So about 6 months ago, when we had just about stepped into 2020, I had written a post (read My Quest for a new βTalentβ) basically elaborating on the lack of any special skills or talents that I can brag about or post on social media to make my ‘social media friends’ go awww in awe of my talents and also be a source of joy to myself in the process. So I set out on a quest to look through every nook and corner of YouTube, Instagram to see if it would give me new ideas that I could pursue in this quest for finding me a ‘talent’. A few such activities/ideas did make it to my coveted ‘Talents to be tried’ list…some worked out, some not quite … thought it will be fun to share it with you all.

Wait, is that ππ me? Well, I will let you be the judge of that…let’s get started π
1. Paint by numbers : ππ»
When I came across this, I was blown away..I always thought painting was fun but it’s been years since I have held a painting brush in my hand. So the idea of numbers guiding through was so encouraging. I mean it had 2 favourite things of mine..numbers and paints. It could never go wrong. As the Amazon package arrived, I looked at it and immediately made plans to hang the ‘masterpiece’ in the living room to soak up praises from anyone visiting. π
However, it’s only when I started, I realized it was no mean feat. The canvas was quite big and the numbers minuscule. It was a test of my patience and my eye sight. But I didn’t give up. For the next few days, every night I was hard at work. And I did make some progress. But the end was nowhere in sight. After more than a month of such perseverance, I realized I wasn’t even halfway through. My enthusiasm and patience was weaning off. My husband saying, ‘hey I can’t figure out what the hell you’ve been trying to draw for the past few weeks’ was the last straw…it’s still lying there waiting to be finished. Maybe one day I will pick up from where I left it and finish it. Maybe once it’s finished, it will really look good. Honestly, it’s a great idea. If you are really really patient, this is perfect for you. For me, I ran out of patience and this talent didn’t quite work out. π



2. Gardening: ππ»
Well, I know this is more of a hobby than a talent. But it’s something I have picked up pretty recently so I thought it deserves a mention. Now if you do read my blog regularly or even scroll through some of my recent blogs (My Mini Garden Tales, Spring for my Soul π»πΌπ¦πΊ), you will know that I have totally fallen in love with gardening. Every morning, that’s the first place I go to. To see if seeds have sprouted or there are new flowers blooming or some plant needs some pruning. I make a mental list of the things to do in the mini garden later in the day. It’s tedious and time consuming but hell, I love it!! So yayy. thumbs up alright πΌπ»πΊπΉ

3. Bottle Painting: ππ»
I have to say, this has to be the best thing I stumbled upon on YouTube. There are some amazing channels on YouTube with detailed tutorial videos on painting bottles and decorating them with different things. I am as addicted to watching these videos as I am into trying them all out..so far, I have tried my hand at mandala art, glass paint, tissues, lentils, pista covers, Charred paper and currently clay…all on glass bottles..it’s so engrossing and creatively very satisfying.

And once done, they make way to my work desk where they are displayed in all their glory and just looking at them makes me happy. At this rate, I fear I have to get a bigger table just to fit them all. ππ Earlier, I would get Amazon packages regularly with new clothes, tops and dresses. These days, it’s all about my art supplies. Colors, brushes, varnish, glue, clay etc etc. In fact at the back of my mind, I am always thinking of my next project, what to do and how to do it. So this one definitely gets a big thumbs up ππ»ππ

4. Good ol’ painting: ππ»
Since I already had all the colors and brushes for bottle painting, I thought, why not try the traditional water painting. Honestly, I am NOT a great painter. I can draw sceneries but I CANNOT draw human figures, I just don’t get the dimensions right and they end up looking more like hobbits. π€·Yet, it feels so great to draw and paint in a coloring book. Reminds me of my childhood. I haven’t done much although. Definitely hope to do more of it in the coming days. But that’s a thumbs up too ππ»π¨

Infact I have been using up all the paints to paint whatever I can find, mugs, cardboard boxes…Its just fun playing around with colors and giving them a makeover. πππ

Apart from all these, I am always looking for new DIY projects that aren’t too complicated and will be fun thing to do. I have made a list of few more things like wall decor items, making artificial flowers out of waste materials. We’ll see how that goes.
But what I have realised in the past few months is that we are never too old to try something new. We just have to take the initiative and jump right in…maybe the first time, it won’t be that good or not any good at all, but who cares. As long as we have fun and enjoy ourselves, thats all that really matters.
So if there’s something that you have always wanted to try out, but couldn’t , for whatever reason, now’s as good a time as any. Give it a go. Am sure you will enjoy yourself. Do tell in the comments. πβοΈ

