I’m on a pet-sit binge of 10 sits in 2 months and I’m curious of the most creative ideas for use of time between routine pet care chores. Being on the phone is the easiest option yet I’d love to hear some creative ideas. Netflix binge watching is ok, yet I’m not much of a TV fan. I usually do yoga, listen to books, journal here and there…..
I would like to find an inexpensive creative outlet. :)
Thank you for sharing your ideas!
I use it to get to know the editing features on my phone. Today, on a sit in Fife, Scotland I have a lovely view across the River Forth towards Dunbar and North Berwick, I took a photo, which shows BASS ROCK an island rock in the sea, with a lighthouse, (and now a bird sanctuary) and North Berwick Law, a 613 foot high hill, on the land. I wanted to show my German friend exactly where both places were on the map, as she has visited North Berwick with me.
so, I learned how to draw a thick line across the sea connecting the 2 places, visually. forgive me, it’s a very crude first attempt at this type of Edit, but I will refine it. I will learn.
There are countless online classes for free or little money. You could learn whatever you like, if you’re into growth. You also could learn to draw, which costs next to nothing.
Would mention drawing.
On Duolingo you can learn languages, but also Klingon (! Language from Star Trek), mathematics and piano (!). I’ve taken the piano-lessons, although you need a real piano if you would like to learn to play the real piano. Playing piano on Duolingo you do learn musical notes and such regardless. If you’re in Scotland - pick up some Gaelic on Duolingo?
Knitting and crochet can be an easy travel companion, especially for small projects like amigurumi:
Origami also, ofc - the art of folding paper.
Another option is playing Pokemon Go on your phone. Gets you out, and pokestops and gyms are usually sights in the area.
Free walking tours if you’re in almost any city, volunteer at a local charity shop or homeless shelter if you’re in the UK, join any Meet Up groups wherever you are based, try a few online classes, enrol in Duolingo for the start of a new language for the next adventure. All of those could work and are free. #giveitawhirl
Hi @4LoveTGcv 
Fun topic!
Sounds like you’ve already got some great habits in place with yoga, audiobooks and journaling. A few low-cost, creative ideas you can slot between pet-care routines:
• Micro-sketching: 2–5 minute line drawings of anything around you. No pressure, just observation.
• One-page stories: set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes — no editing.
• Mini photography projects: pick a daily theme (circles, shadows, textures) and capture 5 quick shots.
• Free online classes: short Skillshare/YouTube lessons in drawing, lettering or DIY crafts.
• “Small wins” crafting: simple origami, friendship bracelets, or a tiny bit of slow-stitching each day.
• Recipe testing: try one new simple recipe per sit, using whatever’s already in the pantry.
All easy to start, easy to stop, and surprisingly satisfying between cuddles and walks. 
This is a great topic - and some cool activities!
I am a nearly-gull-time sitter, and I always travel with my little recording studio set up. I love to play guitar, keyboard, write, record and produce songs. Often by myself, or collabs with friends around the world.
and, wonderfully, one of my regular sits, with a bonkers cockapoo, has an incredible attic:
While we housesit mostly as a couple then, as full-time sitters, we do need some me-time apart!
For my part, I enjoy listening to audiobooks and learning stuff. Includes playing with new technology and with website stuff - not my professional calling and I’m frankly not very talented but as a stubborn SOB then I experiment, learn and sometimes, eventually, maybe stuff works out (or not) 
In any case, the learning journey helps to stimulate my mind and I guess some creativity.
I like to read about local history, browse antiques stores, makers’ markets, and galleries featuring local artists, and look for volunteer opportunities. I also enjoy experimenting by cooking with local, seasonal ingredients and regional recipes.
Are you familiar with geocaching.com? Exercise with a purpose.
Oh RedLassie that is terrific! What a lovely location! Great to hear ideas. It is always challenging to share how great these experiences are with friends. Photos can’t one relay the “feelings” exactly as we experience them. 
Thank you for sharing!
Yes, I’m always using time for self growth! Thank you for sharing Maggie :)
Those are interesting ideas, thank you Garfield. I’m in the U.S. I do like origami and have done it with money as gifts at Christmas-fun! Piano, yes I have some experience and wish I was in a home for an extended stay so I could practice more. It really is enjoyable! I’ll have to check out the Pokemon Go.
I am mostly exploring the surroundings, and I choose my sits in areas where I would like to look around. On foot, by bicycle or with public transport. Yes, that is easier in Europe.
And it’s partner Adventure Labs!
What a great post and some fabulous ideas.
One thing I want to start doing is little beaded felt objects, they can be quite intricate so will fill some time, but still small and portable.
After seeing Prickly pear watercolours everywhere in Sicily, I took a million photos and am keen to try producing my own.
I also love the idea of tiny crochet things.
Small patchwork projects could be quite doable also. Oooh lots of thoughts and options 
We also geocache while housesitting @KDdid @lifephasenext
Here is Pinot, who we looked after last year, on her way to Scotland (and the UK’s) oldest geocache, on a mountain in Scotland.
I enjoy learning languages and also body-building. I think that counts as creative. Certainly, finding weights and places to work out is creative. Really, buying and carrying weights from sit to sit isn’t practical when you don’t have a car. I’ve bought used yoga mats at yoga studios.
I always check if there are any photowalks organized in the area I am in, and if so, I join them. It’s a great way to meet locals.
Otherwise, I simply ‘vibe’ the neighborhood, stopping by local cafés and pubs, especially the ones with outdoor seating
I spent time on the Firth of Forth - and adore Scotland. I love Fife as well! Love the photo!
