The Winter Blues
Winter is not my favorite time of the year. I like cold weather for the holidays, and then, pack it up and head on out. Bring on the glories of spring! Warm weather, shorts, flip flops, t-shirt.
So what to do, what to do? I go to yoga and jazzercise. Those endorphins sure do feel good, and I sleep great! I hit the remote and watch a lot of old movies, Survivor (when it's on), American Pickers (lol).
However, plopping my behinny in front of the TV is just...boring. I gotta be doin' something else while watching. My confession: I'm a crafty gal, specifically, some kind of handwork.
I adore needlepoint, embroidery, crewel. I like using the colorful threads and beads and creating something with my own two hands. I know I'm neither fancy nor perfect, but I have a good time. I prefer to make something I can use; thus, the pillows and handbags.
This year, I finished two canvases and hand them sewn into pillows. See HERE. Aren't they gorgeous?
And you know what? That kind of down time helps with my creativity in other areas, like my writing.
Here's an excerpt from my upcoming short story collection, Man Theory and Other Stories, for winter reading:
"I have a theory about love.”
Ethan's statement knocked me from the proverbial mountain top. Eyeing him, I clapped my hand across my mouth to stifle a giggle.
From Day One at our new jobs at Prime Designs, Ethan and I had forged a friendship. I was the artsy-heartsy, emotional gal. Him--the technical, by-the-book pal. We ate an occasional dinner, watched a movie, whatever. Traded small gifts like coffee, a magazine, music. However, Ethan had never made an overture toward me.
Translated: Nothing intimate.
I'd said to myself, "Rats."
For work, we'd traveled to Colorado Springs to attend a workshop on web design innovations. After check-in, I'd joined him at the bridge crossing the lake to decide about lunch before the meetings commenced.
My six-one geek wearing rimless glasses, leaned against the railing, and stared into the sparkling blue waters of the high mountain lake, and the feathered fowl paddling by.
Have his feelings changed? I asked in disbelief, "R-really? A theory...about love?"
So do you do something crafty? Share with me!
When not involved in a project, Vicki Batman can be found playing bwahaha with her writing. Find her at: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com OR at: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com
Man Theory and Other Stories will be available February 1 thru Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.
33 comments:
Winter really gets me down to the point of battling depression every winter. Living in New England does not do much to help that. I spent a lot of time on my writing in the winter. This year I'm headed to Nashville for a long weekend in February for a writers retreat. Looking forward to that is doing wonders for combating the winter blues.
Hi Vicki, I love winter and I'm missing the snow around here in CT. Last year it wouldn't stop snowing, this year we can't get a flake to fall :)
I love yoga, off to a class in a few minutes. I agree, down time helps me think about my characters and helps my writing too.
Well, the groundhog will be making his appearance soon, maybe only six more weeks!
I'm a summer gal as well. But I do enjoy the change of seasons. However, I'm not a TV person. I love a cold winter day when I don't have to work the day job and can just curl up with my laptop in front of the fire and write. Or read a good book.
Must confess though, after a few days, I have to get out of the house and go out to a nice dinner.
I love to knit, but don't have much time to do so. I love all seasons, that's why I left the one season Florida coast line for Georgia. :)
I like winter, not love, just like it. But I absolutely hate 110 degree days in summer. Give me the cold anytime over blistering hot. To combat the winter blahs, I do yoga once a week and I also walk at least once a week, more if I have time for it.
I too can't just sit in front of the boob tube, unless I'm sick and my brain is foggy. So I knit, I read or I love Sudoku. Winter is when I get a lot of writing done because we spend more time indoors. I can spend about 2-3 days in the house and then I'm ready to get out and do something.
Good morning Vicki, what a fun post.
You know I am a crafter. One year I made 75 Christmas wreaths, and sold 60 of them. I even convinced the building management to hold a craft fair. Oh what fun that was!
My other favorite crafting projects is jewelry making I see beads of any kind, particularly crystals a.k.a. a B LI NG! I can't stop with just one item, I have to make full sets that include necklaces , earrings and bracelets.
I would love to have a craft business. I have dreamt of having a building where I work and teach my crafts all day and other people can come in and teach their craft techniques to people.
No doubt this idea of having the store leans itself to another story I can write.
Enjoyed the excerpt!
Phyllis
I love summer, too. Love the pool, the heat, everything. I grew up in Ohio with snow, and although it's nice to watch the Texas kids playing once a year, I'm good with that. I do miss the leaves changing colors, though.
As for crafts, I don't do any. I used to love to sew crafts, but I haven't done that in a while. What I do enjoy are sports. I am thrilled that my grandkids are into it now, and I get my fix.
Fun blog, Vicki.
I hate, hate, hate the winter and just count (literally) the days until spring hits. To help lift my mood I make sure to ride my indoor bike and do yoga and riding my horse always tips my mood back up.
REALLY liked the excerpt!
Patti
Hi, Emma: thank you for posting. I would really suffer if I didn't live down South.
A writer's retreat is so invigorating and you will have fun in Nashville. Good luck!!!
Hi, Debbie: I think snow is absolutely beautiful, too. Two years ago, we had TWELVE inches. My mother said she had never seen that much in her lifetime here. It was so fun and quiet.
Yoga and meditation is excellent for writing. Thanks for mentioning it.
Happy day!
Hi, Pam:
I agree, every now and then a nice dinner with Handsome cures the ailing.
And nothing beats a good book.
Hi, Ciara:
Knitting is huge. I have several friends into yarn bombing. They are avid.
I haven't picked up knitting. Still into the needlepoint.
Georgia is pretty awesome. Thanks for stopping.
Hi, Sylvia:
I think the true purpose is to hunker down and recharge. Nothing wrong with that. It's what Mother Nature does.
