-Enigma-

Hi @Former-Member A warm hello back to you...

I've heard of Cross-Stitch many times, but I still don't really know what it is.

I learned to Knit & Croche in primary school, & still have the Beanies & Scarves that I made.

I've long since forgotten how to knit or croche.

Adge

Hi @outlander - I know all about hormonal imbalances - can cause havoc on the mind, body and emotions. Good luck with the tests tomorrow - lets us know how it goes. Will read the thread the next chance I get 🤗💜

Hi @Adge - there are many talented crafty people on here who also crochet and knit- you can see pics of their beautiful works under craft titles in social spaces.

Cross stitching is basically sewing in an x following a counted chart. It can be anything from small designs to replica artists paintings. I started off with small patterns which I loved, and have been challenging myself of late with larger designs that incorporates also speciality stitches, countless beads and metallics. There is a lot of "bling" in my laatest ones - but the sparkle is hard to capture on camera.

I have completed some cross stitch projects designed by artists - very fine stitching that can look like a painting....I will post some below for your interest, though they may take awhile to be visible.

You should take up some craft again, it's so therapeutic as i find the creative outlet relaxing as it also takes all my concentration distracting my mind from my woes.

How is the dating going?

Hi @Former-Member Your cross-stitching sounds really interesting & creative.

I always like the look of that sort of thing. Pains-taking effort & minute detail, I reckon (a lot of concentration).

Yes there are many talented crafty people on here - I don't feel I can contribute to that, except to admire their work.

I'm not crafty, I never have been - I didn't graduate past stick-figures.

My creativity has always been in germinating unusual plants from seed, & growing plants (gardening). Sadly, since I've been out of horticulture (for the past 6 years), I've started to lose my plant identification skills - that took decades to build up (learn).

I'm starting to go "What plant is that"? "I used to know, but I can't remember"...

Adge

Oh wow, those pictures are lovely @Former-Member Are they all cross-stitch?

I'm slowly plugging along with the online dating. I decided to give it another go, after stopping several years ago (when totally dissilusioned).

I've met a few nice people, nothing romantic (we're not well matched).

Maybe some new friendships, that would be a bonus.

The usual story is that they talk non-stop (on 1st meeting) for 2 or 3 hours, which I thought would be a good sign. Then I hear "It was lovely to meet you - I don't want to meet again".

Mostly I don't get to meet them (ever) - because some people just like to email for weeks, then stop. They don't want to meet & actually get to know the real person (me).

In any case, it's a potential social outlet & connection - my psych thinks that's a really good thing.

Adge

@Former-Member Hope being snowed under abates soon. Hmmm about the legal work. I can only imagine.

@outlander Glad you are hanging in there Bella.

@Adge For me took a lot of energy to do the online dating. So have not done it for years. Probably mainly energy managing my own expectations.

Good Luck with it all.

My back and neck are iffy at the moment Feeling a bit sorry for myself, but also spent a lot of the week in the garden which was good.

Take Care

Hi @Adge - just came back from work and just read your email. They are all cross stitch projects but do incorporate speciality stitching, beading, metallics etc as well - but all sewn by hand. These projects are huge and each takes me anywhere from 6 months to a year each to complete - depending on the time I have to spend on them. I equally like to stitch smaller, more simpler ones as well - just depends on my mood.

People keep telling me they don't kniw how I find the patience (especially the more complicated artist designed ones); - I can't explain it, it's a passion that I find incredibly relaxing and love the end result. Framing can be costly though, but since they take a long time to complete, it doesn't work out too bad. Glad you liked them - I have some more photos of others that I will put up at a later date.

The friendships with online dating made would probably last longer than most relationships @Adge - definitely a bonus. It's nice having someone to talk to and connect with. Never can have too many friends. Relationships can be more complicated, but when that special one is found it's worth all the trouble.

I am glad I am not on the dating scene because I think I would be too boring now for anyone lol. I like to stitch and write and do charity work - am very much the reclusive introvert mostly who loves peace & quiet, the beach and nature - I don't travel or do much else beside my volunteer work. I am set in my ways - so I don't think I would be successful. I do like to chatting and laughing with people at times though, but am not a social flower. My husband is more the people person - he is so popular - it's so hard to keep up with hm so I don't try. I wouldn't like to be completely alone though - it's healthy to reach out to others. And let's face it, we can't lose them all - we have to win sometimes and just finding one or two people to connect with and enjoy is worth that effort I feel. Glad to read you are making friends 😊. Much harder in today's world I think.

So good to hear from you @Appleblossom. Sorry to read about the problems with your back and neck - that can be hard to live with, my husband suffers same. But good to read you don't let it stop you from doing things like gardening. My husband is the same. Have you tried physiotherapy etc? xx 😘

Sending a warm hug to you all @outlander@Shaz51

Yes those Cross-Stitch works are fabulous @Former-Member I'm glad you find that relaxing, with a sense of achievement too (I'm sure). I understand why you would want to frame them, so would I.

Yes, one can never have too many friends - I've never had more than a few at a time.

Some turned around & stabbed me in the back (so to speak), after I had donated much time & energy to helping them out (when they were in need).

I was not ever really appreciated (I discovered), even after 10 years - still, that was only 2 or 3 people who did that (but they were the longest contacts).

I would probably be considered too boring too Enigma - & yes I'm very introverted (always have been). I can be social, but it comes at a high price (energy-wise). I need lots of personal space, to recover.

It does seem so much harder to connect with people these days - despite my much greater social skills, & all the wacky-do technology (which seems to make it more complicated, rather than easier).

Adge