As I write this, my face is partially swollen. An unexpected allergic reaction, potentially from the green tea I happily consumed – 2 full cups of innocent loose-leaf uji matcha – yesterday afternoon.
I am recovering now. If I can write this on my little IKEA standing desk, I’m OK.
Really.
Plot Twist!
I ended June and began July with a slew of health-related personal errands: annual checkups and all. Something I find very important to do, especially as an independent individual who needs to be able to sustain a livelihood well. So I always prioritise my health to avoid the repeat of past experiences where I had not taken care of myself well.
Day 3 of July, yesterday, started off with happy news and a bright new day. I woke up early, went for my appointment, and got things done. Productive.
Then, plot twist! Something odd happened to my face.
By evening, I parked myself at the 24-hour clinic. Hours earlier I was there for my appointment. I didn’t expect to be here again, and so soon too. I didn’t know what was happening to me, but I knew I need to be somewhere with people to monitor my situation – preferably someone with medical training. Just in case. And not alone.
Glad to have made that decision. The doctor on duty ensured I was safe before she cleared me to go home. I’ve messaged some friends and updated my situation the entire time. Precautionary measures, you know.
The past seven days had messed up my work schedule. I’m just glad nothing urgent had cropped up then. I’m taking it easy this weekend as I reorganise my plans.
The First 6 of 2026: A Review
I wanted to be more intentional this year. The intent to do what I say, and say what I do. Often times, these were not aligned, especially when I look back to my past. I had not honoured myself, my plans and intentions. That resulted with me, at an older age, with nothing much to show or built.
So the plan was to start building something for me. It will start small, but most importantly, it’ll start. No more waiting. Just doing it scared.
I know this needs time before it can become something that can fully stand on its feet and sustain my livelihood. For now, it will run alongside the “day job” that contributes the investments needed to do what I love.
I am happy to report that the first six months of 2026, I have achieved my goal in June: participating as a vendor in a physical market. I did it!
I made several handmade products for the event, including a highlight product – The Hidden Letters Oracle – with pre-orders. I did make a small profit from those endeavours.
This has spurred motivation and confidence to keep going, to continue making my handmade creations, and build my creative maker business. Of course, I aim to do another market this year, with new creations to add to the lineup.
The Hidden Letters Oracle was well-received at the market, which made me giddy with joy till today. I love seeing people’s reactions when they discovered how the messages spoke to them. I’m just happy it resonated and it helped.
I Officially Feel Like a Maker
The last three months was just me diving head-on in the making process, working with my hands, as if conjuring some kind of magic but with words, drawings, ink and paper.
Tedious and slow as it may seem, I enjoyed this process. I feel connected to what I’m making, and the satisfaction of its outcome.
For years, I didn’t feel like I could call myself a maker. Most projects were never completed. Majority of them were just ideas left on a page in some notebook somewhere, all forgotten, or archived deep in my mind.
It’s safe to say I’m happy with myself; I completed something I started. I hit a goal. And I feel confident and justified that this is something I want to keep doing: making things with my hands. Bringing my crazy, weird ideas to life!
That aside, I also took awhile to figure out my Substack. I’ve decided to keep my publication free, with the option for paid subscription open to those who wish to support me in my business in some way.
I hope to keep writing here as consistently as possible, to document my journey as a maker and also my lived experiences, sharing my thoughts and observations around me. I’m slowly tweaking this publication as I go, but I think I’m beginning to find my footing now.
Share Andrealism: Notes from a Creative Maker
Next Six Months
… has yet to unfold, but I already know it’s going to be super busy. The third quarter is already packed with tasks to create new items and replenish The Hidden Letters Oracle. On top of that, I have client commitments for my day job.
But I know I will be fine. One day at a time.
Though this week has thrown me off for a bit, I will reset and dive back in.
Ah, I think I’ll get my normal face back by the end of the day.
Here’s to good health and more creating!
Andrealism holds essays on lived experiences, and making things. It also features my art and photography.
Thank you for reading and for your company.
~ Andrea
Andrealism is a reader-supported publication. Subscribe for updates on new posts. Though it is free to all, paid subscriptions help keep my small creative business running.
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