With everything that's gone on this past summer, it's been over a month since I've done any real modeling or painting. Until just the other day, I hadn't picked up a model or a paintbrush at all. Hadn't even looked at them.
Time away has a way of changing things
I know this post may be a bit off my normal stuff, but as it came to mind last night, I wanted to share it today with everyone today. I have to admit, it was really nice to sit down and do a little bit of painting the other night. The newly organized work area is a pleasure to work in, the pace is not as hectic and I feel like there's less stress hanging over me.
I found myself wondering if the forced break from the hobby was a good thing in disguise. Coming back like this makes me appreciate the hobby all the more. With so many other things going on, I really enjoy the few minutes I get to work on things now. It really has become an escape that I enjoy since I'm able to put aside all the "real world" stuff and immerse myself in the 40k universe.
If I am honest... I hobby, I don't play
Coming back to everything now, I realize that I don't actually play the game anymore. By that, I mean I don't make lists, I don't have an army and I can't remember the last time I played. I enjoy making models for other folks and building and painting those things that catch my eye or inspire me now.
Here's another example, when I think about the new rulebook, I've yet to look through the rules section. I always open the book at the start of the background material and wander around in that. I have skimmed through the rules, but I was only looking at pictures to see what new art I could find.
That's always been a big thing for me... the whole "not playing" thing. I've always felt that if I don't play the game, I'm not really involved in the hobby in some weird way. I don't think that's the case anymore. I'm happy to build and paint those few models that pull me into the 40k universe.
I like the challenge that comes with figuring out how to model a certain aspect of a figure or how I'm going to paint something to give it the look I want. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm part excited and part scared about the contest model coming up. It's going to be so cool to see what the challenge is and then working through it to come up with a model that can be used by someone.
Why does it matter?
With so many of us blogging about the hobby, juggling real life and trying to do so much every day... it doesn't hurt if you take a few days off from the game and hobby to clear your mind. In my case it was a bit more forced, but I think a break every now and then puts things in perspective. It allows you to come back with a fresh perspective and focus on the things you enjoy most about the 40k universe.
You should enjoy the hobby. I know I do more now than ever before.
