XaiJu
ChristineHMcConnell
ChristineHMcConnell

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June Update

Hello!

I just wanted to update everyone that I'm nearing the completion of my next big episode! It's taking me longer than I expected, but is one I'm really proud of :D

Because of what is going on in the world at the moment, I decided to postpone my May live-steam till later this month. That said, I plan to do a normal livestream as well as a craft-along this month to make up for it :))

Here is a teaser of what is coming in this month alone...

An oil painting tutorial (This is what I've been working on for over a month)

A photography tutorial (lighting, set-up, and editing)

An Antique Funeral Fan craft-along

A Q&A livestream where I have an exciting house update to share :D

On an ending note, I've spent a lot of my downtime this last week listening to stories and opening my eyes to things that I was sadly oblivious to. I really want this Patreon page to be a positive and accepting place for you to come and be creatively inspired. I also want it to be a place that represents kindness and where each of us is looking out for the other, especially when one specific group has been targeted. 

What I'm realizing is that America as a whole has never been entirely safe for black individuals. Change and accountability needs to happen in so many different areas of our lives to ensure that it becomes a place that is.

I am incredibly uncomfortable talking about these issues, but remaining silent honestly feels like a horrible insult to people like Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and so many others. 

I'll be back very soon with all the exciting things I have to share, but at this moment, I hope we are all listening, learning and finding our own ways to make this a better world while we are here.

I love you all and hope you and your families are safe.

-Christine

Comments

Hello all, hoping this spooktacular community can help me . . . I’m taking a trip to Salem this upcoming halloween and want to know the very best things to do/ places to visit/ things that may be happening at that time. Any input would be fabulous. Obviously, would love for you to chime in, Christine, as I know you have first hand experience at this now. . . This is bucket list for me!! Any pointers? 🖤💀👻👩🏼‍🌾🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

Jessica Irons

Oh! I just realised this is from a year ago 😅 I was panicking that there was some other event and we didn’t know 🙈 hahaha

Sara Sweeney

I would say the people who don’t want you to mention racial injustice here in this space are the same people who don’t want it mentioned at all. I am happy that you feel convicted to speak about it and I respect you for that. I’m in Northern Ireland so I don’t know what’s going on in the world at the minute, I don’t know why but I’m not hearing much news about anything. But I hope you all remain safe, and we applaud you for using your platform this way. (Don’t feel bad about late episodes, it’s totally fine!)

Sara Sweeney

Fantastic

Lexi Aniston

Well it’s very simple. You can just leave. You really aren’t anyone to tell a creator what they can or can’t bring to attention. As a creator, we have an unspoken duty to address things like this to our communities to make them feel safe and welcome. Despite her discomfort about even speaking on these types of issues. Clearly because of people like you, who seem to be a little too self absorbed. To be frank. If you can’t handle someone addressing the fact that this is a real thing and it’s something that needs to change, then you clearly live an extremely privileged life. Good for you. And you state you’ve done all that you’ve done. Awesome. Now let other’s do and say their piece as they see fit. She didn’t say she was going to turn it into a whole thing. But if she does, you, nor anyone else, has a place to tell her not to. If you don’t like, you can leave. K.thx.bye.

Samantha Torres

What the world needs is love and peace, the race does not know why it always goes first, if it is uncomfortable to talk about these issues..

Jolie ot

Super excited for your upcoming projects, can’t wait!! 🤗 Lots of love to you Christine💋

Paulette Mickle

Oh my goodness, Christine, I just returned! I miss you and all of the posters.

Judy K. Zamlen-Spotts

i agree! Let's support the wonderful Christine, that's why we're all here anyway! She's a great person and not everyone can be as active and involved at this time as mostly young activists. There are a lot of other personal responsibilities to think of, physical limitations, disabilities etc.

AuralAudacity ASMR

there is in many cases an underlying genocidal impulse to racism that can outweigh sexism. Those in power are incentivized to dismiss the cultures and races of others, and that too often in history can lead to genocidal acts if not outright genocide and others to want to legitimize those acts.

