Mommy's Hobbies (aka what I used to do before kids)

Here's something that I have learned.  As a mommy of a 21-month-old and a 1-week-old, there is barely enough time in the day to get everyone dressed, fed, and in a clean diaper.  In a few weeks - once I've had time to adjust to having two kids under two - maybe I will become one of those awesome Pinterest mommies who crafts everything, turns snacktime into an adventure everyday, and never ever reasons with herself that one more episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse can't really do that much harm, right??

Ha.  Who am I kidding.  The point is, it's tough to get the little stuff done.  So "me time" - that is a thing of the past for a little while.  While I am enjoying tiny newborn snuggles and toddler kisses and always having graham cracker on my clothing, skin, and couch - I do occasionally think about the things I would do if I ever had "free" time.

Theatre

I had a few delightful years when I was actively participating in every show (in some capacity) at our local community theatre.  I have done pretty much everything there is to do in theatre - director, assistant director, costume designer, light tech, sound tech, stage manager, chorus girl, and a few amazing lead roles.  The above photo is my best comic role - Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical the Musical.  Will you look at my sparkly purple platforms?!  They made me about 6 feet tall.  Conveniently, Andrew (whom I met during that production) is 6'3". 

The same year (2007 - where has the time gone?), I played Vera Claythorne in Agatha Christie's classic And Then There Were None.  This was a serious role and required so much dedication to memorize!  But the overall experience was amazing.  I also pretty much starved myself to fit into that dress.  Not a method I would suggest, but...it looks good, right?

My theatrical experiences have been varied - but my absolute passion is musicals.  I have so many dream roles.  Belle in Beauty & the Beast, Jo in Little Women the Musical, and pretty much every character role that Sutton Foster has played.  Will I ever get the chance to play them?  Maybe...or maybe not.  But the love of theatre will live on regardless - and hopefully be shared with my munchkins someday.

Reading

As a former librarian - how could this not make the list?  I haven't picked up a book in months, but oh how I love to be carried away to a faraway place!  I've been trying to re-read Anne of Green Gables for about six months, maybe I will finish before a year goes by?  We'll see.  The book series I tend to fall back upon, though, is this trilogy written by Liz Curtis Higgs: Thorn in My Heart, Fair Is The Rose, and Whence Came A Prince.  Based on the Biblical story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, these books take place in Scotland in the 1700's - and it doesn't seem to matter how many times I read them, they are always delightful. 

Sewing/Crafting

All of the costuming I've done in the last few years made me realize that I actually really love to sew.  As a result, my scrapbook room has been turned into a multi-purpose craft room and is now stuffed to overflowing with fabric, felt, patterns, ribbon, and more.  Do I ever get projects done?  Well...sometimes.  But mostly only when they are gifts.  I'm in the process of opening an Etsy shop so hopefully my craftiness will find its way to the web soon!  I had planned a November opening...but a little princess decided to make that impossible.  Above is the Legend of Zelda Triforce pillow shield I made for Lincoln's Halloween costume this year - I'm still working on the tutorial, I promise it will be up soon.  Below is a set of toys I made for a friend's baby shower - puppy dog for baby and dolly for the big sister!

 

Photography

I have a passionate interest in photography, but unfortunately not the time or means to develop it as much as I would like.  I bought my Nikon D3000 about three years ago and have spent that time building a pretty basic understanding of how to shoot in manual.  If I have natural sunlight, I usually do a pretty decent job, but anything less and my photos end up super blurry or super washed out from the built-in flash.  Oh, for the time to practice and learn and better this skill!  And oh, for the money to buy the Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens that I kind of desperately want.

Project Life

Of all of my hobbies, this is the one that actually tends to stay mostly caught up.  Project Life is a scrapbooking system designed by Becky Higgins to make life so much easier on those of us who really want to keep a scrapbook of memories for our families - but don't have the time for "traditional" scrapbooking.

I was really hardcore about scrapbooking for many, many years - I only made paper layouts and put them in albums that I had on my bookshelf.  Digital scrapbooking was introduced and I was not a fan.  I was hesitant about switching to Project Life as my primary scrapbook project at first (back in 2010), but wow - the decision is one I absolutely do not regret.  I use Project Life as a daily scrapbook - I (usually) take at least one photo per day, and fill out a small journaling card describing what is going on in each day's photo.  It sounds hard, but it's really not once you are in the habit - and it creates such an interesting scrapbook for your family to view for years to come.  A lot of normal everyday life moments seem to end up in our scrapbook - and I might not even think to take those photos if not for this project!

There are currently seven different editions of Project Life to choose from - this year I am using the Cobalt Edition (pictured) and next year will be using the Amber Edition.  Amazon has the full realm of Project Life products - if you are in the market for a new way to scrapbook, please check it out.  I don't think you'll be sorry!


I'm linking up with Growing Up Geeky for Toddle Along Tuesday!  What are your hobbies - and do you actually find time for them?