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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Thrifty Thursday - Ever learning

It always surprised me the number of moms who told me that they wished they could learn a new skill or hobby or --- but couldn't because they couldn't afford classes or get babysitters, or their kids were too young or some other reason.  True, there are some things that have to be taught by qualified instructors and have to be hands-on (like sky diving).  But, there are so many other things that anyone can learn in the privacy of their own home, and don't cost anything, or very little.  With books, mentors, online tutorials and instructions, there is no reason why you shouldn't continue to grow and expand your knowledge and skills.  You have many responsibilities as a mom but you also are a woman who has a mind and abilities, and exploring and developing these will only make you a more well rounded individual.  So, what are some things you want to learn about?  Do you want to improve your homemaking skills?  Do you want to learn more about politics or the stock market?  Do you want to learn photography or other creative skills?   Do you want to learn woodworking and carpentry?  (I do!)  Do you want to improve your health and fitness? You can do it.  Go to the library.  Look online.  Ask your friends.  And then practice, practice, practice.  Your first attempts might not be the greatest but keep at it.

When I was a young mom, I wanted to learn how to do smocking (little girl's smocked dresses were very popular at the time and very expensive), but we didn't have any extra money for classes so I got a book and did the "trial and error" thing.  I practiced with scraps of material, then moved up to making a bonnet and then a baby dress and by then I was comfortable with the technique and could follow patterns.  My friends were amazed that I learned it on my own but really, anyone could have done the same.  You don't have to have someone stand over you and tell you what to do.

Currently, I want to learn how to build things.  I've been practicing with my husband's circular saw and I already know how to use his drill and some of his other power tools so I'm getting pretty close to trying something real.  I love ana-white.com and have my eye on some of her projects.  Wish me luck!

Now, it's your turn to learn something new too!

2 comments:

  1. I wonder what I was thinking in that picture... =) And I'm pretty impressed about your sawing skills!!!

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    1. I don't know but you were and are adorable :)

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