AuralAudacity ASMR

i dont know if i agree with that, Brittany. Maybe I'm being pedantic but I think technically, anyone can "escape" and that's the beauty of creativity and problem solving. Sometimes if we work hard enough, we CAN find a safe place at least for ourselves and our family f not a whole community. I often joke, when learning about history and how brutal much of it was, that "back then i'd go live in a cave". I also resent the implication (I hear it a lot rn and needs to be called out) that white women somehow have privilege when blacks and poc don't. We have a type of privilege but al men have a type of privilege too. Since when are white women totally free from being targeted, considering that for so long, sometimes, even the most sheltered of us have been abused in some way by our own husbands without any recourse? Don't get me started on the disabled either. A disabled even monied, white male can be vulnerable in ways most people haven't even thought about. Look at the unemployment rate among autistics. It will floor you. I'm ADHD/ASD myself. Do you know how many times I've been asked outright during job interviews "are you nervous?" or my hand movements have been stared at? Sorry for ranting, I just woke up a bit ago and had too much coffee! nice to chat in a safe space here. I do believe-now i KNOW! from experience! that society has gotten better. Certanly from my horrible childhood in the 80s, our consciousness is much higher than it was in the past, believe me. It was better in the 90s even; then the 00s we took a lot of hits but people were still pretty decent about treating others well. This past decade has been sensational. I really think so! I've passed many decades in the same city to compare, so I am sure of it. Have a nice day :D

AuralAudacity ASMR

Idk, when you were commenting about people of color and said “them” it just triggered me. I know that a lot of blacks are offended by words like “them” and “you ppl”, so I pointed it out that you said them . Truthfully, I still just highly annoyed by the person’s comment above yours and going back to read your comment, what you said is exactly true and what that person needs to hear. I wish you would have replied it directly on her comment so she saw it

Brittany Bedwell

No where, not once, did she say she was going to be discussing the issues on any livestream which just proves my point of why I commented to your statement. It was completely baseless. She literally mentioned it once and said her piece and that was it and your comment wasn’t necessary. It came off abrasive and berating to her over something she didn’t even say she would be doing.

Brittany Bedwell

Just because someone doesn't saturate every aspect of their life with a current issue doesn't mean they don't care. If you go around expecting everyone to feel the same as you and express themselves the same way you do you're always going to be disappointed. Your way may not be the right way for others. Learn to see that people are different and express themselves and their thoughts and feelings differently, and that their expressions are just as valid as yours. Like I said in my original post, I respect her views and agree with her. Silence is participation. But it's enough to express her views here, without turning this into "current event crafting". We can do more good for change by getting out from behind our phones and engaging in our community rather than hiding behind a screen and shaming people for not being the same as you. I marched with the Black Student Community in my town when they organized a peaceful protest. I participated in the Town Hall Zoom meeting that took place afterwards when the Black Student Community issued their requests for what they needed going forward from their school administrators, the City Council and the local Police Department. I hung a BLM sign in my window to let POC know I support them. But you have no way of knowing any of that; you just jumped to the conclusion that I don't care. Embracing diversity means understanding and accepting all of our differences. That includes how we express ourselves. It means embracing people of all colors, religions, and backgrounds. But it also means embracing personality differences. Maybe you need to spend a little more time looking at yourself, and less time scrutinizing others.

Shanda Jones

For sure. I'm not sure how what you're saying exactly relates to what I was saying. I do see people making similar arguments about being divisive, but the point is we are already divided. White people and white experiences are considered the norm and everyone else is "othered". (https://nationalseedproject.org/Key-SEED-Texts/white-privilege-unpacking-the-invisible-knapsack) That is white supremacy in action, and it's dangerous. It's led to a normalization of violence against black people and the dehumanization of black and brown people. Not to mention that it's painful to deny people's lived realities of this disenfranchisement and violence. What's wrong with our country isn't what is happening right now, as if it were an isolated experience, it is the foundation of this country. Starts as early as Columbus. (https://humanrightscentercalendar.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/evidence_for_grand_jury_consideration.pdf) Beyond that, Googling and reading a lot of the book recommendations floating around out there will help you better contextualize these arguments.

Sarah

She's damned if she does and damn if she doesn't! She literally had people messaging her asking her if she was going to address this and why she hasn't! So she said 1 thing to try to please everyone. Your not the only person in the world, sorry to tell you and it really doesn't seem like you give 2 shits for anyone else who is suffering in the world. This isn't just a place to do crafts, sorry to tell you, it's a COMMUNITY and communities share both good and bad together. Sorry to burst your little bubble, but your "inspiration" really don't mean crap compared to the issue of lives being snuffed out constantly and unnecessarily!

