16 for 16

Inspired by Nana Cathy

When I saw Cathy’s 15 for 2015, I thought, “oh I’d never do anything like that, I would just be setting myself up to fail”…….. But each time I saw her post about her achievements a little seed must have been germinating without me realising it.

And then when I saw her 16 for 2016, I immediately started to think about what I would put on my list – a few things instantly came to mind – and then it was a challenge to put something next to the other numbers.

I’m learning that I like a bloggy challenge – this is a bit of me I didn’t know about, it is an exciting discovery.

So here goes – my 16 for 16

16 walks                                       By this I mean a walk for an hour or more. I love to walk, but 16 long walks seems like a good challenge

15 handmade cards               I haven’t bought a card for years and love to make them, but lately I’ve been a bit lax and those I have made have been done last minute in a rush – it would be great to have a stash of homemade cards to hand

14 items for my Etsy shop   I prefer to sell patterns in the Etsy shop as I am not fond of wrapping and posting things, however when women write to me asking for a knitted hat/wig because they are about to start chemo, I just hate having to say no. I don’t like the pressure of working to commission, so if I get a good number in the shop that should help. I’d like to add some items other than wigs as well.         

13 different beads made   Watching You Tube clips is all very well, but there comes a time when the watching has to stop and the making has to happen. 

12 garden posts                   Cathy at ‘Rambling in the Garden’ (I’ve noticed that there are a lot of Cathys in blogland) showed photos taken from the same position in her garden each month throughout the year – inspired by her photos, I’d like to do the same – such a great way to keep a record

11 bags made                          Miss E wanted to make bags and we have had to learn how to do this together. She made some for Christmas presents and is keen to make more, so I had better make some to practice on so that we can zip through them a bit faster. 

10 swims                               This is a big challenge for me as I really don’t like swimming unless the water is warm and the air around it steamy, but I’m going to give it a try! (and it is one of the things that popped into my head when I read Cathy’s list)

9 textile art pieces             There are so many ideas in my head – I need to get them OUT!

8 mornings of sorting and storing       8 in a year, that should be possible, right?

7 paintings                        There are so many ideas in my head – I need to get them OUT!  (7 seems a lot though)

6 bus journeys                     I have a bus pass, I want to use it.

5 new types of exercise tried I need more exercise. This seems a good way to motivate myself to find some ways to enjoy it.

4 more crochet or knitting patterns on Etsy  I have at least 4 half ready to go – will this give me the nudge I need?

3 massages                        I love having a massage, my shoulders NEED a massage, I used to be a massage therapist, I know the benefits, but still they feel like a naughty luxury. Why does putting it down on this list make a massage feel less indulgent – now they become something I must do to complete a challenge – Help! my mind is crazy!

2 ways to help refugees Maybe a trip to Calais with an organised group, maybe going to Swindon to volunteer in the distribution centre – not sure yet. I’ll work out what is possible.

1 novel                             There was a time when I loved to lose myself in a good book, but I have not read one for years. I’m not sure what happened. There must be one out there that grabs me enough to stick with it.

0 beads                             Absolutely no more beads bought! OOOh they are so tempting like sweeties to a child! I have masses, but if the urge for more gets too much I’ll refer myself to No.13.

Thank you Cathy – that feels really good! Let’s see how we both get on. ❤