I have plenty of intellectual and physical hobbies, but for years I have been in search of a creative hobby that fits me. I wanted a hobby that allowed me to make things I could share with others or give as gifts. I don't possess the artistic talent to draw or paint anything that approaches attractive. The same goes for carving or clay modeling. The only "creative" hobby I have is that I homebrew beer. It is a quite enjoyable hobby but I am limited by where I can do it and the fruits of my labor don't last long.
I want to be able to make something permanent. Several years ago I entertained the idea of getting into fabric crafts but I didn't because of a couple misconceptions. First, I am in the Army and was a little insecure about taking up a "woman's hobby". That was a sexist attitude and I have matured since then. I had no desire to make mittens or scarfs or any other clothing. I liked the idea of making art for framing but all the patterns I saw were flowery and nothing that appealed to me. I guess I didn't look hard enough.
So what changed? I enjoy photography and messing around with Photoshop (I'm no expert). And I recently learned about the software that lets you convert your photos into xstitch patterns. I started messing around with the software and now I am excited. There is no limit to the number of awesome, and unique, patterns I can create. I am VERY excited. I have been reading all about counted cross stitching, lurking here, and watching tons of videos on technique. This weekend I am going to buy the supplies for my first project.
With so much to choose from I have been struggling to decide what I was going to do first. I know everyone says keep it simple. But I have always been a trial by fire kind of guy. I really miss my wife so I have decided to use her as my muse. I spent several hours going through the thousands of digital photos I have and found a picture of her that I am going to use. Her hair is pulled back so the focus is on her face. I used Photoshop to make it black and white and then cut her head and neck out so it looks sort of like a bust. I used MacStitch to convert it into a pattern that I am pleased with. I'll post pics later in the appropriate forum.
It is a big project for a beginner (about 30,000 stitches on 14 count) but I look forward to learning from it. Being away from my family I have plenty of time on my hands. I am really happy to have found this forum and I look forward to learning from you all!
Welcome to the forum and a big thank you for your service! Hope that you will be reunited with your family soon 
