I don’t seem to be able to do anything half way. When I discovered romance novels, it only took reading a couple dozen before I was overcome with the urge to try writing one. Then I didn’t just try–I joined RWA, took on-line courses, bought an entire library of books on the craft, joined countless crit groups, became a regular homey on the eHarlequin website and made endless attempts before finally getting that glorious call. Six years and nine published works later, I’m in need of another creative outlet, preferably one that gets me up and away from the computer.
So I’ve taken up vegetable gardening. And, like my romance writing experience, I can’t be satisfied with buying a couple tomato plants and throwing them in a wine barrel. Nope, I’ve got over 150 sq ft of irrigated raised beds and am starting everything from seed. And, aside from a couple newbie setbacks (never set trays of little seedlings outside on a windy day) I’m having some decent success.
Which may be a bad thing because it means I’ve been bitten by the gardening bug.
As if the heating mat and grow light wasn’t enough, I’ve now got my eyes on greenhouses. I’m wondering how many forms of propagation I could master. I’m pouring through books and eying more spots in my yard that would be ripe for horticulture greatness. We’ve decided to create a bird garden in the area outside my kitchen window, and instead of buying bird feeders and houses, I’m gathering up plans on how to make them.
It seems I have a little trouble settling for good enough. But really, it’s about a thirst for learning new things. The trait runs in my family. When my parents were in their 70′s, my dad took up wood carving and my mom learned flower arranging. My sister is nearing 60 and is taking violin lessons even though she’s never played an instrument in her life. After being a runner for 20 years, my husband is taking up cycling. I seem to be surrounded by people willing to take up a hobby whenever the mood strikes.
So it has me curious to know about all of you. When was the last time you tried something new? How did it work out?
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Lori, nothing like jumping in with both feet :-). Your gardening adventures sound like a great way to balance out the cerebral work of writing… getting your hands dirty is a super way to ground yourself– pun totally intended.
As a farmer’s daughter, I spent lots of time in greenhouses in my youth. My dad is a master planter. Me? I didn’t seem to inherit that gift, but I admire those who have it– along with the fruits of their labor! Good luck…
LOL Joanne. Thanks! I’ll have to keep you posted on how it works out.
Lori…see why we get along….I am really like that. My husband always jokes “what is it THIS time?”. I go full throttle when I have something new. I try to try something new each year, some successes, some misses….I figure I’d never know if I didn’t’ try.
I agree. It was the main driver when I decided to attempt romance writing. I didn’t know if I’d succeed to have anything published, but I didn’t want to face the end of my life with the knowledge that I’d never given it a shot. That’s one of the things I try to impress on my son, who doesn’t always like to try things unless he’s sure he’ll be good at it.
Hey Lori, your plants look great. I can’t wait to see your garden when it is all fixed up.
The last new thing I tried was knitting. It is going “okay”…LOL!!!! I seem to have mastered the art of picking up stitches. I would rather drop them so I could be normal like everybody else who is learning to knit. I love the rhythm of it, and it actually helps me to think about my characters when I can’t seem to move forward in my writing.
Have a wonderful day!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Ooh, knitting is another thing I’d love to try. I used to knit back when I was in school. I don’t remember making anything very good. LOL I know what you mean, though. It seems like a very relaxing activity. Keep up with it. I’d love to see some pics of your finished products!
That my dear Lori, will take forever. I am trying to make a scarf, but I am not that proud of it. I will post some pics on my FB when I actually finish something that looks decent.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
I got all caught up in web design and making videos. What a time sink!!
Tell me about it! Digital photography is another one of my hobbies (because, you know, I need more to do). I’ll sit on Photoshop and play with a picture and the next thing I know, it’s five hours later and everyone’s wondering what’s for dinner. You can lose a day on something silly, but it’s all sooooo fun! Are you making photo slide shows or real live videos? I’ve made some slide shows of my son’s baseball season, and I’ve discovered there’s nothing that gets me crying faster than setting pictures to music. In my minds eye I’m Ken Burns. LOL
Real videos. I’ve been collecting clips for cool backgrounds and transitions and wipes and have I posted one thing to YouTube? Nope!
That sounds cool. When you do, I’d love to check it out!