I wanted to write this post on Saturday, February 20th, because that was exactly one year ago when I launched my first video for my Youtube Channel, Ariane Zurcher ~ On the Other Hand!
Since that day, just over one year ago today, I have made and posted 248 videos! Yesterday I did a livestream, where I’m obviously feeling quite a bit more comfortable filming and posting. I went from having 0 subscribers to 3,865 subscribers as of yesterday. I say this not to brag, but more as a mark of where I began with YouTube and where I am now. Because in this crazy time of the pandemic, when everything can feel really, really off and sad, I also want to remember some good, which means honoring my own personal little milestones.
Here in the United States we hit more than half a million dead from COVID19. It’s a grim reminder of the perilous and tragic times we find ourselves in; a time when so many of us have been unable to see those we love, whether that’s our aging parents or young grandchildren. It’s been a period marked by disconnect and fear and worry and yet, we have also made different kinds of connections. Zoom calls and classes have taken off. Who would have thought any of us would know our way around a Zoom meeting?!
Personally this has been a year of massive and intense learning. When I began my Youtube Channel I had no idea how to upload videos, make thumbnails, do livestreams or premiere a video. I also taught myself how to create a design from paper sketch, to computer, to downloadable PDF file, write instructions, and in the last 12 months I’ve posted 8 new designs in my Etsy Shop, conducted an 8-week Zoom Workshop, with another one in the planning stages, created a Facebook Group: Ariane Zurcher Stitching Circle (which has 1.2 thousand members) and a Patreon page!
And here are a few of my other designs from the past 12 months.
And along the way I began to explore what I call Improvisational Stitching.
This has been the most intense year, both incredibly sad and scary globally, as well as exhilarating and exciting on a personal level. It’s been both. I have met thousands of new people from all over the world and for that I’m so, so grateful.
So, to all of you who’ve joined me during this truly bizarre time, thank you. Let’s keep laughing and stitching! ❤️
I don’t think my first attempt to comment stuck. Here goes. Happy anniversary! we have all been blessed by your creative talents and gifts. I am blessed that a dear friend, Beth introduced me to you and your blog. Thank you again. Stay safe and well.
Debra
Thank you so much Debra. I am grateful to Beth as well! ❤️
You’ve been my antidote to pandemic life. Thank you for all the sharing and caring, the beautiful work and your kindness. When I hear your music and your voice, I know it’s time to relax and create. My world has expanded because of you. I can’t thank you enough. And I LOVE your new design. It’s jazzy! I’m excited to see it with all your stitches. Be well, kind lady.
Daphne
Thank you so much Daphne. You are so lovely to tell me this. I so appreciate it! ❤️
Congratulations on work well done! And thank you thank you thank you! Along with getting us all through the pandemic and all of the A. people in our country this year, working along with you has helped me to have peace in my soul as I grieved the loss of my partner And the chemo process of my youngest son. My creativity has been reawakened ! Again congratulations!
That should say upheaval not A. People
Thank you so much Lynn. I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss and about your son. Please know you are in my heart and thoughts. Sending you love. ❤️
Beautiful projects and accomplishments during this trying year. Congratulations Ariane.
Thank you so much Sandi. ❤️
Happy Anniversary! I know my life has been brightened and enriched by your classes and I look forward to more explorations with you as the guide.
Thank you so much Arlene. It’s been such a pleasure meeting you, albeit via Zoom! ❤️
Ariane, You are a wonder.
Thank you so much! ❤️