Not even the end of the year, yet.. bet I'm first.... 😏
I cycle to work, and an occupational habit of doing that is an unaccustomed flow of oxygen to the brain that makes it opportune to think about varying things... the other day it was on cam cleats and fairleads (blame sailing)... previously it had been whether I needed to modify my War of the Spanish Succession rules to make it obvious that a regiment can only enter a house if you are facing it (and a fruitful ten minutes was spent imagining what a regiment walking backwards into a house would look like)... but today it was about the wargaming hobby and particularly how it applies to yours truly....
The thoughts arose as I had noticed the other day that my Painting Totals page for this year was still empty...
I cycle to work, and an occupational habit of doing that is an unaccustomed flow of oxygen to the brain that makes it opportune to think about varying things... the other day it was on cam cleats and fairleads (blame sailing)... previously it had been whether I needed to modify my War of the Spanish Succession rules to make it obvious that a regiment can only enter a house if you are facing it (and a fruitful ten minutes was spent imagining what a regiment walking backwards into a house would look like)... but today it was about the wargaming hobby and particularly how it applies to yours truly....
The thoughts arose as I had noticed the other day that my Painting Totals page for this year was still empty...
 |
| ...for shame... |
I cannot remember the last time that I finished a year without having painted something, in this case I haven't painted anything at all since December 11th last year when I finished some 15mm WWII skirmish stuff...
My gaming has also suffered this year - just one table top game, and the recent correspondence/email game all year....
I've posted here 47 times this year but this compares with 57 by this time last year....
I know that in my case, the arrival of grandson #1 has certainly eaten in to my time - delightfully, I have to admit... work is also more onerous this year - longer hours... and there's also the "demands" of the boat; it's been a glorious summer, and sometimes it was just easier to go out and lounge on the boat than sit in a stuffy loft...
Similarly, when I come in from a day at work I'm mentally pooped - so the thought of setting up a game, or concentrating on a paint brush (and I've never found painting the little metal men to be a relaxing activity) is swiftly subsumed in the rush to a nice comfy chair, a good book, and a beer/cigar combo...
I think that mentally I missed Colours as well this year... when my mojo is beginning to splutter to a halt, I've often found that a wargame show will enthuse - with Colours off the scene (and that's 30% of the shows I go to in a year) it's a long wait from Salute to Warfare.... I hope it's back next year.
So....
...I guess in the grand scheme of things these are not big things - it's hardly ebola, or the quest for world peace, or the cure for the common cold, but I still found it slightly surprising that my engagement with the hobby has been so little this year... where's the year gone, where's my mojo, and is anyone else feeling the same??
I open up the question to the wider audience as I note that a number of the "names" in the bloging world that I follow seem to be suffering the same, and I wonder if it is the act of blogging that is suffering (while their gaming/painting goes from strength to strength), of it is a more general malaise?
Having said all that, I have a table top game lined up for Thursday (game 4 in the "Annexation of Chiraz" campaign), and I have an unfamiliar urge to check the paint table out - must be the fact that the weather is getting cooler, the nights darker, and the boat is out on the hard... green shoots of recovery???
My gaming has also suffered this year - just one table top game, and the recent correspondence/email game all year....
I've posted here 47 times this year but this compares with 57 by this time last year....
I know that in my case, the arrival of grandson #1 has certainly eaten in to my time - delightfully, I have to admit... work is also more onerous this year - longer hours... and there's also the "demands" of the boat; it's been a glorious summer, and sometimes it was just easier to go out and lounge on the boat than sit in a stuffy loft...
Similarly, when I come in from a day at work I'm mentally pooped - so the thought of setting up a game, or concentrating on a paint brush (and I've never found painting the little metal men to be a relaxing activity) is swiftly subsumed in the rush to a nice comfy chair, a good book, and a beer/cigar combo...
I think that mentally I missed Colours as well this year... when my mojo is beginning to splutter to a halt, I've often found that a wargame show will enthuse - with Colours off the scene (and that's 30% of the shows I go to in a year) it's a long wait from Salute to Warfare.... I hope it's back next year.
So....
...I guess in the grand scheme of things these are not big things - it's hardly ebola, or the quest for world peace, or the cure for the common cold, but I still found it slightly surprising that my engagement with the hobby has been so little this year... where's the year gone, where's my mojo, and is anyone else feeling the same??
