In 2014-ish, I was sitting at the small conference table in my boss’s office discussing a project. Vicki, from marketing, walked into the room with a photographer—camera already aimed. She announced “We’re here to take some candid shots of the team.”

A lifetime of awkward photos flashed through my psyche and my reflexes kicked in. In an instant, I slipped from my chair to the floor, safely hidden from view beneath the table. Thanks to the polyester/rayon/spandex mix of my work pants and the slick surface of the laminate chair I’d been perched on, this was a lightning-fast process and I was successful. I’d evaded the camera and created a room full of laughter in one fell swoop.

I said it that day, and I’ll say it here: “I don’t like photos.”

The plot twist I never saw coming is, it turns out, I’m wholly willing to overcome my discomfort with photos and video for the sake of creative expression and freedom. That’s right. Freedom.

Polyester-mix pants, cubicles … performance evaluations?! They’re unimportant, insulting on every level, and, most definitely, NOT JOYFUL.

I’ve done time in those trenches and my soul said, “No more.”

But if not the career I’ve labored at for decades, then what? The answer, I hope, starts with the spark of curiosity that inspired my YouTube channel. Maybe it started when I couldn’t find an easy-to-use bed skirt, so I decided to sew the one in my head. It could have been my absolute dearth of anything good to wear (my closet needs help and I’ve pinned several sewing patterns to resolve the issue). I think the real answer, though, is my most authentic ME was screaming for attention after decades of neglect.

I’m resistant to use the term “inner child” (CORNBALL ALERT), but it helps sum up my story quite nicely. The truth is, I miss the playful, creative person I used to be, before corporate culture and bills shackled me to a desk. I’ve been a maker, a crafter, an artist, a tinkerer, or some combination thereof, since I was little.

I miss her, and she misses making stuff. Together, we are SO thirsty to get our hands back into some art supplies—especially sewing notions and fabric! So, that’s what I’m going to do, and you’re invited. It would mean so much to me to have your support and community in my YouTube comments. If the vibes feel right, I hope you’ll watch and subscribe.

Thanks for stopping by and (obviously) LOTS OF LOVE.

~Shannon