Friday 28 November 2008

Blogging Merry-Go-Round - Brrrrrrr...

Jump on our merry go round and join a group of artists/crafts-women from around the world as they link hands and tell you a little bit about their lives in craft.

Do look up the answers from the rest of this band of crafters (links to your left). If they haven't posted yet, remember we all live in different time zones and check again later...

This month's question:
How do the different seasons and weather affect you in your art and craft?


Well...
I was born in late July and first grew up in very, but very, sunny places, only visiting Metropolitan France in the summer.

Part of me has never quite accepted, even after more than 30 years, the fact that there is such a thing as Winter.

Actually, if it weren't that it's so cold sometimes, Winter is sort of OK. Especially here in Bordeaux were you can still enjoy the café terrasses on most days. But Autumn feels like such a let down! So unfair. Every year it's the same— I had forgotten! Boo woo hoo... And I turn into this bristly bear-like creature that can barely deal with the daily drudgery of my day job and all. I know it's called seasonal depression, but it feels more like a rebellion. I want out, you understand, I want nothing to do with this sorry business of leaves falling. And buckets of rain along with it. Not to mention the temperatures. I sort of pooh pooh it for a while, but then I just want to protest and go on strike (what with my being French, you know...).

So, you will have gathered that this is not my most creative period. Understatement of... the year! Autumn is a time of quiet activities, like researching new techniques, reading, doing repetitive work that can be done cuddled up under a thick blanket, with a few candles on and possibly some classical or easy listening music too. It's a time when I want to tidy up but don't get around to doing it, so I just get rid of the useless, damaged stuff and vow never to clutter up so much...

Come Christmas, I can just make out Springtime, over there, in the distance, and I want to get new projects going. Something to do with the light: I want light so badly, and I now that it just cannot get worse than Christmas. Until then, it's a drag. Come New Year, I'm much more bubbly, and it's not just the champagne!

Spring is probably my most active, hectic, hopeful, crazy time of year. In Summer, I tend to just want to enjoy the heat (keep it coming!) and be lazy in the afternoon (and the morning, and...). But it's also my most "ongoingly" (?) creative time of year. Just don't expect me to run around!

Oh, to be in Summer...

Going back to my blanket and candles just now...



7 comments:

Lily Pang said...

It is interesting to know that the seasons affect so differently on us. Some like autumn and some don't. Ya, I understand the feeling of seeing falling leaves in the rainy pathway.

Nice to read your article!

Sara Millis said...

And just as I get to the end, I find someone else is creating by candle light too!! I'm currently burning 'Mint Chocolate Chip' and dreaming of Christmas by the way!

I must admit I'm not a fan of the rain either, and the lack of good light does make me want to stay at home under a blanket in the Autumn. I do find myself wanting to create things though... maybe that's my way of ignoring the cold!

Remember, Spring isn't too far away at least not on the calendar!

S xxx

Ruth said...

Oh dear! Get out to one of those cafes and have a glass of something instead of coffee! Wine...brandy.... Or maybe snuggled under a blanket with a good book you'll be inspired! I wish you a really early spring!

meherio68 said...

Just got back from a long, stressful day and what do I find...

One of the things I love about this merry-go-round: the solidarity and friendly advice.
I'll definitely go out to one of those cafés and get a glass of something!
Actually, I've just had a few orders and it's gotten me inspired again...
I'll go and read every one else's posts now.

'fancypicnic' said...

Sorry, did someone mention the...rain???!! Yuk. Nothing worse. Absolutely nothing!!

Interesting how much we're all affected by the seasons, isn't it? You sort of think that the year just chugs on, and we do what we need to do, but it isn't really like that! My problem is that I love winter for all of the wrapping up warm, the fires, the candles, the feeling of rest. All set then for the new year and whatever it brings!
xx

Mariana said...

Lucky you don't live in The Netherlands then! It's right now, at 9.15am... 0C... zero... zero degrees...
I'd love to live in a place like southern France...sun! I don't mind the cold, but I want light and sun!!!! Or at least the chance for a good wine ;)

meherio68 said...

I do sympathize! Why do you think I left Paris heading South ?...