It feels like it’s been a very busy couple of weeks.

Family get togethers two weekends in a row to celebrate significant birthdays for different family members means I’ve not had the usual weekend downtime that I’m used to. Throw in a couple of weekday gigs and the energy levels take a long time to get back to normal.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to get together with family. It happens less frequently when both parents live in a different country to me and the time we spend together gets more and more important as everyone gets older.

The gigs always seem like a good idea when you book the tickets. The reality often appeals less. Having to get to the other side of town after work, with time for dinner beforehand, and then patiently waiting for the artists to take to the stage is harder when you don’t have a nice comfy seat to sit in (I definitely prefer a seated gig these days). It’s always worth it though, and I know I’d have FOMO if I didn’t go and saw photos and videos online. But getting home near midnight, still buzzing and wide awake, when the alarm goes off at 6.30am takes its toll.

I’m not good at doing nothing, but fortunately I have the perfect hobby that I can do from the comfort of my sofa. I only started this piece last month, but I’ll find any spare moment I can to sit and make progress on it. I know the process is meant to be enjoyable in itself, but I so often find myself desperate to get it finished.

I’m a long way from finishing this piece by Emily Peacock, and when I do finish it it will no doubt sit with all the other pieces I’ve stitched and done nothing with, but I’m loving the process and seeing each stitch add to the next one to bring it to life. It’s a neon inspired design so it combines two of my interests.

I have mentioned before how I intended to focus on my own designs this year, but the reality is that I’ve overcommitted with other creative projects this year (including this 100 day project) so stitching someone else’s pattern means I’m solely doing it for the enjoyment. Cross stitching is the perfect downtime hobby that I can do while watching TV or listening to music.

I guess I better get back to it…