Wow you are quite talented!! I love the different things you tried! I love paint by numbers actually.. Lol.. I finished about 3 of them already… I also love jigsaw puzzles… Like more than 1000 pieces..π. Thanks for sharing what you did. I love your paintings by the way!! β¨β€οΈπ€π
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Wow Diana, you finished 3 paint by numbers projects? that’s absolutely incredible!! I couldn’t even finish one. Definitely,your patience shines through ππ…I love jigsaw puzzles too but I haven’t tried them in like forever…you gave me a good idea…π€©π
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How wonderful that you attempted so many talents and skills, listened to your heart about what you would like to continue or not. I loved your bottle art and the paintings that you created – very beautifully done I think. π
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Thank you so much Pragalbha. You’re always so sweet. Well I have to admit, I am having fun with the colors and creativity after all these years…it’s relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable so far…don’t know how much I can continue once offices reopen and we go back to pre covid normal life….but hopefully I will be able to hold on to some of these…what about you Pragalbha? What are your hobbies/talents?
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You are very welcome π
I have to confess I do not keep much hobbies. I am joy-fully occupied with learning through reading, writing, listening to teachers, studying, teaching, cooking, nature walks, experiencing life, contemplating …:)
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So much and you say you don’t have hobbies Pragalbha?? No way!! Everything you have listed here are so meaningful and enriching…that’s the point of having hobbies anywaysππ
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:))))
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How fun!!!!!!! I especially like the garden!
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Thank you so much…..I really do love my plant babies π₯°π₯°
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Wow! You have a knack for these kind of stuff. Loved the bottle painting. β€οΈ
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Thank you so much Joana….I dont really know what all I am good at…just trying out a bunch of stuff to see what sticks…but it’s been fun so far… enjoying the process…what about you? What are things you enjoy doing or you’re good at?
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It’s amazing that you have tried your hand at so many things. I’ve wanted to try the paint my number but I’ve never tried it out. I loved your bottle painting and water paintings. I love to try out diy projects too. Your garden looks amazing.. I’m glad that you’re trying your hand at so many things! Great achievements. Great going, G!
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Thanks Shwetaππ…I guess the lockdown and the pandemic has allowed me to try so many stuff…never had the time for any of it earlier….you must try the paint by numbers if you have patience..it’s really engaging and needs complete focus…do share your DIY projects…I would love to know and try them out myself. ππ
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You’re most welcome, G. Will do β€οΈπ€
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Paint by numbers looks so mind bogglingπ you will find your talents some day, and as they, everyone has one!
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Thanks Arnav…..I am still trying to figure out what really interests me and what I am good at…in the meantime, I am enjoying the process and the things I am trying outππ
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ok wow… who would think paint by numbers would be this amazing!!! NICEβ£οΈβ£οΈ
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Thanks a bunch Cindyππ…paint by numbers is indeed an amazing concept..you just need to have tons of patience to complete the project..I ran out of it midwayππ
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sooooo much patience.. I don’t have it either. π€£π€£π€£π€£
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Guess we do have something in common then ππ
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We sure do.. π€£π
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Wow! Love these.. such multi-talented person you are. Keep going and keep growing πβ€οΈ
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Exactly my point here…we must keep challenging ourselves and trying out new things..only then we can grow….thank you so much for your kind words Deeksha π€©π₯°
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Absolutely! That’s how we grow and find ourselvesπππΌ
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It’s really fantastic and inspiring
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Thank you so much, so happy that you found this inspiring. Hope you too work on your hobbies and give it a go ππ
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Hey no thanks π
Can you follow plz follow my blog
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Done my friend….keep writing more wonderful blogs ππ»π
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Thanks for your best wishes my friend
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πππ It’s the bottle art projects for me. You’re really goodβ¨
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Thanks Lucia…it’s such a great hobby..you must try it if you haven’t already ππ
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Most definitely π
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Do try the bottle painting thing…you will love it too ππ₯°ππ
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Bro…WHAAAAT! WOW. This is amazing! So so so coool. Firstly, can you please link me to that number painting thing, I want to try it!! Complete your. Even half done it’s so gorgeous β€β€ I already knew you are amazing at gardening. Bottle painting ππππ best best best best! I want links for those too. Please!!! I have a couple of bottles lying, they need this! I have done oil painting and I am not that good but just doing them is therapeutic. I love this post sooooo much. My most favorite is that colorful bottle with I think lights inside it? πβ€
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Thanks so much ππ for the paint by numbers, just search with the same on Amazon. And for bottle painting, just search with ‘bottle art’ on YouTube..you will get loads of links…am sure you will get hooked to just watching the videos and then get started…am looking forward to some such posts from you galπ€©π₯°ππ
