31/07/2022
Pixel’s family could use a little assistance 😻
Oh, my dear friends. I am so, so sorry I haven't posted in a bit. I guess when it rains, it pours... And the whole first half of 2022 has been our monsoon season. 😞
The truth is, I'm not doing well at all. We had bounced back a little since Daddy Cat's catastrophic layoff back in April, but things are still very much paycheck to paycheck, and now it's my turn to throw a wrench in it all. 🤦♀️ The small company that I have worked with for the past 5 years recently let us know that we had lost our biggest client and that layoffs were imminent. As of right now I still technically have a job, but there is not enough work to go around. I immediately tried signing up for every delivery service I could think of and was mercifully accepted by Instacart as none of the others were recruiting in my area.
I've been working 12 hour days through them for the past week... And I'm so grateful for the work and quick pay, but it has meant no time for creating more content, and for that I am so sorry. I can't reply to them all, but daily I get messages from people who tell me how important my babies are to helping them get through their own tough times, and there are no words for how much that means to me and how much I want to keep spreading smiles. Running this page has given me a sense of purpose that I have never felt in my life and it is so precious to me.
At some point between my work issue, parenting a tiny human with unique differences and needs, and trying to keep a smile on my face for everyone while navigating it all, I also fell deeply into a mental health crisis. I feel like I very narrowly avoided needing inpatient care this time. It has been so rough, friends, and I can't thank you enough for your patience with me.
That basically explains everything, I think. So, if it seems like it's taking longer to see Pixel on your timeline, no worries, we are still here! Just having to focus on doing everything we can to stay afloat until our situation is more stable and things start looking up again.I have no doubt I'll be able to find work very soon, because almost everyone is hiring. But, soon isn't good enough when the bills demand to be paid *now.* 😞
I never wanted to have to ask for help once, much less again — but if you are able and feel moved to support our content, there are no words for how grateful our family would be for any contribution. Donations of any amount are especially appreciated and will go directly to keeping a roof over our heads while I find more stable employment.
PayPal: [email protected]
Venmo:
You can also support us through our merch! We have shirts and tote bags available here:
https://www.valkyrie-apparel.com/product-category/collaborations/pixel-sophie/
And there are stickers and cards available through our RedBubble shop here:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/ak1981/shop?asc=u
Pixel & Sophie also now have an Amazon wish list if you'd like to send them a treat:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RCT6L9QZBOSC?ref_=wl_share
You can order a custom, personalized video message here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1EgNfCNDTIL3Hqbhf00e02GBlGp3vHZXOI3yw7sHTsOQ/edit
And finally, I have created a Patreon if anyone is interested in exclusive supporter benefits, but it is currently under review since it is new and will be posted as soon as it is cleared by their team.
I'll never be able to find words for how grateful I am for all of you, regardless of whether or not you can help monetarily. Just knowing that you're out there rooting for us gives me such strength. ❤️ Please know that I will resume regularly posting as soon as I'm able. I have so many fun ideas that I can't wait to share — like this one.
If only we could have nailed those signature Bret Michaels baby blues. 🥹
