10/28/2026
Do you enjoy any hobbies besides card making? 💖 Today, I watched Pat Sloan's goodbye YouTube video, which I will link in the comments. It was a sentimental journey that made me reflect on my years as a hobbyist, educator, and entrepreneur.
My crafting background started when I was little. When we were at our cabin, I rode my bike three miles to the local dump to collect colored glass. I have no memory of where I learned how to make my "works of art," but I would crush the glass to design a faux stained-glass candle to give as gifts and sell.
Then in 7th grade, Mom taught my cousins and me how to sew sleeveless blouses. My sewing skills improved through middle school, high school, and college Home Ec. Instructors: Mrs. Quinn, Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Gerard, and Mrs. Jensen (Proud to claim the same college instructor as Nancy Ziemen). In 1976, I taught FCS until retirement.
Some of my proudest moments are seeing former students start their own businesses! One student went to school for fashion design; another started her own upholstery shop; and an entrepreneurial student designed and sold pet collars. The list continues with child care services, gift shop owners, art show exhibitors, cleaning services, and restaurant ownership. A former student is also a children's book author. Words of praise also go to the many students who are involved in community service. Commendable. 😍
Is this a good time to mention how valuable Career and Technical Education (CTE) is to our students?
Over the years, I learned to create and construct garments, sew quilts, develop the art of stitchery, and expand my culinary skills. Another passion of mine was gardening, which ended after I fell and found this hobby physically difficult. Scrapbooking and card-making began when we purchased our home Up North. Paper crafting allowed me to meet wonderful hobbyists in the area. Lastly, after social isolation during COVID and the invention of Zoom, I participate in the virtual world of sewing and crafting with friends.
Thank you, Pat Sloan, for sharing your journey to retirement. What have your hobbies been throughout your life? I would enjoy reading your stories. Please share them in the comments.