At a certain point in life, we all wonder what would have happened if we just went for that creative career of our dreams. While you can’t turn back the hands of time, you can expand on your creative ambitions by learning a new trick or two that you can use to impress yourself — and show off to your less innovative friends.
Here are some classes you can book now to enlighten yourself and those dreary winter days.
Exercise Your Digits
There’s a guitar in your house — you know it, and we know it. Maybe you got it from a yard sale or Craigslist, thinking that you’d teach yourself how to play some Steely Dan. All is not lost just because that instrument is shoved under your couch or into the back of your mind — take a beginners’ course at the Fairfax Library. They’ll teach you the basics and even let you learn on one of their instruments if you don’t have one. Pohick Regional Library: 6450 Sydenstricker Rd., Burke; free
Pick Up an Accent
Are you being driven witless by the fact that you don’t know French — but aren’t into a group-learning type of experience? We know the feeling. Sign up for small group (four people max), semi-private lessons, or one-on-one instruction with Elodie Guillon of French with Elodie. You can attend classes in person (in Alexandria) or online. There are also events like French movie discussion and book clubs — as well as guided tours to France! Fais le. Tu l’adoreras!
Get Some Perspective
Plan ahead for a black and white winter at The Art League’s Introduction to Photography with instructor Andargé Asfaw. You’ll learn the basics of camera operation, take field trips, do homework, and attend lectures to understand the basics of the photographic arts and produce of a few of your own prints. The Art League School: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; $225
Commit Yourself
Anyone ever told you that your life should be a movie? The first step might be writing your memoirs — but where to start? If you’d like some prompts and inspiration to get your typing fingers primed to pump out that tome that’s been ratting around in your brain, take a memoir writing class this winter with Leaves of Your Life, in one of their Life Story Writing workshops. You get writing prompts and weekly homework, as well as guidance and encouragement from Karen Bender, a certified guided autobiography instructor.
Feature image, astrosystem/stock.adobe.com
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