Monday, January 27, 2014

A Funny Thing Happened...

on the way to my third novel. I discovered I missed crocheting. Maybe I just needed a mental break from editing, writing, and more editing. A picture of a ruffled scarf on Pinterest sealed the deal.

I headed to my local craft store and purchased yarn. Unlike the old days when I'd crochet non-stop for hours, I savored the experience. This small project re-charged my creative side, and the writing ideas began flowing again.

Have unrelated creative endeavors sparked another area of your life? I'd like to hear about it. :)

Photo Credit: twasa

13 comments:

Edie Melson said...

I keep my knitting beside my computer. When I hit a block, I pick up something mindless and the act of knitting never fails to unlock that creative door. Glad to see I'm not the only one!

Karen Lange said...

I agree! A little change of pace can work wonders. We can come back refreshed and ready to tackle the task at hand.

Happy Monday!

Rhonda Schrock said...

I devour fiction. That allows my brain to unplug for awhile. I did use to cross-stitch. For years, I did it almost everywhere. After a years-long break, I just picked it up again recently. Hadn't done it in so long. But that's an excellent way to rest your mind.

Carol Garvin said...

I used to enjoy a bit of crocheting and knitting until arthritis made it too difficult. I passed my final unfinished project along to my daughter last summer... an afghan meant for our RV. (It will go equally well in her RV when she finishes it.)

We posted on a similar topic... As my post recalls, I usually go for a walk when I need to do some mulling.

Terri Tiffany said...

I used to do so many other hobbies. Now I love to stop writing for a few days and read and read!

Ruth Schiffmann said...

Sometimes I take a break from writing to paint or create children's craft projects. It always seems to jump start my creativity in other ways as well - like returning to writing with new energy. The crocheting sounds like it was the creative detour you were needing!

Lisa Lickel said...

This is so funny, Susan, as for about the last month I've been really itching to pick up a crochet needle again. I've lost my close up sight so I can't do cross stitch anymore, and even puzzles are tricky. Thanks for sharing!

quietspirit said...

I used to embroider. I also did flower craft. When I feel I can't write, I read or, although not creative, I veg out watching television. Just this week. I watched "My Fair Lady". Sometimes, I am drawn to the movies from the 1940's or even the 1930's.

Diane Estrella said...

I think it's because you are using a different part of your brain. Editing is different from creating and your brain needs them both. Hugs!

Jeanette Levellie said...

What a grand idea, Suze! I used to crochet a lot, too, but set it aside when I began to write. Alas, I have to limit my time on activities that stress my neck and shoulders. That includes crocheting. Rats!

I do bake an occasional pan of brownies...

quietspirit said...

Susan: I forgot I love to do crosssword puzzles. The word searches are nice also.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Everyone -

Please forgive the mass response to all your thoughtful comments.

Like you, I'm finding that change re-charges my writing batteries. I've also been looking for photo ops that I can translate into blog posts and Facebook blurbs.

Wandering through free photo sites also gets my brain in gear.

Have a great week!

Susan :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan .. a bit late - but I can quite easily see the change up it gives you.

I really need to get out for long walks to clear the brain .. or just let the cobwebs settle.

Here's to 2014 - and enjoy your crocheting .. cheers Hilary