Queenslog Jan. 12, 2024
2023 was my year of "yes!"
I said "yes"f to pretty much everything that was offered to me.
"Want to adopt some kittens?
"Want to go to Africa?"
"Want to spend the weekend in Canada with people you have only met online?"
"Want to go to Washington DC? Twice?"
In the month of July alone, I was on 11 flights, 3 trains and 1 ferry. I have a beautiful and magical life.
And you know what else I did? I rested. I puttered. I finished unfinished sewing projects. I created art. I rested more.
I've proclaimed 2024 the year of "No". Unless it's a "hell, yes" it's going to be "no".
I'll fill the year with a more curated adventure. Far more art. Fewer meetings.
"Wanna spend two weeks managing a lighthouse in Michigan?" Hell ya!
"Would you like to serve on this board where the members just tell the executive director yes and you just get to agree?"
Absolutely not.
"Would you like to do this really hard job that requires more than 40 hours a week and a great deal of energy and do it for free?"
Hard pass.
I'm taking on projects that mean something to me. Here are a few examples:
Late last summer I accepted a grant writing contract to provide funding for a small, rural theater in need of building-saving repairs. Late last month, we were notified the theater won the grant! That's $100,000 into the building that will also provide jobs, protect an important part of city history and put the owners back on their way to reopening a business that was once an significant gathering place for its community. That's the kind of project I want to work on. The building will still need an new HVAC system and we will need to raise some capital to install a digital projection system. There's plenty of work to be done!
Next, I've been working with a non-profit that advocates for active transportation. This year, they're focusing on outreach to rural communities. Small towns often get overlooked when it comes to transportation programs. The projects we're creating together will give communities of less than 5000 access to some walking and bicycle safety programs for kids. Rural kids are especially vulnerable to pedestrian/vehicle injuries and death. With programs like these, Idaho children will be safer and our rural communities more accessible for all of their citizens. I'll keep you posted on the project.
Speaking of transportation, just yesterday, I sat in on a brainstorming session hosted by Idaho Advocates for Community Transportation about what could happen if we approached transportation from a regional and accessible perspective.
I love waving that magic wand and dreaming about, for just a few minutes, what we could create if we have access to the time and funding we would need. People would able to get work, play, and social interactions for little or no money. Fewer cars would be on our already-stressed roadways. I truly enjoyed meeting the people involved in this group and can't wait to see where it goes. Again, I'll keep you posted.
l also said yes to a new friend a met last summer at the Women Deliver conference. Tanzila Kahn is one of those women who lights up a room. She is an inspirational businesswoman, filmmaker, and travel blogger. I get to work with her promoting a board game she developed called Whoopie Town. It's a monopoly-style game that helps players learn the importance of making sure businesses and buildings are accessible to people with disabilities. I can't wait to learn from this woman!
Outside of work, I've decided to learn how to build mosaics. I've signed up for a year-long workshop with my new friend Reham Aarti. I have a mixed-media piece in mind. Here's what I created last month in my first class.
I had so much fun I went right home and told King John the Significant that "I'd found my people"! The full workshop starts in March. I am beyond excited.
I also have a couple of quilts that need finished so, of course, I signed up for a new class at the Queendom's official fabric store, Sallis Back Porch Fabrics. We'll be working on a panel quilt. This is a photo of my first one. Pretty excited for that too.
So as you can see, I'm still keeping myself plenty busy. I tried slowing down and it wasn't pretty. The difference is... well, I'm walking into the year of no knowing far better who I am and where I want to be.
I'm glad I get to be here with you!
What am I reading?: Delicious by Ruth Reichl. I found it on a "blind date with a book" table at an Idaho Association of Libraries fundraiser. I chose it based on it's first line, "You should have used fresh ginger." Loving it so far.
What am I listening to: One of my favorite podcasts, Revisionist History. This episode is a great profile on the family who invented The Farming Game. I loved playing this game with my family. I've ordered a new copy and loved this story.