As a busy mom, I believe it is beneficial to take some personal time just for ourselves. That time can include activities that you want to try out, something that you already enjoy doing, or anything, really. Personally, some of my favorite activities to do include knitting, reading, gardening and spending time outside.

Reading

Literacy is important in our family, both reading and writing. I enjoy reading a few different genre of books. Biographies and Autobiographies are some of my favorites. Reading novels about someone’s experiences in nature tops my list, along with the perseverance that people had to overcome hard times. Kingbird Highway, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Hiding Place and The Language of God, among others, really peak my interest.

Writings

Here you will also find some of my own inspirational stories, kids’ sayings and other words. I have participated in NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writer’s Month. In November writers, or those people that want to be writers, are encouraged to write that novel that has been tempting them for years or to put down ideas they have, in not less than 50, 000 words in the form of a novel. I attempted this challenging feat for three years, and “won” (reached 50, 000 words) one time. If you have any interest in novel writing, or just want to check it out, go to https://www.nanowrimo.org/. There are ‘camps’ and other writing challenges, including a Young Writers Program for those under 18 years old, to assist creative-minded people along their writing journey.

Knitting (Kalmia Knits)

My knitting journey began in 2005 when I had a desire to learn a new skill. I did not know of anyone around me who knitted. Therefore, I went to the store and purchased an, “I Taught Myself Knitting” kit and some yarn. Of course, I did not know a thing about yarn weights or needle sizes. Also, I did not know how they were inter-related, so I started to knit with what I had. Soon I found out that some of my friends knew how to knit, and was able to glean some knowledge from their experiences. In addition to my kind and experienced friends, I was able to learn more techniques and “how to” skills from YouTube videos and some classes at craft stores (specifically at JoAnn Fabrics). I was also able to gain tips from groups/meet ups such as at a local yarn shop, a church for a prayer shawl ministry and at my local library. Most of the patterns I knit can be found on Ravelry.com.