About Me

Effervescence is a state of mind. It’s about choosing to bring sunshine to the day.
Every person I meet matters.

If it’s written down, I know it (If it’s not written down, I don’t know it)
If it’s color-coded, I understand it (If it’s not color-coded, I don’t understand it)

catellen_about_me

Crafty Critter

I’m a musician, textile artist, bellydancer, technical writer, and sometimes amateur photographer. I’ve been hand-spinning for over 20 years, primarily on drop spindle. I’ve done some calligraphy and illumination in the style of the middle ages. I’m a singer song-writer usually in a folk-type vein. And I’m a passionate ATS® (American Tribal Style) bellydance instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is your name really Cat? Yes, I paid very good money to change my name and it really is just “Cat.” I was named after Christine and Ellen, the two gals who introduced my parents. Post-divorce, I removed my double-last-names and put my college nickname on the front, sliding all the names “over one to the right.” So now my name is Cat Christine Ellen, the three names that mean the most to me. But if you ask, I’ll still describe myself as “one of the McGlothlin girls.”

Who is Cay Swann? “Cay” was a typo one day when I tried to type “Cat.” It looked like an excellent pen name. “Swan” was my grandmother’s maiden name, and in memory of her I took the name “Swann” as part of my re-enactment naming practices. So “Cay Swann” started out as a generic internet pen name, and then became my “online brand.”

Where else can I find you online? Teaching over at CaySwannDance, Crafting over at CaySwannCrafts, @cayswann on Twitter, and @cayswann on Instagram, for a start.


Half still in costume, half out — and all tired (2015)

Faded roots, don’t care – Fun With Hair (2018)

My current favorite dance headshot photo (2018) [photo by The Dancers Eye – Fine Art Bellydance Photography]

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