2019 Accomplishments

by | Dec 30, 2019 | Lists | 0 comments

It’s very important to make time for reflecting on the past year before we move into the next one. You can even do your reflection the first week of January, it doesn’t really matter, the point is that you do it! And that doesn’t mean you stall out and can’t start your new goals or energy or intentions on January 1st or earlier or have to wait till you sit down and reflect, but it’s only beneficial to yourself to figure out how you felt about the past year, what worked, what didn’t and what you want to do and how you want to feel next!

One of the things I do every year, is sit down with my weekly happiness posts and gratitude lists and look for create a list of accomplishments. I’m actually really extra excited to do this next year, because I’ll be using my own planner, which is all about celebrating your life instead of just scheduling it. So I know that at the end of 2020, I’m going to have this amazing, colorful documentation of all the positive moments in my life and all my opportunities for growth! You can have this amazing experience, too! Grab your copy of my Uncustomary 2020 Planner here!

One of my Uncustomary Babes did my end of the year reflection prompts, including the Top 5 Things journaling prompts, and wrote me this message: “I wanted to tell you HOW MUCH it has put 2019 – which, on the surface has felt like kind of a mess – into perspective for me. It’s really easy to forget all of the work we do over the year to be better, and all of the meaningful, positive things that happen too quickly and get lost in the slurry of 365 days of life. Seriously, thank you for posting these.“

See? It works! Set aside an hour or an entire evening to do this for yourself! You’ll feel good when you focus on positivity! And if you’re in the Uncustomary Babes Group, you already have weekly gratitude lists and monthly top ten things lists to refer back, too! Join now for a year at a discounted price!

2019 Accomplishments | Uncustomary

2019 Accomplishments

  • My TV interview on WJZ 13, celebrating who I am and what I do
  • Created big, clear boundaries with friends, my business, my events, my social media, and sticking to them
  • Cut my Facebook friends list from 2,500 to 850 and actually feel like I can be myself online!
  • Released toxic people including friends, my mother, and my therapist
  • Took my pants off for the No Pants Subway Ride
  • Gave many people in person Tarot readings that helped them process things and countless ones online
  • Discovered the Alpha-Stimulator machine
  • Treated myself to a day at the Korean Spa
  • Was asked to speak at three different Karmafest events
  • Learned more about Joe’s mom
  • Spoke at Witchfest
  • Upgraded my sock and shoe game
  • Finally attended Baltimore Burner’s Brunch and Creative Labs
  • Went to a bunch of free things in Baltimore I had previously overlooked
  • Discovered amazing magazines like “Flow” and turned other people on to them
  • Started my Pet Of The Month sponsorship
  • Got a hemorrhoid for the first time, resisted naming my hemorrhoid, started taking fiber, got rid of the hemorrhoid
  • Hosted a ton of full and new moon gatherings and figured out the best way to do them for other people and me (which included creating an online Facebook group, rules, boundaries, and going down to just one a month)
  • Incorporated the theory of Micromovements into my life
  • Handled traumatic flashbacks for the first time in a big way
  • Went to multiple dog meet-ups as a non dog owner
  • Reclaimed the basement as an intense cuddle/chill space
  • Did feminine embodiment practices
  • Discovered that ducks are so hot right now
  • Got too many people to count to understand that ducks are hot right now, too
  • Put sidewalk chalk outside my house and had so many people draw with it
  • Got TWO wine glass sets
  • Saw an orchestra and had an out of body Synesthetic experience
  • Started attending Baltimore Creative Mornings
  • Kept traditions that were important to me in my own way, even when the people I started with them left were no longer there
  • Held a Guerrilla Love Signs Event and handed out 100 eggs with positive messages
  • Won best porch decorations in the neighborhood
  • Saw and celebrated many friends moving into bigger houses and getting better jobs
  • Held the 5th Annual Bubble Parade (3.1 thousand people RSVPd)
  • Met Khrystyana and held the Real Cat Walk in Baltimore
  • Was part of Toni’s online Play event
  • Was on a panel for a body positive event that felt toxic to me and I called people out for their speech and behavior
  • Got recognized in public
  • Saw Joe hold a goat for the first time
  • Made it without air conditioning for a weekend in August heat
  • Discovered CBD lip balm and I’m never going back
  • Tried rock balancing for the first time
  • Swam in a river spontaneously after taking off my clothes
  • Got an award for not peeing my pants
  • Visited Randyland, Trundle Manor, and Pee Wee’s Bike
  • Attended a Dog Block Party
  • Started a video series, Supersonic Self-Love
  • Incorporated a lot of self-love techniques into my life in more regular ways like tapping, exercising, listening to podcasts, meditating, reading, etc.
  • Processed Bug’s death and gave him a good memorial
  • Helped my dad as best as I could with his mourning (covered his yard in pinwheels)
  • Sent a ton of Halloween mail
  • Attended multiple David London events, including a P.T. Barnum Seance
  • Had Dimitri Reeves dance fuck me from on top of a truck in the middle of the Inner Harbor
  • Hosted a Halloween Party where I offered aura photography
  • Went a fireworks store for the first time
  • Held so many fucking puppies
  • Pet so many more fucking puppies
  • Danced in a disco room
  • Saw Against Me! live two nights in a row (they played two albums back each night)
  • Gave and received a palm reading with a stranger
  • Had SARK follow me on Instagram
  • Talked to SARK on a video chat and had her tell me my spirit is “incandescent”
  • Watched a pig eat a pumpkin
  • Went to a lot of events like Light City, 29 Rooms, World Oddities Expo, Christmas Village, and The Book Festival
  • Went to Jenny Slate’s book tour and got a personal note from her in the mail
  • Created many individual altars for myself
  • Celebrated Wolfenoot next level
  • Attended a plus-size clothing swap for the first time
  • Held my own swap and decluttered/organized a lot of my belongings
  • Dyed yarn for the first time
  • Was an extra in a music video for the first time
  • Had Santa hold my hand and sing to me
  • Got spanked by Krampus in the middle of the street
  • Found a button store and happy cried
  • Decorated for every season
  • Did more street art than I did last year
  • Discovered a British Tea spot with Maura
  • Got through really hard things like financial issues and my power being turned off with the support of amazing friends, family, and online love
  • Got a massage
  • Yelled at a cop
  • Offered people fresh-ground pepper, Dom Joly style
  • Snuggled on a display bed
  • Published a planner
  • Made a decision to not be a victim of my circumstances anymore

Honestly, this was probably the first year that I didn’t feel amazing after writing my list, and that’s because 2019 was really hard for me and I let myself be defined by my external circumstances for so long and didn’t utilize my time in a way that made me feel fulfilled and happy at the end of the day (or year). But this list is still amazing and impressive. If anything it’s a call to action for me to not let 2019 be my baseline for any future year and to go bigger, harder, and bolder in 2020 and beyond!

What did you do in 2019? Share below!

See my 2018 Accomplishments

Photo: Maura Housley




In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle