Why HELLO Friends!!!!!
In the past, I would apologise for a year+ of absence, but this year I am trying to let go of habits that ‘no longer serve me’, and being disappointed in myself is one of them. So, GREETINGS! (& to myself, welcome back!)
The first ‘quarter’ of this year brings a lot of uncertainty. My contract, unless extended, is set to end in about 6 weeks, (a thought that almost makes me want to vomit), AND not too long after that, there is the potential end of my rental situation. There is a small possibility that I will get lucky and things will continue as they are… but it’s difficult not to fear that I am dragging my feet when it comes to thinking about the. next. thing. (Whatever that might be.)
Today, I am feeling the stress of the unknown more than usual, so, I have spent the day trying my best to keep my spirits engaged and not let worry completely mar everything. One desperate thought that did strike my fancy was simply perusing books, email newsletters, Pinterest and saved tabs to re-discover things that thrilled me at some time or another. The idea struck me as a little ‘frivolous’ but sometimes I can’t help but feel that the best we can do with this life is find something to be inspired/excited by. It feels small, as though I should strive for something greater, more worthy, more noble… but let’s be real, I don’t have that in me right now. The fact that I am even here on. this. blog. is kind of a big thing in itself, SO, I’ll take that for a win!
A Few Minutes Later
Truth be told, I am actually really happy to be here! Before sitting down at my computer, I was feeling on the verge of panic, but with just a few paragraphs on a page, I am already feeling a lot more at peace. In hopes of holding onto the good vibes, I’m going to share some of the delights I have re-discovered today, or of late!
Re-exploration!
Saved Bookmarks
“The Best I’ve Ever Heard” – Mamamia
I’m not a Mamamia consumer, but there have been many-a-time when I have googled best audiobooks and somewhere along the line I must have bookmarked this article. I quickly decided I would listen to the audible sample of each book without reading the blurb, (so I couldn’t be dissuaded), until I found something that struck my fancy… or ran out of recommendations. The first listing was “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine”. The narrator’s voice struck me as soothing, so that was it! I added it to my library, promptly solving my wish for a new audiobook listen! I’m not sure what I will think of it, but as I am getting back into drawing and enjoy an easy-listen playing in the background as I do so, this might just be the ticket!
To Read List
Last year, I wanted to increase the number of books I read, compiling a list of 25 or so books on my shelf that I hadn’t finished/read… buuuut it didn’t quite happen. Therefore, this year I switched up the goal! Instead of striving to read a certain number of books, I decided to dedicate more time to reading, striving for 30 minutes of reading on a workday, and an hour on my days off. (If I’m feeling particularly indulgent, maybe half a day? Just like when I was a tween!) It’s already paying off with my first read under my belt for the year!
First book finished? “Down the Drain” by Julia Fox. Sometime last year, I read a recommendation for Julia’s novel that piqued my attention, and made a mental note that I’d like to read it at some point. Yet, I never quite got around to it. (I’ll be honest, she’s never really been on my radar.) However, when I was in Dymock’s last, I spotted a copy with a different cover and the image struck me, so I bought it on a whim. Thankfully, it proved to be a really interesting, if at times, jarring, read – 4 stars! A fascinating insight into the formative years of someone whose life bears no resemblance to my own.
Old Fashioned Art Supplies
When I moved to my current share house, I left my set of 150 Prismacolor colouring pencils back in my Tiny House. A decision made on the fact that I do most of my drawings digitally these days. Alas, the other day I was in the dilemma of needing a card but not having a printer to print an illustration out… I also had no means of creating a card, (or at least, a pretty one), so I decided to whizz out to Officeworks to pick up a set of 12 Faber-Castell’s. As a result, I rediscovered the delight of drawing with coloured pencils!
Pleased with my efforts, I attempted a simple ‘purposeless’ illustration in a cheap sketchbook. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Will I continue playing around with coloured sketching? Perhaps! I did end up cutting it out to stick into my new Hobonichi. (Yep, year two with the Hobonichi Techo… despite dropping the ball on it in the second half last year. I’ve made some changes to how I am using it! So far, it’s working well! That said, it is only January and I almost always start strong…)
& Something New
Not everything this fortnight has been a hark back to previous times. Late last year, I very randomly got into making felt animals. I honestly don’t even quite know what inspired the thought in the first place, but it turned out to be something I found meditative! Sunday night I was feeling ‘crafty’, (a word I typically reject for no good reason), so decided to attempt to make a little pocket for my headphones, which are forever getting tangled up with my books and lunchbox in my bag. A successful, very quick project!
Next time I would like to try to embroider the felt with a pattern first. (Personally, I find felt easier to control than typical fabric. It keeps together without fussing around with pins or the likes, which suits someone like myself who isn’t talented in textiles.)
For now, that’s it!
It felt damn good to get back on here. I have no promises of continued blogging or big creative goals, I’m kinda just a little pleased with myself for giving it a stab as it whipped me out of my funk! I hope the new year has started well for you all – but gently too – I always consider January the month to take your time as you begin to build up the strength for the rest of the year!
Talk sometime!
Fiona x