Lovely little fact about me is often times I only eat cheese and crackers for lunch. Wanna know why? Well, it’s because I use all my lunch money to buy the books Melissa of Books and Things recommends. Yes, she often (unknowingly) convinces me to spend quite frivolously on books, with little regard for my water bill.

What I love most about Melissa’s reviews is that she reads a wide variety of books, and the one thing you can always expect from her is the unexpected. But be warned, she loves to evil laugh in your face by revealing only enough to hook you.

Let’s check out what Melissa is up to when she is not reading everything under the sun.

I was approached by Missie to write this. My reaction is the same as when anyone asks me to write something. I panic. Plus, this is about myself which I really hate to talk about. Not that I’m a bad person,*adjusts halo* it’s just not something I write about. So, bear with my little bout of bad writing and subject. Hopefully you will forgive Missie later for making you read this.

So, what do I do when I am not reading? Good question. Well, I have lots of interests but it really boils down to this: I love creativity. One thing I love to do is paint. I paint with watermedia because I found out I’m allergic to oil paint. However, I found the medium to be challenging and thought provoking. So, I ended up loving it. In fact, I actually made signature membership level in our local watercolor society (there are 3 with signature being the top level) within a year and won a few awards. I still haven’t won a best of show award and that is my next goal. I also love to paint on strange and different surfaces which is why I call it watermedia and not watercolor. I even made a page on a technique I use often. It’s at my squidoo page.

What else? Well, I like to do crafting. Sewing (simple, fun stuff), jewelry, crocheting, and craft painting. I also dabbled in a bit of computer animation (but that program I used is so outdated now it’s ancient and in the Smithsonian), photography and music but I’m not good at any of those, but I still love learning about it. So, yep, if it’s labeled creative, I usually want at least a look at it.

One other thing that I have enjoyed is dog agility. I’m not a person who likes the military style of regular dog training. I have enjoyed watching it, but I have never been able to get into something that strict. Dog agility is different. You work more as a team and everything is off lead. In fact, you aren’t allowed for the dog to wear a collar. The course is set by a judge in a specific order and you guide the dog through verbal and non-verbal commands to complete the course. It’s a lot of fun. I did well with my shelties. I wanted to do it with my doberman, but it looks like he may not be my agility dog. Not worried, will do it another day with another dog.

The above is a video that features Linda Mecklenburg. I’ve met her and she is quite good. This vid shows mistakes, and how easy they are to make.

Which I guess brings me to why I love big dogs. I can also say it has to do with creativity. You cannot pick up and make a big dog do what you want by force (well, I can’t anyway and if I try the dog laughs at me). So, you have to think of creative ways to communicate what you want and how to get them to do it (fyi: begging doesn’t help and just makes them feel like YOUR master *all hail the dog*). Makes things interesting if you tend to have smart dogs. Unfortunately, I do. *puts on dunce cap*

Hmm… guess my little post is at an end. Sorry, I couldn’t have been more compelling. Working in a demonic music store, fighting the evil oppressor vampire, snuggling with a handsome were. *sigh* Okay, I’ve just depressed myself with that last one, so I’m off to read about my fantasy life. I guess that is the good ending for this segment. I’m off to read! *woosh*

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LOL! Melissa, you crack me up! And yes, it is a bit unfortunate to have a dog that is smarter than you are, like I do. *puts on matching dunce cap* I wish I was as creative as you. I love watercolor artwork. Thanks so much for coming by today to share what you are up to when you are not reading.

To find out more about When I’m Not Reading, click here. Would you like to be featured on When I’m not Reading? Well, I’d love to have you. Please, feel free to contact me. Or share with a post on your website/blog. Make sure to add your link below in the comments and I will go check it out.