Fates, we will know your pleasures: That we shall die, we know; ’tis but the time, And drawing days out, that men stand upon. —Shakespeare, Julius Caesar
Life’s not over until the fat lady sings. And I don’t hear her yet.
A midwesterner for decades, my husband and I moved to Florida in 2020. All five of our children are grown and flown, delightful humans and my best contribution to date.
A fiber artist since 1996, I used to publish a knitting blog (called Living and Dyeing) back when blogs were shiny and cool (2003-2008) using Typepad (I’m really dating myself here. Good thing I’m a fun date). I own three spinning wheels, two weaving looms, multiple spindles, countless knitting and dyeing supplies and my knitting goal for 2026 is to make a Dale of Norway sweater. I’ve done some traveling, skiing, boating and I even co-piloted a small two-seater plane from Chicago to Idaho and back. I’ve lived a pretty good life and I’m grateful.
Why, do you ask, am I here?
Many years ago as my kids became teens, I was an Office Manager in downtown Chicago, on track for a higher level admin job when one of my teen daughters was diagnosed with anorexia. It was serious and required me to be closer to home. I pivoted to a position nearby at a tile store where I catalogued, organized and sold architecturally significant and historically accurate tile to designers and homeowners alike. I fell in love.
There was something about this small detail of the past that was precious and worth saving. The experience took me by surprise and I realized I loved serving these clients by providing them with the information they needed to make the world a more beautiful place.
Suddenly my husband’s employment swept us away to Florida, and I dealt with a health situation which began in 2021. Here I am, alive for now, facing mid-life with hope, excited to increase my digital content skills through this class and hopefully head into a world where I can direct people to resources that educate and bring meaning to their lives. Whether at a museum, an archive or a library, I look forward to “drawing days out” for this next act, whatever time is allotted.
Hello Karen! First of all, thank you so much for your advice on my blog. I will absolutely keep those suggestions in mind going forward. Now, regarding your blog, I loved reading every minute of it. The Shakespeare quote you chose was chef’s kiss, and tying it into the last portion of your post made me smile, as did the pictures of your beautiful family and the bathroom tile design. Finding out that you are also an artist, was a bonus, but the fact that you previously created a blog with such an awesome name AND own spinning wheels with the appropriate accessories, made me want to do more with my life. I can’t wait to read more of your blogs during our future assignments.
-Kelly
Hey Karen! I wish you had hyperlinked Living and Dyeing! Can’t even imagine the wealth of information that must be sitting there, one day we’ll return to that era of blogging and the internet will be whole once more. I’m glad you’re in the Information field, you’ve got a lot of the necessary perspectives needed for tackling the huge problems facing the field, like an artists eye for detail, your appreciation for artisanal work in a world increasingly filled with artifice, and the drive to change peoples lives through access to information. Looking forward to the rest of your work!
ha! Just wanted to say that I WOULD have hyperlinked Living and Dyeing but it no longer exists! that’s how long ago it was. Typepad closed down and deleted everything. Very sad.
Hi Karen! 🙂 Thank you for sharing that family photo, it’s such a sweet photo! I love that you are so creative. I can tell you always have a hobby going! I checked out the link for the Dale of Norway Sweater and it seems like such a feat! But maybe because I’ve previously tried knitting and it was horrible >.< It was not my greatest moment. Also, wow, from Chicago to Florida, whewww. Have you enjoyed the move, now that you’ve been here for a few years? I am so excited that we are both discovering digital media; I feel less alone. In my job, I always hear everyone say that I am so tech-savvy. However, I usually help print labels, soooo, I have a long way to go. But anyways, we got this! 🙂 A few classes and we can continue helping others with resource information! 😀
Hello Karen,
First, I want to apologize for not being able to find your post last week. I’m really glad I finally came across it while working on the peer reviews this week. Your post is wonderful—so full of personality and heart.
I absolutely love your family photo; it radiates warmth and joy. I also admire your creative side, especially the way you dive into different crafting projects. And the adventurous part of you that enjoys being a co‑pilot adds such a fun, dynamic layer to who you are. It all comes together to paint a picture of someone who is both grounded and spirited.
I’m really glad I got the chance to read your work.