WLM
| Wyoming Woman
love crafts. It’s amazing how relaxing it can be. If you are a person who has a hard time sitting still (like me), you’ll find it a clever way to settle your brain when you must sit. I’ve discovered that it’s a great activity for a long road trip for me and my children, and I bring it out for nights conversing with company or when we turn on a movie. Plus, when it’s cold, my slightly crooked projects keep me nice and warm while I’m working on them! CRAFTS – JOURNALING of your siblings, friends, parents and grandparents would be another interesting topic. Journal about where you were the day President Kennedy was shot; the day the Challenger exploded or 9-11, and document how you felt that day and what was seen around you. Write about your community and how you’ve seen it change; memorable moments or people that shaped the town or that just shaped you. It won’t always be positive – don’t fall into that trap. Journal realistically – all humans have emotions and bad experiences, and that’s okay. Feeling stuck? Even sitting down and writing “I don’t feel like writing in this today” will lead you to explain why you don’t…and from there, you’ll most likely find your inspiration. And if not, close it, and return another day. Save your journals to pass on -- those personal histories are priceless for generations to come, even if it’s nieces or nephews. If you don’t have generations to give your journals to, give them to your public library for their historical collections. You never know when a future historian will find your insight priceless. This fall, challenge yourself to something new, or to better your ability in a struggling area. Resolve to make this the best ‘indoor season’ ever. Unfortunately, this fall I must resolve to return to the pool…and hope that the lifeguards don’t recognize me. WL M
Laramie (at 119 E. Ivinson Street, www.cowgirlyarn.com) have regular classes for all levels and for specific projects. Cowgirl Yarn also has a sitting area and friendly staff who welcome you to sit a spell and share the love of crafting. Another option I encourage you to try is your local senior center – our Wyoming seniors are masters at crafts, and chances are you’ll find someone who’d love to teach you, as well as visit with you. Women of all ages and busy-ness levels
OK, journaling isn’t really a craft – I’d argue it’s more of an art form. After all, it’s not easy to sit down and write in a blank journal. I keep one for our family’s memorable moments – birthdays, holidays, back to school, end of the school year, family vacations…you get the idea. I’m hoping that someday they’ll be priceless memories for our children – or, perhaps, they’ll shake their heads and wonder how silly their mother was. Even if you don’t have children at home, journaling is never a bad idea. If you’re older, journal about your grandchildren or your memories of your children. Your childhood or memories
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Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Fall 2013
photo courtesy Cowgirl Yarn