Reflections on trying new things

[smallhobbit]

Two years ago I decided I would try out some new things, and trying something new has been one of my goals for the past two years, so it seems a good time to reflect on what I've done/learnt.

Firstly, I've visited some new places in London: Dennis Severs House in Folgate Street (highly recommended); the Sky Garden (also highly recommended);  an exhibition at the Houses of Parliament; the Mail Rail.

I experimented with different writing forms: 99 words for a number of the regular characters who I write; I wrote some poems having offered my flist choice of form and subject; and I wrote an explicit sex scene.

I read some books of a more scientific/sci-fi nature, and I'm currently reading a list of books suggested by members of Fan Flashworks Social.

I tried to learn Polish with Duolingo but failed miserably, but did look at a little BSL.  Then I attacked German with Duolingo (not a new thing because I had done some German at school and had tried bits and pieces on holidays) and managed to get through all the sessions at the basic level.  I'm currently trying to learn Hungarian - the grammar is defeating me, and I doubt is what I'm after.  So I'm now working up the levels of the first few sections to grasp some of the really basic things which could be helpful.

I started taking courses with FutureLearn.  Recent courses I've done were: Inside Opera (very good), Jane Austen: Myth, Reality & Global Celebrity (interesting but not gripping), An Introduction to Screenwriting (I thought it might be interesting, but I'm not writing screen plays so it wasn't) and Literature of the English Country House (one of those I didn't think I was getting much from at the time, but a lot of it has stuck with me, and I think it's given me a lot of background information).

I tried sketching, and discovered I quite enjoy doing it.  My preferences being for flowers/plants.  I've also sketched some of the paintings I've seen in exhibitions, as a way of really observing what I'm seeing.

I started various sewing crafts, the first being a simple box made of material which is now in regular use for when I stitch;  I tried cross-stitch, which I really enjoy - the pictures below show how far the Klimt is progressing; I had a go at hardanger, which I didn't particularly like.





I had a go at crochet (see Holmes icon) but realised it's not really my thing.  And I did some simple origami.  I also did some jigsaws, which I really enjoyed - once again I've done them in the past, but it's been years.  I also made a Christmas wreath and decorated Easter eggs.

I spent one day attempting to use my non-dominant hand.  I tried to use the Jesus Deck at the local church-organised festival.  We went to the opera.  And I started a new job.

This started because I wanted to avoid falling into a rut.  I'm amazed at how much I've tried.  I shall however be changing my goal this year - I don't have enough time to do all the new things I enjoy, without finding any more!

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

That's an amazing number of new things! Kudos to you! Look forward to hearing what your new goals will be!

[smallhobbit]

I was surprised when I listed everything out, so thank you. I need to decide on my goals, but haven't really got there yet.

[badly_knitted]

You've managed to try so many things, that's pretty awesome! So glad cross stitch is one of the things you want to continue as I love seeing other people's work and talking about stitching. The Klimt is coming on so well. How big will it be when it's done?

[smallhobbit]

I know, I was quite surprised when I listed them out.

Cross stitch is really good - although it does require a lot of concentration. Which in some ways is a plus, as it stops my mind dwelling on other things. I enjoy seeing others cross stitch too. The Klimt will be about 28.5cm square when completed; from the left hand side of the completed sunflower to the right hand edge is about half of the width.

[badly_knitted]

That's a fair old size, it'll make a lovely picture if you can get it framed!

I got a bit sidetracked on my sister's birthday card when she told me at practically the last minute that she and her partner of 20+ years had set their wedding date for the 13th, which is before her birthday because she wants them to still be the same age when they tie the knot. That left me barely two and a half weeks to create a wedding card/sampler for them. She promised she'd let me know as soon as the date was set but I wouldn't have found out when I did if I hadn't phoned her about a totally unrelated matter =/

There will eventually be photos of both, I just have to chart their names and the date then stitch them, and then make the cards. o_O

[smallhobbit]

I think it will be worth framing - it's going to take me long enough to complete.

Two and a half weeks is a bit short - good luck with that! I look forward to seeing the photos.

[badly_knitted]

From what you've done so far it'll be well worth displaying on your wall! Just make sure they frame it so the glass doesn't touch the stitching.

I could have wrung her neck, honestly - she set the date weeks ago, just didn't bother to pick up the phone and tell me, eve though she'd promised she would, so what she's getting isn't what I WAS going to do because there simply wouldn't have been time. *sigh* And she's the supposedly responsible oldest.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I shall bear that in mind.

Definitely annoying.

[badly_knitted]

I should have expected it; she rarely keeps promises.

Just trying to find a suitable alphabet so I can fill in names and date, but I might have to create what I need from scratch because what I've found so far are too small on 20 count fabric, only 4 or 5 squares tall, which would be barely readable. I think I need something with letters 8 squares tall.

[corvidology]

It's been fun seeing you stick with it and getting to read about it along the way.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - it's kind of you to say so. Looking back it's been very interesting.

[howsmyenglish]

I'm amazed at how much I've tried.
So am I!

How was the using of your non-dominant hand? Did it help you discover something new about yourself?

[smallhobbit]

Thank you!

All I discovered was I really do have a very dominant hand.

[nagi_schwarz]

You have been so brave and adventurous. Kudos to you!

Hardanger. Heard of it. It looks lovely. Never tried it.

I understand you wanting to slow down on the trying of new things so you can enjoy what you've found.

Learning languages on DuoLingo is fun! I'm not great at it but I am (foolishly) plodding through several at once, mostly ones I already have some experience in so I can keep them alive.

Maybe one day I'll take a serious go at Korean...

[smallhobbit]

I wasn't brave enough with the hardanger to cut the squares, so left it as whitework.

I think Duolingo is good for working on languages you already know, because otherwise you get bogged down in the grammar, which isn't necessarily relevant for a short holiday. Good luck with the Korean!

[margaret_r]

You've done so well with it all and I admire your persistence and achievements :)

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. I have a stubborn streak which doesn't like to give up.

[moth2fic]

You definitely need to take a few breaths and enjoy your new interests!

[smallhobbit]

That was my feeling :)

[debriswoman]

Lovely to get a summary of all you have been up to:-)

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much :)