Hi, Liz:
I'm with you--summer and all it brings. If it is too hot, stay in and go out in the evenings. Daylight lasts long here.
I also love baseball. Had tons of fun watching my men.
Hi, Patti: Thank you for loving my excerpt! I'll send you a copy on Feb 1!!!
I envy you because I've seen pix of your horse. He's absolutely beautiful. And you live in a wonderful place too.
Thanks for posting.
Hi, Phyllis: You could have a craft business. It's all there at ETSY. Take a look.
And there are craft guilds all around town.
I find when crafting it stretches my creativity. That's a good thing!
First 'winter' back in the Hill Country is making me miss 'winter' :)
I've never been good with needle work, my eyes aren't that good. But I paint all the time. From canvases for me to murals for businesses, I love painting. I admit, I haven't done much since we moved - too much WRITING :)! Great post, Miss Vicki!
I too don't really care for the dreary winter weather. I spend most of my winter days editing the novels I have written throughout the year, so it keeps me busy and focused on the end result.
Old movies are a great way to snuggle up and spend some down time. It's also a great time to write blogs for the future.
Hi, Vicki! I loved your post! I get a bit blue during winter too. I live in Montana where it's winter for about 9 months of the year. If it weren't for those 3 months filled with hail and freezing rain, I'd move! ;) My craft lately has been mosaic art. I love getting a little dirty and there's almost nothing better than the grit of plaster between my fingers. My son likes it too. So far we've just made a few vases and bird baths, but it inspires me to move on to the kitchen next. It also inspired my writing, and lately I've been absorbed in tile work of ancient Rome and Greece. Thanks for the great post!
Lani
Hi, Sasha:
Why do needlework when you can paint? I think that is awesome and am quite jealous.
You live in a good part!
Hi, Tonya: and welcome to the PP.
Sounds like you write volumes all year and save the editing for winter. That's a cool idea.
And don't get me started on old movies--Cary Grant's birthday was the other day and caught part of My Favorite Wife. Too funny! (So is the one with Doris Day.)
Come visit me again.
Hi, Lani: Wow, Montana. You are a superwoman. I would freeze to death. Right now, I have on Uggs and it is 60. LOLOL
Mosaic art is way awesome. Isn't the whole making stuff with your own hands awesome? We awe ourselves and others.
Great to have you!
Am I one of the only people who likes Winter? Except for when the roads are icy, I like the cold weather. Of course, I grew up most of my life in Florida so maybe that explains it. LOL
I'm not a crafy-type person. (Eyes shifting nervously around the room) Really, I'm not. I can do them but I'd much ratehr spend my time reading. I can devour a good book in a matter of hours and that gives me tons of satisfaction.
I will admit, though, that I can do some crafts and do (very occasionally). I will help my sister out, especially with the stuff for the Plotting Princesses!
Hi, Kathy: I am with you also on the reading thing. I love curling up with a book, but I like crafting stuff too. (And know your sissie is very good at it!)
I have to tell you, tatting is very hard. LOL
If I liked (won't even mention loved) cold and snow (or cold and slush)I'd have stayed in NY where I grew up.
Nope- I'll take a blistering hot day with fast access to a/c over frost bite any time!! lol.
though my favorites are 75 degree days with a mild ocean breeze- of course in dallas I settle for mid seventies.
as for crafting - I used to crochet when I was single - doilies, table clothes - things like that. Now that I've reached an age where the next generation are having babies again I've started making flannel blankets with needlepoint (simple) teddy bear and name and then crocheting around the edges. So far it's going over well. But I usually hunker down with a good book when I have the time.
Hi, Chris: and thanks for joining the club.
I would think your blanket is gorgeous and would love to see your work!
I'm terrible with all crafts, Vicki, and so envious of those that enjoy it -- or maybe, who are good with crafts. :) Every 10 years or so, I buy a craft and it takes me the next 5 years to finish it. My guys watch me with affection and snicker behind my back. LOL!
We have way too much cold weather up on the prairies of Canada, so I spend my time reading or writing.
Hi, Sheila: I'm having a hard time believing you aren't crafty.
But Canada in the summer is pretty nice.
Vicki Batman! You brat! That is so unfair of you to break the story off like that...hehehe. Sounds really fun.
Awww. Spring. We've had some pretty nice days lately in Southern Cali but its also been a little cool. February is our rainy month so I truly can't wait for that to pass so we can start planting our front yard with those luscious blooms that sprout out in abundance of "new life".
Love ya Vicki, darlin'. Once again, this blog makes me feel like home.
I'm going out on a snow covered limb here, but I LOVE winter. Love the snow. Love the slush.
Love to ski, love to walk in it, love to breathe air so cold it kicks my lungs!
I would so much rather bundle up than peel down in the heat.
But crafts? Those all went out the window when I started writing full time. I'm lucky if I replace a button on my clothes when they go missing. :)
But I appreciate looking at all my friends craft projects!
Hi, Karen: and thank you for commenting on my excerpt. I don't mind being a brat at all.
Ah, California, with all the wonderful temps. I wonder...who is the brat?
And Ms. Essex: well, you do come from cold and chilly; so yes, you would love it. HA!
I imagine you have your crafty moments. :)
I try not to let the winter blahs slow me down. I love to garden so I change out a small section in my yard and add a few new plants and flowers. I always make sure that I can always see the flowerbed outside my window.
Francis Ray
Hi, Francis: thank you so much for visiting the Plotting Princesses and me.
I love flowers too, but I've been so busy travelling this year, I haven't put many in. Outside my office window, there is an old flowering quince. Before long, I'll see beautiful salmon-colored blossoms and if it is warm, bees!
Post a Comment