Go slow
I’ve been sitting on the sofa knitting socks quite a lot this week. Nothing very momentous to report other than that they are nearly finished, and that they seem to be taking ages!
Which got me to thinking….
Skipping around the internet and reading some of the blogs that I follow regularly I am amazed by the level of productivity, not to mention creativity, that some people manage to achieve. How do they do it? Moreover how do they manage to create so much and still have a functioning life? I mean when do they do the laundry, the cleaning, the shopping, not to mention when do they go to work?
I’m not sure if there are lots of people out there doing snippets of lots of projects, but finishing none – which would make for bright and varied blogging, but a heck of a lot of UFOs, or if I’m just REALLY SLOW. Trying to get stuff actually finished is clearly a slow process. How many times have I subjected you to photos of the same pair of socks? Too many probably – feel free to tell me if that’s true!
If anyone out there has a tip on how to find several extra creative hours in the day and still have a functioning life, I’d love to hear it!
To change the subject rather….last night two of the teenagers and I went to see this French film. It’s the story of a quadriplegic aristocrat and the black ex-criminal guy who accidentally ends up caring for him. If you get the chance, do check it out. It’s breaking all records as the most-viewed film ever in France. It’s based on a true story and is wickedly funny, but poignant at the same time – 17 million French people are not wrong.
Have a wonderful – and creative weekend!
Helen
January 21st, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Helen, I seriously can’t believe there are people more creative than you. I don’t know how you do all the things you do on top of being mum and business woman. those are wonderful socks, by the way.
January 21st, 2012 at 6:44 pm
You are not boring us with your socks, they are truly wonderful. I am getting behind you in line for learning how people wring out more time from each day, my creativity wanes and I wonder the same thing, “how/when did they do/think of that?” I need that advice. I have heard a lot of buzz regarding the film you recommend, I am going to search for a venue. Hope your healing continues without a hitch, I have trouble waiting and being patient, I believe you’re the same way. Best wishes!
January 21st, 2012 at 7:23 pm
I often wonder the same.
January 21st, 2012 at 7:27 pm
I work on a lot of different projects at a time because I am ADD and I get bored easily. I do finish my projects, but it seems it takes forever or a lot of pressure and a deadline to finish. I do not work outside the home so I can do the laundry, cooking, etc. between crafting time. I also don’t clean my own home…that’s one thing Mr. R has given me that I can’t do without! I am a multi-tasker, so when I watch TV I knit or am on the computer. I even sew in my dreams (that’s a joke, but my mind does have a hard time relaxing). You seem to get projects done beautifully and quickly. Especially the knitted kind. I am a newbie knitter and it takes me forever. Helen, you rock!
January 21st, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Here I am a retired lady of leisure and I can’t seem to get a lot done in a day.
Like you, I often wonder how some of the amazing bloggers I read (and you are one of them) manage to accomplish all that they do.
So please dear Helen never, never tell me that you are SLOW – compared to me you are a speed demon.
January 22nd, 2012 at 12:02 am
Before I read your post, I was actually thinking of you earlier today, Helen, and how much I think you accomplish each day. “Helen has 24 hours in a day, so do I. Why does she get so much more done than I do?” I thought. I’m surprised that you would think you’re slacking on the job when to the rest of us you seem like Wonder Woman! š Thank you for the movie recommendation….
January 22nd, 2012 at 1:42 am
I too wonder the same thing. But I try to remind myself that I knit for fun and relaxation, that I work 10 – 13 hours a day plus be a parent, and that if I stress about how much knitting I am not accomplishing, it won’t be fun any more. I would like to learn how to knit faster, though….
January 22nd, 2012 at 6:04 pm
I’m with the others, Helen… I think you accomplish an inordinate amount with everything you have on your plate! I find my interest wanes with the level or boredom I have with a project: once I know what it’s going to look like, I lose interest. BUT, when I’ve completed that project, I always chastise myself about how wonderful it looks/feels and why didn’t I complete it sooner. Unlike my quilting and many projects in progress, with my sock knitting I am limiting myself to one pair on the needles at a time. (And I had to laugh after I typed that, because my knitting interests are broadening to include hats and the like so I *can* have something else on the needles.) Keep up the good work, and you’re not boring anyone with the pictures!
January 22nd, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Oops.. had to come back to finish another thought! I lost interest in quilting and knitting and blogging for a time because I felt it all became too competitive, even if only in my own mind. We all have different schedules, levels of interest, and needs to share, so once I realized I’m only competing with myself, I could get back to all the things I love and let the others take a back seat.
January 22nd, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Well I had a very unproductive December and am having a fairly unproductive January. I usually `make` when Zaki is at pre=school, which is about 4 hours a day. I do have help with the house and I don`t have a job. Looking at the state of our sitting room now, where I sewed today and Zaki has been playing, I wouldn`t want surprise visitors. You are hugely productive and creative and manage to work and look after your teenagers!