I am notoriously bad at starting a project and not finishing it. A few slip through the net and make it to the end but most languish. Maybe forever. As my husband can testify, I can walk over unfinished projects, for months, without batting an eyelid.
At work once, I went through one of those tests to evaluate what kind of team player I was, as I moved jobs within the company. I was not a finisher. I was a starter though and an ideas gal, so they shifted me over to research and development. It suited me.
Several jobs later, I still haven’t mastered the finishing thing. I thrive on the journey.
So steps are my only hope. Small steps. Playing to my strength, this week has been full of small steps.
Crafting
I picked up my knitting again. It was in danger of moving up to a whole new level of slow fashion. I’ve found it difficult to concentrate on the lacey knitting, when others are around. You seriously do not want to be doing intricate, ninja stitches while answering random questions. Fired at you out of the blue. Being teens and tweens, my children choose questions requiring in depth answers, that they know I won’t be able to resist. Usually prompted by something in the news, school or from a documentary.
I needed a plan. I took some alone time and finished the leaf edging. I’m now on the run-of-the-mill type stitching. No fear of leaves turning into dinosaurs, while answering their questions. Yes, they can fire questions at me again. I know they will.
I dyed a handful of sheep fleece for an eco project I’m working on. It is a step along the way to the bigger project. I finished up a packet of old Kool Aid and used solar power for the process. I’m looking forward to the next stage, so who knows, I might even get around to finishing it.
Growing
Last weekend, we finally sorted out the full cricket gear that youngest needs. He’s started his third season and seems to be keen. Up to now, I’ve been reluctant to invest as he can borrow from the club. Along the way, I’ve seen others get their kit and then lose interest in playing within weeks. My thinking was, that if he was still keen after two years then, maybe this was a sport worth pursuing. He now has the helmet, leg pads, gloves (look like robot hands), bat and a bag to hold it all in. His father took him up to the club’s nets to try out the kit. One of those occasions when the boy came home a little bit taller than he left.
Middle daughter got her Lamda exam results back this week. She got a distinction, with 100% for one of her pieces. I can see her confidence growing. She doesn’t grab the limelight. No desire to be on stage. It is about having confidence in herself.
I’ve been working on the furry hound’s recall this week. We’ve had plenty of woodland walks. He’s a faithful hound, but sees no reason why he has to take the same path as us. Especially if there is an interesting scent. This week, I have been making a concerted effort to take smelly treats with us. Mainly German sausage. I’ve noticed a big difference. He is more likely to walk the same path. He may hang back and sniff a clump of grass, but when I call, he comes running. He is walking with us more.
Fingers crossed this becomes a habit for him.
Listening
I’ve been listening to a few Ted Talks this week, on growing food. It’s so interesting to hear other peoples’ approaches in different parts of the world. Anyway, one talk I found really interesting was by Ron Finley – a guerrilla gardener. He talks about living in South Central LA, which is known for its drive by shootings and drive through takeaways. Seems the drive through takeaways were killing more people than the drive through shootings. So he started planting up the grass areas beside the streets with food producing plants and encouraging people to eat it and join in the growing. As he so nicely puts it “grow ya own food is like printing ya own money”. He’s funny too. You can see it here.
I can’t help admiring people that take that kind of first step.
The seedlings in my raised salad beds are coming up. Long lines of miniature plants at the moment. Guess that means I’m printing my own money too……
Joining in with Anne’s Word of the Week, with my word “steps”.
Raisie Bay
Ahh! I wouldn’t thought that of you. Starting and not finishing projects especially when you share so many on here.
The small steps sound a great way to get going.
The dyed sheep fleece looks interesting.
You would be amazed at the number of projects I start. I am getting better at finishing them, but some will forever stay at the “it seemed a good idea” stage.
That knitting looks very complex! I’m very similar, with the not finishing projects thing. I’ve been working on a blanket, made with granny squares, for around a year now, off and on! lol x
A year sounds OK. Good things take time.
I have the same problem – I begin projects then run out of steam. I have an unfinished sweater sitting in my closet from 2003! Photos in this post are just beautiful!
(I may have a few similar projects) 😉
At least your adding more steps which is the best way to be and you will get there X
#wotw
It is!
I’m a big believer in taking small steps although do have a tendency to start too many things at once. I love that Ted Talk, I really wish we had a community garden or orchard close by. Well done to your daughter, what a great achievement x
It is a good Ted Talk. There are an amazing number of community projects. Do admire people that take that first audacious step ( must feel like it at the time) to set them up.
I wouldn’t know where to begin with that knitting so I admire you for even starting! small steps are the best way to go, that’s one lesson I’ve learnt.
Like everything. Small steps.
I assume the thing in that last photo is a moth? Very pretty.
Anyway, I cannot believe that you have unfinished projects, Cheryl! I mean, I have to believe you, but you seem so productive! Anyway, between you and Margo (at the Thrift at Home blog), I’m seeing that I need to put my projects higher on my priorities list, because when I do housework first, I can’t get to the sewing, etc. I’m changing my ways.
No, it’s a butterfly! The female orange tip butterfly. The males have the orange tips, while the females are a more camouflaged version. So pretty. You may be on to something with the priorities. I’d far rather sew than clean. If only I could persuade the family to live completely outdoors this summer….. 😀
ahh I have to take everything in little steps (walking in particular 😆 ) But I know what you mean with the knitting, or crochet in my world, I hate doing the fiddly bits while someone is around to interrupt, And if I’m counting and get interrupted I’ll start counting louder so they get the message to shut up for a minute. Funny enough, a few number later and there utterly important question or thing they needed to talk about has been forgotten.Thanks for linking up to #wotw
I am just the same with counting out loud to delay interruptions. Getting steadily louder. I’m sure my children learnt to count early due to me counting stitches. 😀
Being full of ideas is a useful skill even if it does mean that a lot of projects stay unfinished! I love your knitting – so pretty. Well done to your middle daughter on her exam results – what brilliant results. Glad that your son is enjoying his cricket and having his own kit. I like the thought that growing your own food is like printing your own money. We’re trying to grow tomatoes for the first time this year. Sounds like your salad seedlings are doing well. #WotW
I like that expression too. 🙂
I have about 4 knitting projects on the go at the moment, I do finish them, but it takes me a while lol. I love the lace edging you have done, it is one of the things I want to learn to do.
#MMBC
Four! You must be good at juggling projects.
I am not a knitter, but I would love too. These look fab. Growing your own food is great too xx #wotw
It’s easier than it looks.