Weekend Hodgepodge

And, we're back! I've been in holiday-induced hermit mode, but it's time to implement those New Year's resolutions, which hopefully involve learning something new! To get you started, here are a few tidbits I've been waiting to post.

• The Knit Stop has released its January calendar, with knitting and crochet classes for beginning, intermediate and advanced knitters. If you're interested, consider signing up for the shop's e-newsletter.
  
• I've been eyeing the cooking classes at To The Last Drop in Zionsville, which also offers catering and private dinners. Coming up this month: Soup's On, Thinking Ahead, Adult Cooking Basics and Thai Required. I might wait for the April class on "forgotten" vegetables, but you never know.
  
• Did you resolve to nurture your creative side this year? Winter classes start this week at Artisan Masterpiece in Carmel, where you can try painting, drawing, pottery, jewelry or stained glass. Of course, for many of you, the classes at the Indianapolis Art Center will be closer, and there's a much broader range of topics available.

Finally, I owe thanks to one of my favorite Indy bloggers, Renee Wilmeth of Feed Me/Drink Me, for directing her readers here for news about cooking classes. Check out her blog for news about local restaurants, interviews with Indy chefs and much more.

Welcome new readers!

Welcome to readers of Carmel Magazine! This month's issue includes my article about adult continuing education opportunities in Carmel. I profiled five Carmel women who took classes at the following venues:

• Artisan Masterpiece (painting classes).
• Kiss Z Cook (cooking classes).
• Carmel Community Players (acting classes).
• Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (fitness classes).
• IUPUI Community Learning Network (misc. classes).

Need some inspiration to sign up for a fall class? Check out the article to see how adult continuing education can enrich your life.

Random Learning Opportunities

Readers, I must beg your forgiveness. I spent today's blogging time watching last night's "Top Chef." Perhaps you'll forgive me if one of these tidbits piques your interest.

If you live on the north side and are interested in taking art classes, check out Artisan Masterpiece in Carmel. The gallery is home to a wide range of art classes, from painting and drawing to stained glass and jewelry design.

If you'd like to learn more about architecture and product design, check out the design film series at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Next up: A collection of short films about designing products, including the famous Eames lounge chair (6 p.m., June 12, free).

Want to know more about going "green" in Indianapolis? Visit Green Piece Indianapolis (nope, not a typo) and sign up for its twice-weekly e-mail newsletter.

Mark your calendars for this weekend's Indiana Festival at Conner Prairie. You can learn about multicultural music and dance traditions while munching on an elephant ear.

And, finally, be watching this weekend for my review of the historic ghost walks we talked about a few weeks ago. Let's see whether they're educational or just plain cheesy.