How have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic? Easy. I am a foreign language teacher for adults. Before Covid-19, I taught people in person; during the pandemic – online. Admittedly, I have had to change my teaching methods and learn many new ways. It has been a development, and I am happy with that.
What tattoo do you want and where would you put it?
If I decided to have a tattoo, it would be a thistle maybe on my shoulder. Why thistle? Because it is the flower of Scotland. I love all related to Scotland – a wonderful country with wonderful people, cities, castles, forests, rivers, bridges, lakes, islands, kitchen (yes, kitchen), history, traditions etc.
I know that Cragside is in England, not in Scotland. When I visit the UK (at least once a year), my plane lands in Edinburgh, and I am never tired of exploring this city. In September last year, I visited Cragside, one more pearl on my favourite place map. I enjoy the memories of that trip to this day.
What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
The best and the only strategie to cope with negative feelings( and the others) is my psychotherapist.
Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?
I love cats. Yes, I am a cat lady. I used to have a cat named Alisa in my youth, and she was my best friend. That’s why I compare myself to cats. Maybe also because I like being alone. I do not need many people around me, only kindred spirits. So, if I have to choose another persona, it is an English cat. Why English? That is another story.
Do I believe in fate? Yes, I do. I understand that many aspects of your life may feel out of control. When we encounter situations like this, it’s important to remember that we don’t have to charge them, and we need to learn to accept them.
Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.
I am doing the most ambitious DIY project just now. I crochet different flower garlands, and the most popular are daffodils, yellow and white, with colourful trumpets. A new customer from Texas contacted me yesterday with a request to make him 24 standing separate daffodils for his house arrangement. I’ve never crocheted standing flowers with wire in the stem before, but I like challenges. I was so excited about this project that I barely slept. I woke up at 6 a.m. this morning and understood how to tie the stems to the daffodils. Now I only need to complete all my open orders, find the proper wire and start making white and yellow daffodils.
Robin on the Orange Roses – our new cross stitch pattern, created as a custom order. Some weeks ago, our customer asked if we could create a pattern for her. It was supposed to be a robin on an orange roses. She needs this pattern to cross-stitch a gift to her friend in memory of her mother. And these two symbols – a robin and an orange rose – are essential to her. So we have this new pattern with a 15%sale in StittchersLand: https://stitchersland.etsy.com/listing/1669868410
What is your favorite drink?
What is my favourite drink? Easy answer – a Martini with ice and lemon.
Who are your favorite people to be around?
My favourite people to be around are, of course, my family and my friends. And here the problem begins. My daughter lives and works in another country. One of my friends as well. The next my friend is busy working in a big company so we do not meet very often. Thus, you can dream about the favourite people around you, but life, unfortunately, can be messy.
What bored me? A boring lecture by a trainer on how best to engage with students in language learning. I have been working in this field for more than 30 years, and I failed to liaise with my students very rarely. I can even say it never happened. Thus, when such a coach, who has no practical experience, lectures me, I get bored out of my mind. That is a simple waste of my time. Would you say I don’t have to participate in training of this kind? Unfortunately, I have to, because my director thinks we need to train in this area.
stitches & quills 