Saturday, August 20, 2011

Side Projects (or How I Spend My Free Time) II - The Fun Stuff

In a previous episode our intrepid blogger detailed all the usual ways in which she spends/wastes her free time.  Join us now as she details five ways she has fun with her spare time!

Watch movies  - I like to watch movies at the cinema, on DVD, and, on rare occasions, video cassette tape! My preferred genres are mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, action/adventure, western and comedy .  Comedy is a pretty broad genre, so to clarify my preference is for 1930s screwball comedies and crazy, stupid comedies by Saturday Night Live alumni as well as Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.

Knit - I haven't been knitting as much lately.  It could have something to do with the fact that I decided I ought to be knitting more.  I'm like a kid, once I think I 'ought' to do something or I 'should' do something then I stop doing it.  (With the exception of hauling my bum out of bed and going to work, of course!)  However, I just finished a toque for my step dad and I'm making socks for my sister and sister-in-law!  And, a friend from   burlesque has some 1940s knitting patterns that sound scrumptious!

Shop - I'm not one of those power shopping ladies (let's face it, I'm no lady) so most of my shopping is for groceries.   But sometimes I'll head out and go shopping for clothes, bath products or craft supplies.  My most recent big purchase was a bicycle.  Craft supplies are my current weakness.  I have purchased more than enough fabric and must start sewing more things!  I bought some lovely fabric when I was in Hawaii last March and still haven't made my pillow covers!

Sew - I just started sewing in the last year.  Not just replacing buttons, but sewing things with a sewing machine.  I sew costume pieces and I plan to put some crib quilts together this summer.  It's one of the things I need to make time for.  I'm looking forward to really getting into it.

Burlesque - I am a member of Saskatoon's Rosebuds Burlesque Club.  I have never had so much fun in all my life!  It is an empowering, funny, glamourous artform.  I love the history and heritage of it.  I love the spectacle.  I love that it pushes the boundaries of gender, society and propriety.  I love the women and men who are involved.  Without exception they are thoughtful, intelligent, open-minded, artistic, funny and talented!  I especially love dressing room conversations that range from 'Star Trek' and 'Doctor Who' to issues of sexual health.  I love creating an interesting and unique piece - the imagination, the planning, the rehearsing, designing and creating the costume - the whole process is wonderful.  And, I love taking my clothes off and twirling my tassels for an audience!  It's great fun!  If you get the chance you should take in a burlesque show.

Thanks for tuning in!  Our intrepid blogger will take you further into the world of burlesque in our next installment.  Same fun time!  Same fun channel!

Cheers,
Laura