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It’s been long since I painted something.
Sometimes, spilled colors remind something beautiful.
They are beautiful. Especially, the scenery.
Keep coming with the good stuff.
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Oh thank you so much TanishQ ππ… if you painted before, then you must take it up again…it’s just a wonderful feeling to use all the colors ππ¨βπ¨π¨
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Hi. I like your water paintings a lot. Theyβre beautiful.
Neil S.
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Thank you so much Neil…these are the only 2 I painted so far..hope to do more of it….what are your hobbies/talents? I hope you get a chance to pursue them to your heart’s content ππ₯°
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Reading, writing, crossword puzzles, and a bunch of other things.
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Great going ππ although I must admit, I ain’t too good at crossword..I mean if I get stuck I feel crazy and end up cheating ππ
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Love the growth mindset, keep growing!
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Thank you so much Mani….I realised the importance of having such a mindset lately and hope to follow through ππ
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Wowww!! I’m very happy to see your post..! And you’re very talented..! All the images are very beautiful..! You’re amazing..! Keep up the Amazing work dear..! I’m flattered by your works..! Beautifully done dear..!π€π€ Keep shinning..!β€οΈβ¨
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Thank you so much Filarance. Your enthusiasm and zest is truly infectious I must say. Don’t ever change ππ€©π
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Sure dear..! I will never change it..! You’re very welcome..! It’s absolutely my pleasure..!ππ
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Wow that is great to know about your talents beyond writing i loved your bottle art,painting,gardening and coloring very muchπππ₯°
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Thank you so much Raksha for your kind words..much appreciated π€π₯°
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Your paintings are beautiful! And thanks for sharing these awesome ideas, would like to try my hand at them.πβ€
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Thanks Simmi. I am beyond delighted that my post inspired you to try these ideas out. And you must give it a go. You won’t complain. Do share an update. π€©π₯°ππ€
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You’re most welcome! πβ€
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Beautifully penned down. If you are interested than you can be a part of my anthology that Iβm compiling name as β Iβll be there for you.β If interested than let me know
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Thank you Mitali for reading and liking the post. Thank you so much for the offer to collaborate with you. Haven’t done it before but would love to give it a shot. Please let me know what to do ππ»π
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Please send me your email id to send you the following details
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Thank you so much, glad you found it inspiring ππ€©π
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You are already a super Painter, and not just of the walls π
I guess its time that you start putting them out for the world to see without a second’s wait!
Nara x
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Haha, am happy sharing it here anonymously. But thank you so much for the appreciation…means a lot ππ€©π
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Such a great post, been gardening myself and it really is quite healing. Love my new seeds spotting, especially because I’ve no idea what most of them are because they came from wildflower packs.
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Wow…that’s a great element of surprise there….waiting to see them blossom to know what it isππ€©π
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You post amazing contentπ€© have a look to my blog and please follow like share Iβll be thankful to you πΉ
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Thank you so much ππ
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Heyy, that painting by numbers looks good. You are talented π
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Haha…yeah it’s a great concept but well I didn’t finish it ππ
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I applaud you in your cultivating your hobbies and interests and in encouraging others to do so at whatever point in their lives. I don’t have the patience or the talent for painting, but at the ripe age of fifty-something , I have taught myself guitar and amuse myself by dressing up my teddy bear in outfits I have designed myself. Here’s to us!
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Thank you for so much encouragement….i realized it really doesn’t matter what we do as long as we keep pushing ourselves, trying out different things and enjoying it all..kudos to you for learning guitar, I have heard it ain’t as easy as it looks…and dressing up teddies in custom made outfits…how cool is that!!! Pls do share a pic or few in your next blogs ππ€©ππ€©
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https://emmblu.wordpress.com/2021/08/06/my-beary-fashionista-adventures/
This is my post regarding my adventures designing outfits for my bear. I hope you like it.
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Oh wow…that is so innovative and creative ππππ
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Oh wow wow! You are multi talented πππ
Your painting by numbers is a cottage in falls right? It was coming along nice I think, you should persist and finish it.
And the bottles are brilliant! If you set up an art shop I am pre booking ποΈπΌοΈπ¨
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Oh thanks Deb!!!ππ yes you’re right…art by numbers thing was nice but it was too tedious and I just ran out of patience and dedication…maybe I will take it up again…if only I had 100 more like you offering to pre book, I might have contemplated giving up my tech job(read sweat shopπ) to setup a full time art shop…that’d be nice π€©π€©
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