Brittany Bedwell

The idea that we can have places to escape oppression, especially if it is true, comes from privilege. Recognizing that nowhere is safe for a lot of people, including "these" imaginative spaces where there could still be so much unintentional ignorance and oppression is the key to centering the needs of the most vulnerable in your community and the path to collective liberation. There is no reality that is not influenced by our learned prejudices. Thanks for telling your community that you care about them, Christine.

Sarah

I agree with you and support your views, and I believe that silence is participation, but there is a time and place for sharing; I don't come here for this. I come here to create, to be inspired and to do things that make me happy. Make your statement, do what you can to bring change to your community, but Please don't bring current issues into this space.

Shanda Jones

💯 agree on mentioning the native Americans , no one Pat's two cents to that and simply go on about there business turning a blind eye to the Injustice that has forever come to indigenous people. The time is now to change but prejudice against people of all color.

Sandra

so nice to have updates on how things are going, would be nice to have more updates or sneak peak snaps of projects? :)

Simone Macdonald

Thank you for speaking out- hopefully we can drown out the racist voices! As for timelines on content getting out, while we can’t wait to see the new content I think most understand this is a unique time and everyone is doing their best ❤️

Jennifer Carter

Thank you for saying that talking about what’s going on in this country is an uncomfortable topic. I hope that more people speak up like you did!

Kelley Kowalski

Excited to see what Mistress McC has in store for us. Weekend fun! Cheers to all

Alaskan Rock Vodka

Can you pretty please share some details on the box you made for covering your tv in your living room.. I need HELP ..

jennifer lopez

Thank you Chhritine. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

Linda

I'm so excited for the oil painting and house update!

Holly Bentley

♥️

Victoria Gates

🖤🖤🖤🖤

Lori Vanlandingham

Thank you for posting wonderful creative videos. It has been nice watching them during these troubling times. I am looking forward to the painting and photography videos. ( :

Dharshana Domingo

I have always thought of you as a kind and compassionate person, and your energy comes through in all you do. You should speak up about current events only when, and if, you feel ready to do so. We all deserve that right and that never means we are complicit in the tragic state of affairs. Everyone processes things differently and at a different pace. I really look forward to all these projects you have so generously created for us. 🙏🏻❤️

DarkMoon

“We will never truly be free while our fellow Americans are struggling” I am in Canada 🇨🇦, so I’ll substitute the Country, but yes. If we view things in this manner it puts the onus on every individual to ensure our neighbours are safe, sound, and loved. Lovely post:)

Sarah Mac

Nice to hear from you Christine and I appreciate this post. I'm here in Ireland and we are looking at the news asking ourselves what on earth is going on over there. It's so disheartening that in this day and age we have not learned to simply accept each other, all our differences included. But, this will hopefully be a learning experience for those of us in need of education about respect and equality for everyone. I love that generally this page is just a creative place, but I also like that when the proverbial excrement is hitting the fan, that people I admire speak out in favour of equality, compassion and dignity. It makes me even happier to be a patron of yours to see this. Hopefully some good can come of all this tragedy.

Tadgh Kirby

I appreciate this post so much! There's definitely a lot of work to be done, but it's heartening to see so many people take up the task of learning how. We're all in different places on this journey-- what's important is we're going in the right direction, and not turning back. Take care and keep doing the work you love and which gives you comfort, too!

Stevie

Thank You for the Update!!! It's nice to get them especially if you're planning a live stream and can get a few days notice. This way we can alter our schedules if possible to be available. :)

Sophia Z

And oooo - I'm so excited to see the new projects!!!!

Aunt Debbie Halloween

Thank you for taking the time and emotional energy to address this, even though it's uncomfortable. We all have to start doing that.

Aunt Debbie Halloween

Thank you for speaking up.

Kelly Hubley

Thank you for always being a positive influence. Sending much love 🖤🖤

Liana Palumbo

So thankful you spoke out. Proud to support you. <3

Jennifer Treviño

Your the best Christine!!!

Kassandra Love

Can't wait. I hope you got the cat purse. When I saw it I couldn't resist. It matches your cat shoes from your first patreon episode.

Sarah Cortez

Thank you sharing your thoughts and for creating a safe and accepting environment for everyone, in a world where there are human beings facing inequality and continue to be disenfranchised. Thank you also for bringing joy, creativity, and acceptance to the world. I cannot wait to see what you create next and inspire me to create in return.

