Where have I been? Life update, channel plans and overcoming creative paralysis

[@ColleenMarble]

Hi - Thank you all for the warm response to this video! I wanted to let you know that the video didn't upload in HD for some reason, even though it was filmed in HD. I don't know how to fix it without pulling it down and redoing it, which I don't want to do at this point. I have a new computer and updated versions of iMovie, and KZbin has changed a bit in the time I've been away, so I'm sure it's something I missed in the exporting and uploading process. Anyway, it is what it is!

[@jessferatu671]

I just found your channel this week, and have watched most of your videos. Welcome back!

[@ColleenMarble]

Thank you so much for watching my videos!

[@emilysmith2784]

I love the analogy. Such a good life lesson. I understand about the down time and not wanting to doll up to be creative. That’s why my KZbin channel is faceless. I did a few videos on camera but I found I was filming on my day off work and I just wanted one day where I didn’t have to worry about washing my hair or doing make up 😂.

[@ColleenMarble]

I'm glad you liked the analogy - can't take credit for it, but I too thought it was a good life lesson! Yes, I film a lot of footage with no face, but I need to work on camera angles as I run into auto focus issues when my arm goes too close to the lens or something. But I often sew in swamp hag mode, so I need to figure it out!

[@mdksailormoon]

I care about this video! So happy to see you get back into the swing! But I hope you never feel like you have to overexert yourself on our behalf! I'm so excited to see the videos on your most recent projects, and what comes next! Welcome back Colleen!

[@ColleenMarble]

Thanks! Of course I had another setback, and another surgery, in December, but I just posted my newest video on the gray and black project that's seen in this video. :-)

[@DLBard-bv2nd]

The reason I enjoy your channel so much is the fact that you have a life off camera that requires your presence. Your pace in the projects you are making subtilty reflect the fact that you actually are ballancing life with your art/ creativity. I can truly relate to that and appreciate the effort you put into your videos. Thank you. 💖

[@ColleenMarble]

You almost made me cry. Thank you so much. That's a huge encouragement during a very tough month of caring for a family member. I needed to hear that. Much love.

[@emnboysmom]

I just found your channel. I love your analogy of the balls. I'm a middle school teacher who took this school year off to figure out how to manage this season of also launching young adults and supporting elderly parents including some who are on the opposite coast. You've done well! I'm headed back into the classroom this next school year, rested and focused and with clarity about which balls are the glass ones. Thank you!

[@ColleenMarble]

I'm glad it was helpful! I'm in another season of challenges - the past 2 months have been tough! I'm glad you had time away to rest. I've taken sabbaticals a couple of times in my career and they are so good - as you said, you regain focus and clarity when you have time to step away and rest. Best wishes to you!

[@nurmihusa7780]

Oh girlfriend, I sympathize. I’m thrilled to hear you found a way back to “you” projects. It’s not to say all the other things weren’t important - they were! But they were mostly for others not necessarily for you yourself. This is a situation a lot of women find themselves in. Taking care of others first. I am very much looking forward to your creative journey going forward. I am confident it will be delightful, educational, entertaining and much appreciated by many.

[@ColleenMarble]

Yes, a lot of women experience seasons like this, but not many talk about it! It's easy to feel alone, but we're not alone! :-) Thanks for your comment. It means a lot.

[@dayzemae9015]

If I get the bird cage cleaned everyday…I’m happy❤

[@ColleenMarble]

Celebrate the small stuff!! :-)

[@Yodi430]

Hi Colleen. I am a 'newbie' from your sewing room tour video. I am so sorry that life has been so overwhelming. Loss combined with illness, surgery etc. Is a tremendous amount. Not to mention everything else - it's a lot (I am 62 and the past 1.5 yrs. Has been a bit much). May you and yours be Divinely Blessed.

[@ColleenMarble]

I'm glad you found my channel and have taken time to watch some videos! Thanks for your comment - some seasons of life are just difficult, aren't they? And I'm recovering from yet another surgery in December, so my difficult season isn't quite over yet. I'm doing better but still.... Blessings to you as well.

[@Monga_Makes_Things]

I appreciated this video! I’m a brand new subscriber-like today brand new 😊 I’m planning a new sewing room and your sewing room tour came up on my KZbin feed this morning. But this newer video resonated with me so much as well. I’ve had those periods away from sewing, phases of one thing happening after another, loss, surgeries, and other drains on my creativity. Also a retired copy editor/writer and empty nester. Take care of yourself and your family needs-we’ll enjoy whatever you share whenever it happens!! -Addie in Washington State

[@ColleenMarble]

I'm so glad you found my video and subscribed to my channel. We sure do have a lot in common! :-) I'm glad my video resonated with you. That's part of why I wanted to do it - I figure I'm not the only one who's gone through/is going through tough times. Take care!

[@melusinenoArashi]

Hi Collen, thanks for the explanation, even if you didn't own us anything. I perfectly understand it, as I also due to family lost, lost my sewing mojo. Glad to see you back.

[@ColleenMarble]

Thanks for watching and sharing. I'm sorry for your loss, but I hope you can find a way back to doing things you love.

[@nanettedoerr4396]

It is April 2024 and I just found your channel. Like your content and what you are saying. You are going through some significant life stages of your own right now. Take it slow and appreciate your own creativeness. I am just getting back to mine after a divorce and and new lifestyle changes that include homesteading with chickens and gardens. Sewing is in my blood tho, and has filtered down from mother and grandmothers and great grandmothers. Have learned that life has to be lived one day at a time. My divorce was 10yrs ago after 45 yrs of marriage. Lots of grieving but we get thru these times. Love your interest in historical costume. Blessings always.

[@ColleenMarble]

YES - I love that! "Life has to be lived one day at a time." So so true. We are having another tough couple of months but we are taking it piece by piece, step by step. I'm itching to get back to finishing my next few KZbin videos, but there are other things that come first. I'm glad you are able to return to some of your own creative pursuits.

[@alisoncameron4937]

Great to see you back! 💕🇬🇧

[@ColleenMarble]

Thanks!

[@sylviademaris652]

Glad to have you back.

[@ColleenMarble]

Thanks!

[@katecapek3116]

Be gentle with yourself. That's a lot of overload. I had foot surgery this summer too and it's no fun.

[@ColleenMarble]

Thanks, and yes it was a lot! Foot surgery is no fun, and I actually just had another in December, so I've been recuperating for the past 6 weeks. I finally got another video posted though. It's about a project I made last September.

[@dianamckay527]

Glad you're back

[@ColleenMarble]

Thanks!

[@tinygypsyladycreations7265]

I agree with the others… you do not owe anyone an explanation. I thank you for sharing as I know I have had a tough year and listening to your story helped me feel less … alone.

[@ColleenMarble]

I'm so glad that in some small way my video helped you feel less alone. Often, we don't talk enough about the challenges we face, so then we end up feeling like everyone else's life is perfect. But I've found that talking about it really helps. Even amongst my friend group, I found several people in the same boat as me and none of us were telling anyone about how badly it was affecting us. You are definitely not alone, and I hope things get better soon.

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

It’s good to see you back! We all go through those bad times sometimes. I lost both my parents and a grandson within the span of less than three years and had no motivation to do anything but rest.

[@ColleenMarble]

I'm so sorry for your losses - that's a lot to bear in a short time (or at any time). Rest is so important, and I think we need to value it more than we do, instead of feeling guilty for not being 'productive.'