Smotherbear

I’m an extremely introverted married mom of three. I’m happily married to my best friend (I know—cheesy, right?) whom I’ve known since I was 13. My kids are all grown very different people (25–31-35), all off living their best, wildly opposite lives. I miss them so much 🥺 I actually miss the chaos of a full house. It’s too neat, too quiet without them here 🥹 They still let me track them, a small kindness for their slightly overprotective mom (It’s fine. Totally normal. Don’t judge me! 😂) They also call or text at least once a day. In return I try not to text “Are you ok???” 47 times a day. My life has changed drastically the last few years. After multiple serious surgeries, I was forced into early retirement — not exactly the plan I had in mind. The surgeries also left me living in my own little world, 🙄 literally, as I’m completely homebound for the foreseeable future. After 30 yrs in a demanding career being homebound has been an adjustment. But it’s also been kind of a new chapter for me. I’ve learned how to use the computer for more than work 😂 I hadn't realized how much the internet offered. Now I’m catching up in the most chaotic way possible: following every craft, art, and DIY page known to humankind. I just got my first iPhone (my daughter finally dragged me into the 21st century), and I’ve become slightly obsessed with Pinterest. I come from a long line of wildly talented creative women, but somehow that crafty gene skipped me entirely. Instead, I got the writer gene. My creativity shows up in words, not straight seams or perfect glue lines. Still, I’m determined to learn! I want to try sewing, up cycling clothing, maybe learn to use a heat press, and I’m absolutely fascinated by all things Cricut (once I figure out what sublimation actually is 😂) Resin, calligraphy, decoupage, crochet, diamond art - so many crafts I wanna try! At my age, I know I can’t learn everything, but I can do my best ❤️ I still do things I’ve always enjoyed. I love 80s horror movies. I still do jigsaw puzzles, and build legos, only difference is I actually finish them now 😆 My Son-in-Law keeps me busy with on line scrabble. I was a penpal addict years ago, and I’m so happy to see it’s popular again. I love snail mail ❤️ I’ve discovered the beauty of Japanese stationery and I’m a little obsessed 😍 The cute kawaii themes are just so fun! I’ve also discovered the term happy mail. It’s a step up from simple snail mail! I’m hoping to be more active now that I have so much free time. I’m planning to redo my house a bit. My aesthetic Is a mix of joy and nostalgia for me. My husband describes it as Pee-wee’s Playhouse meets thrift shop 🙄 Quirky Japanese knickknacks, vintage figurines, toys from the 80s and pop surrealism art along with my ever-growing collection of vintage deer and snails. Apparently my Aesthetic is Maximalism, and I’m totally embracing it ❤️ My mom’s favorite terms for me were quirky and eccentric which I’ve since learned was her kind way of saying delightfully odd ❤️ I’m sorry! When I’m nervous I babble so much! Followed by giving TMI 😳