Do you ever feel like all the good hobbies are taken? I have been on the hunt for a hobby for the better part of 4 years, and to no avail. I suppose that to actively look for a hobby somehow defeats the purpose; aren't they supposed to be natural expressions of things we're good at? But I just can't seem to land on that one thing (one, at least, please!) that I can call my own. Sure, I'm good at some things like organizing (snoozefest) ... [long pause here while I try to think of things]... being a friend (NOT a hobby), reading (who doesn't?), skiing (I'm really great those 2 times a year), lounging (actually, I'm not so good at this because I'm too busy organizing), going to restaurants (great, I like to pay a lot to eat food) and I like to pick out greeting cards. See what I have to work with?In talking to my friend Jessica (who, gratefully, is on the hobby hunt too), we
realized that when we think of hobbies, we automatically think that they must be something creative. Things that come to mind: sewing, painting, knitting, cooking, taking photos, quilting, playing an instrument, building, writing... you get the idea. I enjoy dabbling in creativity, but with a creative husband and irritatingly creative friends, I'm just about always playing second fiddle (I did try playing mandolin... hobby potential TBD). I suppose a hobby doesn't have to be exclusively creative, but I would like it to reflect something I'm good at or something I enjoy--something unique to me.So, what to do? Anyone have some good hobby suggestions? Here are some guidelines when proposing hobby ideas:
1. Not too expensive (I'm not about to buy a yacht or take polo lessons).
2. Not a huge time commitment (this should be a hobby, not a day job).
3. Fun (sorry, I'm good at organizing but I'm not going to file your old bank statements or check the expiration dates on your old spices).
4. No collections.
5. No scrapbooking.
That's it. Sounds easy, huh?
15 comments:
Why not try blogging? It seems to be the big thing right now--oh, wait...
Good luck in your search.
Photography?
I don't know who Matthew P. Lomanno is but I like him.
How about growing a baby . . . I'm just saying . . .
P.S. This is Barbara as herr hemsk, logged in as Nathan, whoops!
How about cooking? I know Andrew is good in the kitchen, but I think you are becoming a more liberated chef. Or baking.
I hope I didn't intrude. I found this blog a few weeks ago and enjoyed it, so it has a home in my reader now.
I second everything herr hemsk says. And photography is very expensive (first-hand experience).
Matt, you definitely didn't intrude. I went to high school with your brother, Mark. Did you know that or find my blog by coincidence?
Have you ever tried writing fiction? I think you're a fine writer and should take a stab at writing a story for Charlotte.
Amy: I thought you seemed familiar. I actually found your blog because you mentioned Saint Anselm College, where I work (I get alerts). Email me for more info, etc.
I really appreciate your photography, too, btw.
You made a fabulous tour guide for us this past week. Maybe you could give guided tours of unknown neighborhood "hot spots".
I think that baking sounds like a great thing. :D
And I owe you a bread lesson soon!
Wow, I haven't been on the blog in awhile, and now I read about so much going on in your lives. This hobby thing has been forever, no? I think you are right that a hobby should be something that you are good at, but also something that you enjoy doing. Hobbies are just something that you Want to do, not something that you feel like you have to do or something that feels like a chore or as you say a "day job". What makes you happy? I say start there and experiment with lots of things (not that you haven't already), even if it is something that "is already taken". You might have a different spin on it or do it in a different way than someone who has already "taken" that hobby. That's the great thing about hobbies: there is no one way, and the creativity comes from within you, which no one else can Take!
How about writing? These posts are wonderful!!
Well Amy, I understand your plight. I know you have been searching. I also realize that although, it isn't tops on your list to do, you are by far one of the best writers I have ever had the chance to read (even if you are my daughter!) Can you make a hobby of reading (which you also love) and writing reviews? Not exactly sure how that would all work, but you would be great at it. The other idea I had was the creative way you have used stationary for making cards in the past. They make great gift ideas too! Just my 2 cents worth! Love you with or without hobbies! Mom
I've got it!!!! Taking care of your parents!!!
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