That Challenge Post

[smallhobbit]

My third goal for this year is to Try Twelve New Things.

Which means roughly one a month. But that doesn't mean each challenge needs to last a month, although it could. Equally it doesn't mean I wouldn't do two challenges one month and none another, because I might. I just thought it would be good to write about one challenge each month.

I am prepared to consider anything, given the following constraints. I don't have amazing amounts of free time, and what I do have varies considerably from day to day and week to week. I don't mind paying a little to try out something, but I'm not prepared to spend a lot of money on something I may or may not enjoy. (I have, after all smiled sweetly at my credit card as I booked some theatre tickets and accommodation.)

So, dearest flist, I am open to suggestions. What could I do which would be new?

I'm in London for a few days in August, and am going up for the occasional part-weekend at other times. complicatedlight   has given me a couple of suggestions, at least one of which I'm hoping to do. The timing of the other may prove more difficult, but just because I don't manage to do it within the next twelve months doesn't mean I won't do it at all.

Maybe there's something you think I should write, or read, or watch, or learn about. A craft I should try. Something I should visit (either specifically or in general).

I have the same problem we have when we ask the Brownies what they'd like to do. They suggest things they've done before, because they can't imagine anything else. It's the same for me now.

Comments

[hardboiledbaby]

Ever thought of podficcing? :)

Based on your Brownie posts, you seem very craft-y, or at least, you've dabbled in a number of different kinds of crafts. Do you like needlework? I love cross-stitch and hardanger, although I haven't done either in ages. Some folks get very creative with fannish crafts, sewing or jewelry making and the like.

Cooking new recipes? Maybe trying a cuisine that's new to you.

[margaret_r]

I know you like the theatre, so I'm wondering if you might perhaps want to consider joining in a local amateur theatrical group, not necesarilly acting but maybe props or wardrobe? I'm sure if there's any around they would welcome some new volunteers.

[smallhobbit]

I think dabbled in crafts is more accurate - I am not one of those people who are particularly gifted. I googled hardanger which looks lovely and which I would like to try. And I'll also have a go at cross-stitch.

Podficcing probably isn't for me. I did record the recorded message for someone's phone system once. I'll keep it in mind though.

I bake occasionally, but don't cook - I leave that to SM. However, you are the second person to suggest this (the other's on LJ) so maybe I'll put it on my reserve list.

[smallhobbit]

Strangely, that's one of the few things I really wouldn't want to do. I love going to the theatre (have just booked for a further three plays), but for me it's the one thing I do which I have no personal involvement with.

My other constraint would be not wanting to commit to anything on a regular weekly basis.

[moth2fic]

You enjoy writing and trying new formats etc. Have you tried poetry? Not everyone is the next Wordsworth (thank goodness) but something like haiku could be interesting to investigate - either as totally original reactions to the nature you see in your photographs, or as short responses to things in the lives of e.g. Mouselet.

[smallhobbit]

I do already write poetry, generally for more emotional matters and quite often for Shakespearean subjects. I've got 16 poems on AO3. I'm particularly proud of my sonnet: Thus Honour Calls

Setting myself a particular poetic challenge might be interesting.

[moth2fic]

I must explore your AO3 in more depth! I really had missed all mention of poetry. But yes, something like trying haiku and other short/different forms would cost nothing and might be interesting for you and for your readers!

[smallhobbit]

Maybe if I did a post asking for prompts, similar to the occasional drabble/ficlet one I (and others) do. Perhaps trying for a poem a day for a month?

[moth2fic]

I've been trying to do that for my Wordpress blog. It doesn't quite work out at 12pa but I certainly write more than I would have done.

[vix_spes]

I'm afraid that I don't have any useful suggestions but good luck with all of the new things once you've worked out what you want to do!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I've had so many excellent suggestions, I shall be putting another post up in a few days time to share them.