This article has been six months in the making, but finally I have a story to tell. Honestly, BrickNerd and the AFOL community have been the only things keeping me active in the LEGO hobby during this past year. I am not alone in finding it hard to build when there are no shows or displays planned, but this is my story of how I finally came back and started building.

As I have described in earlier articles, I struggle with both physical and mental health challenges. ADHD shifts my motivation into gear, but it also makes it hard to stick to and finish projects. During this pandemic, I discovered that my motivation for building is almost solely dependent on being able to display my builds in person. With all shows canceled, I stopped building.

It did not help that I was mostly bed-ridden this summer. I had severe leg and back pain, culminating in back surgery. After the surgery, I was unable even to sit up, for months. Let me tell you: building while laying down is not easy. And I really tried! While filled with pain and going through a troublesome rehabilitation, I saw that there would be a small show in the south of Sweden in the end of November.

The impetus that drives me to build is no longer a secret. News of the show gave me instant motivation - not only for building but also for focusing on rehabilitation so I would be well enough to travel! I had tried for almost over a year to find enjoyment in building, but there was very little. As soon as the opportunity arose to meet people and discuss my builds, I wanted to have something new to show visitors.

I was very nervous, hoping that I could recover in time. I wanted to stand up at the show and also be able to endure the high stimulus environment. I bought an adjustable table so I could alternate between sitting down and standing up. I started building.

Aurora Borealis on the Night Before Christmas

My idea was for a feel-good build. I had an image in my head of a dark sky with Northern Lights. I tried to build it with plates, but it did not show the movement or the curves of the amazing natural phenomenon. I am not an expert on the Northern Lights as I have not seen them in person despite living in Sweden, but I love to see images and clips of them.

I collect LEGO wings and especially love the blue and green ones. Finally, I had the opportunity to use them! With a little push from my fellow BrickNerd contributors, I also added lights behind the wings, It is not obvious, but if it is not there, you notice it.

After I bought elves’ hairs with ears and collected all the animals I wanted to be in the build, a story fell into place. I wanted a peaceful depiction of preparations for Christmas. I am personally opposed to all the stress and hassle surrounding celebrations that can make you too tired to enjoy them. I want peace and a connection to nature, and I really hope I get that this Christmas. I hope you all also get to celebrate in just the way you want!

I have been asked how I made the small trees. It is a design concept by Full Plate (we’ve featured his amazing nature builds before). I often have modified other builders’ different tree styles. If you are looking to incorporate them in your MOCs, just search on YouTube! There are several good videos about building pine trees.

As always, I couldn’t resist making an interior in the small cottage. I love all the small pieces and adding some interesting parts. Our friends at Tips&Bricks made a lovely breakdown of some of the pieces I used. Make sure to check it out!

Before I knew it, November 19th had arrived… and I was feeling better! That is to say: I wasn’t as good as before the pain started, but at least I was standing up. My in-laws helped us transport some of my builds, and my husband and kids joined me for the two-day show experience. My build “IEV: Sunshine” was even awarded “Best in Show”. (You can find more about that build in my previous article .)

It felt really good, albeit odd, to be in a space with so many people. It was a real jump start for my social battery! I loved all the smiles, and I loved talking about spaceships and building techniques, sometimes with people 30 years older than me! I really hope for more shows in the spring so I can make myself realise all my ideas for new builds because I found out what truly motivated me. Take care, and have a great holiday!

What motivates you to build LEGO? Let us know in the comments below.

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