ISSUE 12 ◦ by Heidi Horchler

Happy Birthday! | 8.14.20

Welp, today is my birthday. When I scheduled out the dates of all the newsletters for the year, I was excited to see that my birthday was one of the publishing days! (I schedule for the 2nd Friday of the month but there may have been a Saturday or Sunday involved 😏.) I’ll keep it brief because I’m a dork and waited until today to actually write it. And there is fun to be had, so let’s go!

Let’s focus on positive vibes: I’m getting ready to go back to class!

In order to keep my teaching certificate up-to-date, I need to have a certain number of professional development hours every year. I use this as an opportunity to refresh and build on my art making skills. Usually, it’s a summer painting course, but this year due to COVID, summer courses were canceled, but I was able to sign up for fall semester to re-take my favorite college art course: COLOR. I’m so excited!! I can’t wait to take a deep dive into my paints again and show you everything I learn.

I was recently invited to do an Instagram story takeover for one of my favorite podcasts, the (un)productive podcast, by Daydreamers. Click on the picture below to watch my series on color mixing! If you’re new to color theory, this is a great first step.

I’m also really interested to know what you are all learning or excited about right now. I know things are not “normal” by any means and that there’s a lot of crappy stuff going on at the moment. But what are some of the silver linings that perk up your day?

My cousins in Tennessee and Florida have been sharing their animal exploits; one has a mini flock of ducks and geese, and the other has a bunch of chickens and a black & white cow named Bailey.

My dad and his friends are what I like to call “supermodel-ers” — they make precise miniature models of mostly WWII aircraft, among other things like tanks & ships. He and my stepmom also volunteer as Big Brother & Big Sister to a pair of young siblings in their town.

Mom is all about singing! She has always loved to sing, and is very active in her church choir and volunteer community. During Covid, she has enjoyed dropping off care packages to some of her less mobile congregation members.

All of our regular activities have been modified by social distancing and the obligatory mask, but hopefully things will return to some state of normal soon.

I’m thankful that my family are doing well; the boys are branching out into their own paths and I couldn’t be more proud.

More silver linings

When I’m not acting, writing, or doing laundry, I’ve been enjoying learning how to use Procreate, a digital art making app on my iPad.

Art on the web:

Worth watching:

Last month I recommended these first two series, and since I just finishes them, I solidly repeat my recommendations. So. Good. Also if you’re in need of smart, modern, tech-y humor, Silicon Valley released their last season. I absolutely loved that show!

Also, I have a very dear friend who is dealing with an extremely difficult situation at the moment. Please take a moment to send her all the prayers and/or good vibes you can. She and her family could sure use it.

Announcements

I was interviewed for Voyage Phoenix magazine! Read it here.

My online store is live! Click here to view.

Birthday Special!

In honor of my birthday, I’m giving YOU a gift! 20% off in my store!! Make sure to use the code HAPPYBDAY for your discount. I have some stuff already marked down, so welcome to bargain city!

Thank you — as always — for your support, and a big thanks to those of you who’ve reached out via email or social media. This little project of mine is getting some legs and I have you to thank for it! I’m still going through my reply list so if you haven’t heard back yet, you will :)

xo, Heidi

P.S. Feel free to ask questions. Reach out through any of the social links on my website (below) or email me at heidhorch@gmail.com.