I open up the question to the wider audience as I note that a number of the "names" in the bloging world that I follow seem to be suffering the same, and I wonder if it is the act of blogging that is suffering (while their gaming/painting goes from strength to strength), of it is a more general malaise?
Having said all that, I have a table top game lined up for Thursday (game 4 in the "Annexation of Chiraz" campaign), and I have an unfamiliar urge to check the paint table out - must be the fact that the weather is getting cooler, the nights darker, and the boat is out on the hard... green shoots of recovery???
Personally I enjoyed the first half of 2014 and am absolutely hating the second half (bit like the Bears - only good for one half of a game). My malaise has nothing to do with the hobby and if wasn't for the hobby would probably have seen me in a corner hugging my knees and rocking back and forth a long time ago.
ReplyDeletePaul - my thoughts are with you... I'm finding life "busier", but in my case the boat is providing the escape rather than wargaming.... I'm finding that my hobby is transforming - I still have a huge interest in military history, but I struggle with the modelling and gaming elements.... there's always something I'd rather do.... I hope your situation improves, and soon...
ReplyDeleteEbb and flow of the gaming mojo - yep, I feel it also. Some of it is my fault, with silly things like basing and getting distracted by yet more potential projects. Some of it is due to some of my projects being in limbo - sluggish production of my favorite fantasy miniatures in one case. But, things are looking up, as I believe that I have finally cracked my basing dilemma and settling happily on projects. Naval games, though, are definitely out for now; I just can not get back into the flow.
ReplyDeleteDo take advantage of your recovery, Steve! And good luck with the upcoming game...
El Grego - I sometimes wonder if the Interweb itself isn't part of the problem - I spend a lot (too much?) time reading other peoples blogs because it's easy (and I enjoy it) but that's time not available to actually doing stuff...
DeleteAbsolutely correct on the 'Net distraction, Steve. I'm guilty as well. But, as Mr Crook points out below, a little work done each night does wonders to the soul and your lead mountain!
DeleteLuckily I've always liked painting figures - my problem is concentrating on one subject at a time and need to remember that it is ONLY a hobby . Hope the game is successful , Tony
ReplyDeleteCheers Tony
DeleteEvening Steve,
ReplyDeleteWhy not vary your shows and take in an alternative show to break the rut. I assume you must live in the South of the country so you have an opportunity to visit a show louver never been to. Or if you are adventurous I would suggest you attend York which is in February 2015. This is a very good show with a lot of decent games and a lot of trade. Plus you could stop over in York and enjoy the city.
Just an idea, Robbie.
Robbie - certainly DG and I thought about finding another show - the issue is a distance one... DG lives in Wales, so when we got to a show he teams it with visiting family close to me (south coast) - I'd love to go to York, but that's a weekend jaunt... :o) If Colours isn't on next year then I think I/we may try SELWG.
DeleteI lost my mojo just recently after a busy period of work and real life. That's just the way it goes. You can try a changing things up and see if that helps. I found starting a project I'd had in the planning stages fired me up again.
ReplyDeleteMichael - the starting a project idea is a good one... ECW has been beckoning for donkeys aeons!
DeleteHi Steve,
ReplyDeleteFor me the biggest mojo killer has been work so I feel your pain. I am usually out of the house from 6:45 in the morning until 7:35 in the evening with a commute to and from London of an hour and 10 each way. By the time I get home and have eaten, bathed and interacted with the family it is usually around 9:00 and so all I am fit for is collapsing in front of some vegetable TV! My blog has also suffered as a result.
I have started making an effort to tackle something hobby related for no more than 30 minutes each evening - you will be surprised how much better it makes you feel - and it has been very successful. the thing is you have to make yourself do it consciously for it to work.
You will get it back though - of that I am sure.
All the best,
DC
David - you strike a chord... my working days aren't as long, but I'm usually up at 6... then I do 9 or 10 hours at work (usually get in about 6:30/7) and after that little lot I'm knackered.... I'm usually in bed by 10 - so there's little time or energy.... you then go the path of least resistance, a good book, or catch up on the blogs!
DeleteLost the painting Mojo? Try painting naked Steve - works for me!
ReplyDeletePaint naked?? Without even your helmet?? It'll never catch on... :o)
Delete