Actually an Artist

Whew! Sorry for the hiatus! I (well, we) got sick. It was the worst and I actually called out sick from playing organ on Sunday. I was totally wiped out from it! My kids naturally were only a little sick-just enough to feel crummy and take it out on us. My husband didn’t get hit as hard as me, but he’s sorta slow-burned it and is still feeling a little off. I felt good the past few days, but took it extra slow because I did NOT want to tempt fate and find myself back in bed.

Bold of you to think I have fun.

OK, but in all seriousness, I have two small children and I run an online teaching business and I’m trying to finish up at my church job (this week! Last week!!!!), so I don’t have a ton of spare time. And what I like to do I’ve written about before, so this isn’t anything too revelatory I’m afraid.

Knit

Knitting is still in the top spot for 2024. It’s been a near-constant companion since I started it back in 2006 (!) and I have a stash that will carry me into the next five years if I add nothing to it… Which I will obviously add to because I love the yarns. It’s a way of connecting the work of my own hands to what I wear and how I present myself in the world. I don’t buy hats or sweaters or knit socks out there, because I can make them myself. Slow down! Knitting says to me. Fast fashion is empty and you get the greatest satisfaction not from the rush of spending a few bucks but from planning and executing a project I’m excited for.

Sewing

Similar to knitting, though I sew a lot less and hoard (I mean stash) less fabric, too. The options for creative prints and designs is super satisfying, as well as the allure of having clothes that actually will fit my body. Amazing, I know.

Painting

I started watercolors again during the worst part of the pandemic. Now, my kid is older and honestly I actually really like to do it with him. Here’s some of what we’ve done together.

Watch Star Trek

These days, I’m honestly feeling pretty crummy about the state of the world and state of the human race, so I’m watching and re-watching Star Trek series because 1. I don’t need any surprises and 2. Hope is worth holding onto. It also goes great with knitting or folding laundry, though ick on that last bit.

Read

😦 😦 😦

I hardly read these days. I wish it weren’t so, but honestly I don’t have the mental capacity at the end of the day, and kids don’t leave me alone during the day! Sometimes though I’ll draw a hot hot bath and sit in the tub and read. Either I’ll listen to an audiobook on Hoopla or I’ll read an actual, physical book. A good book just feels good to hold. But an audiobook or podcast can be great as background to knitting, allowing me to multitask my relaxing. Irony. Anyway, no judgment from me on what you do for fun. These are 5 things, but by no means the only things I do. I also enjoy boardgames! And swimming. And even going to the playground with my kids. So yeah. This is but a small snippet.

Now back to resting so I don’t get sick again 😩