Veronica Rohrlack

I love you so much! Thanks for being a safe haven for everyone! Thanks for your work!

Jeunelle Robinson

So thrilled by this news!

Shelby Snow

I am so happy to read this post and your personal thoughts. It can be very uncomfortable but it is supposed to be uncomfortable because people are dying needlessly. I have spent the last week reading and listening, signing petitions, organising protests to go to, sharing links, amplifying voices that need to be heard. It’s sad & frustrating but remaining silent helps no one. Keep the love going.

Vi

I want to know more about this antique funeral fan - and all the other tutorials sound great too!!

Racheal Jones

Thank you for this update Christine! It makes me extremely happy to read that your'e deciding not to stay silent on this issues, even if it's uncomfortable. What's uncomfortable for some can be dangerous for others, so we really need to raise our voices and demand those changes and accountability that you wrote about. It really brings me joy to realize that the people I follow and admire stand for what's right. I'm so excited for everything you've prepared for us, and I'm going to enjoy it even more after reading this. You're amazing!! And hope everyone you care for is safe as well.

Simón J.

♥️♥️♥️

Megan

Since this is a safe place I feel it is ok to bring up that I’m an American living in Australia working with People who have special needs (best job in the world 🥰) of all different nationalities and abilities. Before all this I was known as that person. And I loved it because it’s what I worked hard to be. Now, I’m a crazy riot loving, gun wheeling, COVID-19 infected American. Despite living here for the passed three years. Our actions affect people whether we see it or not. I’d love to encourage positivity for all ❤️❤️❤️

Scribby Scribner

Thank you for speaking up about the issues going on today Christine. I know it can be a tough and uncomfortable subject to bring up, but as I’ve had to learn, silence doesn’t make change. Your actions to bring up the current state of affairs means a lot 🖤

Heidi_mae

I'm very happy to have found you and be part of this loving, helpful and creative community here. However, whenever someone brings up the fight against racism in America it always saddens me a bit that it always seems to be for the same group while forgetting all the others who were/are treated the same way or worse. I'm happy I already found a comment above mentioning the natives, who have fewer rights today than any other people be it in America, Canada or Australia. And everybody always seems to forget the slaves who were (and are) Asian and Irish (on which Santa's elves are based). On the other hand, I'm from Holland and tend to avoid the news as it depresses me, so I am not up to date with most recent events, moves and changes, so I don't know how entitled I am to utter this opinion. Nonetheless, I think it deserves some though in this perspective.

Hepziba Gunneman-de Vries

hugs and remember we are all One People!

Searean Moon

Yay June!

Alaskan Rock Vodka

Yes! Thank you for mentioning the movement. I know it is difficult to talk about, and I know you and other creators are taking a risk to your wallet to say so. I love your content and I know you are doing the right thing.

Jademermaid

You are absolutely right to bring up the atrocities against the indigenous people! I know that folks have started using BIPOC in order to recognize them along with the current movement. Stay strong and safe.

Jademermaid

Thank you for speaking about the craziness in the world, Christine. It's been a really rough time.

2OddRavens

Soooooo exciting!!!!! 😁😄😁

Brij Charan

Love to you and all your patrons and fans! It feels like such a strong sense of community and belonging seeing us all gravitate to you and your work and admire what we all can create through the hashtag. Keep it up, your videos are self care for so many!

Paulina Colonna

Yeah photography!!!!! Yeah to everything else also!!

Desiree Coon

oopps hit send by mistake... I meant to add that I love your channel and think you are a creative and fascinating individual who is caught up in the genocide against her will just as the #indigenous are... I hope to someday be a paying patreon to see your videos!!

Searean Moon

I think it is great to see more white people talking about black people and slavery in America... I just wish we could get that same kind of attention to the #indigenous and ongoing genocide we experience... So please mention how the genocide is wrong and should never not happen anymore because it continues daily and even hourly for the #indigenous... Just because we will not scream and shout and riot and loot does not mean we do not care about our situations! I believe talking about the inequality without mentioning the ongoing genocide is just wanting to divide up the genocidal pie a bit differently instead of correcting this atrocity against humanity!

