Third in my series of my interesting and interested friends and their quarantine experience………….meet my friend Cathy Martin

Cathy is a wife, mother of two, and Editor in Chief of SouthPark Magazine.
We often take a just a passing glance at a magazine’s masthead without giving it a second thought, moving on to enjoy the magazine’s fascinating stories and lush photography. Stop to consider what Cathy actually does, she creates the editorial boards, oversees all editorial content, editing, writing, and always on non-stop tight deadlines while always remaining sensitive, calm, collected, and thoughtful. 

Cathy is indeed worthy to be described as a rock star.

Where are you right now?

At my makeshift office, my dining room table. My husband was gunning for it, but I won, and he has to work in one of the kids’ rooms.

Who are you with?

Immediately, it’s just me and my dog, Leo, a springer spaniel. But the whole family is home.

What are you reading?

Mostly magazines, I can’t get enough. I keep trying to get into a new book, but every time I pick up a novel I just can’t engage. Reality is so much more interesting these days, I guess.

What are you listening to?

A little late to this but Billie Eilish. It started as a curiosity but now I’m intrigued. And it’s oddly soothing.

What’s your daily exercise of choice?

I walk, twice a day if possible. Plus, I got on my bike for the first time in a couple of years, that was fun! I’ll be doing more of that. Yoga once or twice a week.

What’s your favourite board game?

I love all board games, but unfortunately my family does not.

What’s the best thing you’ve cooked?

I don’t cook!

Are you still able to work at all?

Better than ever, for the most part.

What small, unexpected thing do you miss the most?

Coffee and lunch meetings around town with friends, writers and others to gather story ideas.

Which three people, living or dead, would you most like to be quarantined with?

Pass.

Have you had any ‘light bulb’ moments since this all started?

Still waiting.

Have you taken up a new hobby?

No, but I’ve planted pots of flowers for the first time in years and I’ve been watering them daily and watching them grow. There’s also a family of birds nesting underneath my mailbox and it’s fascinating to watch them. So, gardening and bird-watching — I’m officially ancient.

What projects have you got coming up?

Well, I’ve realized I want to paint every single room in my house. Otherwise just trying to come up with brilliant new ideas for the magazine.

What are the biggest positives we can take from all this?

Cherish the people close to you, and slowing down every once in a while can be a good thing. It’s restorative in a way, a reset.

How will you celebrate once this is all over?

Trying all the great new restaurants I’ve been meaning to get to! Plus returning to the usual spots. There are so many, and they need our support more than ever. Also, I can’t WAIT to get to the beach.