It happens: the creativity tank starts to run low and needs gassing up. After rushing to finish and then submit “Ribbons Over Albuquerque” last week, I had to come down, recharge, give my brain and swollen hands a rest. That’s not a bad thing; it opens me up to new experiences which is always a great thing for dreaming up new rugs and mats.
So, just what do I do when I’m not hooking but still want to keep the fires stoked?
- I cook. Gluten-freedom has made that a little…interesting. But you can’t beat it for almost immediate gratification. And my family is oh, so appreciative.
- Field trip! Last week Tom and I headed to
Flowers seen at Albuquerque’s Biopark last week. Albuquerque’s Biopark Botanic Garden where I do rug hooking demos once a month. I’d never seen the rest of the park! Now we’ll go every season to see how it changes.
- I take pictures of things I deem “interesting” as possible design candidates. If the pic sucks, just hit DELETE. Easy-peasy.
- Never underestimate the joy in visiting a Penzeys spice store just to sniff the merchandise. Especially if it’s next door to a Michael’s. Just be careful around the Berbere Seasoning if you value the nerves and blood vessels in your nasal cavities.
- I grab the dog and the husband and hit a trail. Or even a nearby sidewalk. You never know what you might see even in your own neighborhood. (Don’t forget the camera!)
- I succumb to my magazine habit: Bon Appetit; Women’s Health; Su Casa, Sunset; Fiber Art Now; Rug Hooking; Cooking Light; National Geographic; Poets & Writers, and any rag I can pick up for free when leaving local establishments. Then I cut and paste into my journal or inspiration box. My grandmother taught me well.
- Heeding the garden’s call! We’re still trying to figure out how we’ll handle
Hooking of a different kind. this now that we live in the high desert and have much less land. But there will be flowers and tomatoes and herbs!
- Crocheting simple things like scarves keeps my hands busy and lets me buy yarn. (As if I needed an excuse.)
- And lastly, a trip to a local winery or distillery never hurts.
Keep me safe from alcoholism. Share how you recharge your creative battery when you’re not hooking.
