I need a hobby: A Random 5

Honeysuckle on a tree, Leesville Lake, May 2013

The other day I wandered around a big box arts and crafts store, looking for a project to do. I walked out of the store after buying nothing.

I looked at so many different crafty things to do. I looked at cross stitch kits. I looked at yarn. I looked at art supplies.

I even looked in the children’s craft section to see if anything there appealed to me.

I couldn’t seem to get excited about doing anything.

I write a lot. Writing is my first love as far as activities go. I take a lot of photos. I read a lot.

But I need a hobby. I need something to do that helps me relax, challenges me, and gives me the sense of satisfaction that completing something does. I need some other ways to be creative.

Nothing seems to suit me. Maybe I’m just in a creative funk. Maybe I need to try something totally different.

My five random facts this week tell you what I’ve tried out in the past and still do sometimes.

I'm linking up with Nancy at A Rural Journal for Random 5 Friday.

One

I started piano lessons when I was 5 years old. I had been picking out tunes on our old Kurtzmann upright, and my mother wanted me to learn to play by note.

I took piano for seven years and organ for one year. When I was 13, I got tired of practicing and asked if I could stop.

I have a keyboard now, and when I play, it’s by note and by ear. I just play for my own enjoyment. And Larry and the kitties seem to like it.

Two

When I was 8 or 9 years old, my mother took crochet lessons. She taught me what she learned, and she also took me to class one evening. I started out making potholders.

When I grew older, I became capable of making baby blankets. And I’ve made some smaller pieces that my kitties have used to lie on.

Three

I took sewing lessons when I was about 14 years old. I made a skirt. That’s the last thing I’ve created except for some pillows.

I have a nice sewing machine that Larry gave me several years ago. But I can’t seem to get the hang of sewing. I can’t figure out the steps to take and how things go together.

Four

When I was in my early 30s, I took a drawing class, the only art class I’ve ever taken. I had to concentrate and work really hard. I didn’t draw well, but I did get better.

The only drawing I’ve done since are mandalas, which I like to draw and color.

Five

I started cross stitch when I was laid up after bunion surgery about 15 years ago. I obviously didn’t read the directions closely enough on my first project because I did the outlining first. My sister-in-law gently pointed that out to me when she saw my first efforts.

I enjoy playing with the colorful floss and creating pictures. I also enjoy the quiet rhythm of pulling the thread in and out of the cloth.

What are your hobbies? How did you discover that you liked doing those things? Do you have any ideas for me? Suggestions are welcome!