Have you developed new interests since lockdown ?

Yes, recently I've taken up chess!

I played chess at primary school, where it was encouraged especially in Mrs Nicholson's class, but I stopped when I got to secondary school (at the other end of England so I didn't even have any of my chess-playing friends in my class. Now, having asked on Facebook if any of my friends play, I heard the same story. Must have happened all the time.

I used to read before lockdown, but cant concentrate now.Found borrow box so audio books now.Baking bread, cakes and cooking different recipes and of course eating them!

I started a diary on the first day of lockdown last year. I find it very interesting writing about daily life during a pandemic. Our local museum said that these may be stored for future study, rather like the Mass Observation of the war years , if people are willing to donate them when this is all over.

I read more. Magazines and Newspapers as well as Biography books. I enjoy looking at the phone as well as the text. I have slowed myself down.

The question should be what haven’t I taken up? Embroidery, cross stitch, cycling, gardening, baking, wild swimming... anything except my extensive to do list of things I ought to be doing!

I’ve tried to get back into my art but haven’t managed to do much more than sort out boxes of brushes, paints, pencils, paper and cards!

I sent for an art subscription box containing lino cutting and printing equipment. I loved it and made my own Christmas cards and am continuing to make other cards and even wrapping paper. I didn’t realise how messy it was (or maybe it’s just me!).

As a gadabout normally, I’m now finding lockdown a terrible bore and agree with those who say they have lost interest in things.
I attended art school as a young thing before music became my career, so have returned to drawing and painting, but frustrate myself at my efforts. I spent a lifetime practising music to reach a good standard and this feels like starting from scratch. However, when it’s working and I’m “in the zone”, it’s rather exciting. I wish I could shake off the what’s the use feeling.
I too am now a member of the Slattern Society and a Gransnetter addict?

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-822320-20200820-091845.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-416540-img-20210202-wa0000.jpg

Always enjoyed the motion of crochet but have pushed myself to try crochet projects that previously I would have rejected as being beyond my mundane skills. I managed to increase my swearing/language skills at the same time. Also got back into jigsaws. Have to set a timer for 20 minute intervals or I can be bent over the puzzle for an hour and then not able to move.

I have found that my memory and concentration have greatly deteriorated since the first lockdown in March 2020! Also, being forced to stay in the house against my will has significantly affected my mental health and wellbeing in a negative way! ?
My husband and I both had to retire early due to ill health, and being with each other 24/7 just doesn't work, in my opinion! Before lockdown, he had to be pressurised into removing his backside from the sofa and his eyes from the TV, and lockdown has just given him the perfect excuse to vegetate!? He wouldn't go for a day out or holiday with me before - whereas the current situation suits him just fine, as everywhere is closed, I am going off my trolley!? I have always been a fit and active person and I love visiting different places! Of course, that's all up in the air at the moment! I need to get out of the house every day, and for me, a short walk in the park with the dog once a day just isn't enough! ? I am beyond frustrated and it's making me bad tempered and depressed! ??
The only thing I have done more of since lockdown has been home cooking! I was always interested in cooking and made a lot of things from scratch - my mother and both grandmothers were excellent cooks so I learned to cook at a very young age! These days, I have been trying out lots of new recipes from my vast cookery book collection and I have also improved my skills! My husband cannot cook to save himself - he never could, and it doesn't interest him - but he certainly enjoys my cooking! I do my best to cook healthy and nutritious meals for him, as he is diabetic! Since the lockdown, I have lost a stone and a half in weight, so I must be doing something right in the kitchen! ?

Rosiebee amazing work! And Scottydog what an achievement

Just wanted to add a note of sympathy for those feeling less inspired. FWIW I believe you’ll find your drive returning with the spring... hope so.

Scottydog I think I have found your lost stone and a half!! When not crocheting, I've been obsessed with trying to find perfect ginger parkin recipes, ginger biscuits - well all things ginger.

The only thing I’ve done is get out a dress I was making and got stuck on. I sorted it out and have decided I don’t like it. Oh well.
Can’t be bothered to start anything new or take up a different craft because I don’t really want anything when I’ve finished.
Soon we will be let out to play again and I will be busy once more.