Searean Moon

Thank you for acknowledging things though (especially being biracial myself). Honestly right now that’s the best thing for people to do learning, talking, listening, and supporting. Because we can’t vaccinate racism without talking about it. And as a fellow artist I can’t wait to see what’s coming up! Stay safe and well!

Dracokiro

Thank you for speaking up, Christine! It's an act of courage, and I hope you get nothing but positive feedback about it. Can't wait for these exciting upcoming treats!

MsFenriss

Thank you for admitting your discomfort, and starting the process of recognizing your privilege. Please continue to fight through that discomfort, as you have a platform to inspire change and learning! I look forward to learning more from you and hope to hear more about your journey learning as well!

Denani Schmitt

Thank you Christine 💖

ZombieChomper

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Chris Cornett

Thank you Christine ✨ Can’t wait to see your magic 🖤

Emmie Rosa-Baker

I just got a camera last week and have no idea how to use it. I didn’t expect so many buttons! Looking forward to the tutorial.

Grizzles' Humom

Thank you so much for acknowledging it. As a black woman, I appreciate it and ask you to continue to learn and listen. I know it's uncomfortable, but the only way we'll all move past it to a better place is if we continue to listen, learn from the experiences we've heard and use our voices, talents and activism to help each other. I'm so excited for the things you have coming up, especially the Photography (I had to learn photojournalism in college). Cant wait! Please stay safe, and thank you again.

Emmie

Thank you Christine. We ALL have a lot of work to do and appreciate your transparency. And hey everyone, if you can afford it, please find a black creator/artist to support on Patreon, as well!

Kate Peltier

You are wonderful! Your bravery makes others brave. 🖤🖤🖤

Dave

Thank you.

Dawn Eldred

🖤🖤🖤

Sarah Hunsinger

So glad you spoke up. Talking about racism is not easy, and we all have to learn how to do it.

Suzanne Forbes

I didn't expect Christine to make me cry today. Dang. Beautifully stated. Throughout quarantine you have been there to offer us inspiration and during these increasingly difficult times it is refreshing to see you use your platform to help people further. Americans are a diverse group of people and we will never truly be free while our fellow Americans are struggling. It is important to educate ourselves on this matter and to be the best allies we can be in order to affect change.

Nicholas Frig

We are so looking forward to seeing what is coming up. These are times when we all need to have our voices heard. Let the world know that the majority of the world stands united against the behavior shattering the spirit in those communities. Positivity, Hope, Kindness, are all Free it cost nothing to share.

Mistress Pendragon

I think it’s uncomfortable because you nor I have ever experienced the back hand of racism, so it’s difficult to know the best way to act against it when we’ve never experienced it in the first place! How do you take down something you’ve never even experienced? That question is what’s uncomfortable! Luckily there are so many recourses for those of us that will never truly understand racism, so if we start there, we can begin to answer that tough question.

Sara Estridge

This is all very exciting and I so look forward to your projects but most of all thank you for setting a good example of how we all must do more to educate ourselves and talk openly (despite the discomfort) about the state of our world for the sake of those who have no choice but to wake up each day and face the reality of it.

Heidi K.

Oil painting and house update... What a delightful surprise! Can’t wait!!

Paige Phoa

Beautifully put Christine 💗

Lorraine Donaldson

It's better to show up imperfectly than not show up at all 🖤🖤🖤

Genevieve Fernety

Thank you for not staying ailent in these dark times! It means alot! 🖤 Can't wait for all the future projects and excitement you'll bring soon!

Samuel Gomez

Thank you for your voice Christine. I live in the Twin Cities area and we like the rest of the world are hurting from this. I am still saddened by the loss of a fellow Minnesotan George Floyd. :(

Sara E Briggs

I’m so excited for the upcoming events! And yes, I agree about the discomfort I’ve also felt, but silence has gotten us nowhere. Or at least not where we need to be! Those of us born of privilege have to speak out! Thank you for taking that stand!

Tim Metcalf

Thank you, Christine. I love how honest and open you.

Caroline Burlingame

We are all learning to be better ally’s to POC. Thank you for acknowledging and hearing their voices - it speaks of your kindness and big heart. I can’t wait for everything you’ve got lined up for this month! 🖤

Sara Schallert

❤️❤️❤️

Darcy Prevost

Thank you, Christine.

Jasmine Gomez

Photography tutorial!!! ✊

Scarlet


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