and improving. What do you think?
Updates
Most of you are familiar with the antics of our cats, Max and Jasper. I am sad to share with you that our dear Jasper succumbed to the heart disease he’s been battling over the past year. I haven’t shared anything about his disease because it just didn’t feel appropriate and also, would have made it feel even more real.
Jasper was an amazing cat, super intelligent, loving, curious, and very science-oriented. He was tightly bonded to my wife and she to him. I’ve never seen such a remarkable bond between cat and human. We never dreamed we’d have to say goodbye so soon. It’s been five weeks and the grief is still fresh. We will never forget our sweet Jasper.
His brother, Max, has increased his habit of wandering around the house calling loudly. We used to believe it was that he was lost and looking for us but now we sense he’s looking for Jasper. Some people highly recommend getting another cat as a companion for the one left behind. I just don’t know if Max would enjoy that, or prefer being an only cat with an annoying (to him) dog that stays in the house far too long (again, according to him). Do you have any thoughts on this?
On a much lighter note, here are some glass pieces I don’t think I ever shared:
I look forward to figuring out where this newsletter will take me next! Until then, Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.
Peace,
Dakota
Good to hear from you again! A Substack about your art AND your drumming would be interesting reading, I think. There are plenty of us challenging ourselves to learn new skills at a later age, so I bet your readers will enjoy living vicariously through your journey. So sorry about Jasper. Lovely pic of him. May his memory live in your hearts for a long time. Happy holidays to you and your family, and hope to hear from you in the new year, in a new format or whatever.
A rescue cat as a companion for Max. And of course for you two.
It may take a short cat separation in the beginning, but they’ll have each other when you’re away. And you will document the goings on so well.