Love this for you. My hobbies are still sporty, but every now and again I think I should try something else. A musical instrument, painting etc. I haven’t yet as I’m in that stage of life where I’m struggling to fit in the hobbies that I already have, but your post is making me think twice. Maybe the benefits would give me back time. Something to think about!
Hi Kristi, I suspect learning to play a musical instrument, painting, and maybe even a new language can be soothing and healthy. I practice Spanish for ten minutes or so daily using Duolingo and have for several years. It's free; I can do it at my own pace, and they make it fun.
You've reminded me of the heart-and-soul benefit of hobbies, whereas I've been thinking hobbies must be productive (fitness) or busy-work (needlework, instead of cookies, whilst watching TV).
Janice, what nice artwork!!! I'm too intimidated to try painting. I suppose I'll breakout because my arthritis is getting worse, and like Grandma Moses, I will need to express my art in finding alternative ways to do so.
At the moment my hobby is coloring... anything g having to do with color. It brightens my mood and calms me during stress and anxiety.
Hi Patti, Yes, the color is good. Sometimes, I just take markers or colored pencils and let my hand draw without intent; occasionally, interesting information comes to mind.
Art, in all its multitude of varieties, brings a source of not only joy, but purpose. It is an authentic way to become absorbed in another dimension of communication. Drawing can be realistic, or not, but is still valid. I draw paint, sculpt, and create messes that I love, as do some others, but that works for me. I write here and everywhere when words come pouring through. It's always a validation of sorts. Not only art but finding bones, feathers and...antique laces (!) that express something and can be recreated...ahhh...not a new concept, but recreation is therapeutic, is it not?
Now, if I could only figure a way to add an artwork picture of mine here....that would be therapeutic!
Do you mean add the artwork into comments, or into your own posts? If you need help with the latter, let me know. There is a relatively simple way to do so.
I only know how to do it sort of with on an iMac. What works for me is that I take a photo of the picture I painted, save it in Photos, drag it to the desktop, and drag it into the article. But I think if you go to the photos link on the substack article, you can add an image, but I don't know quite how that works.
I have been waiting for a long time to see some of your work, Janice. I thank you for sharing some with us. The covered bridge is just delightful, especially the bank of flowers in the background - my guess would be azaleas or rhododendrons. Just lovely. Your perspective is off just enough to add an extra layer of charm, in my opinion. The extra layer of tulips in your comparison pictures is also inspired. Congratulations! Keep it up!
Something you do not know about me is that I have been studying antique lace for many years. It is not a hobby per se, but a great passion. Here is my website that helps others identify their antique laces. You might like to browse the pictures.
https://rookandraven.weebly.com/ - I have had over 165,000 hits! I also have several articles about lace on 🌿Leaves here at Substack, under the section "LACE".
Love your paintings!!! I recently spent an evening with my book club painting miniature Van Goghs. Oh what fun we had! We had read the book The Secret Lives of Sunflowers about Van Gogh's sister-in-law so we discussed the novel, ate pizza and painted small canvases. It was very therapeutic. Glad you have your daughter to enjoy the experience. {{Hugs}}
Actually it is quilling. That was not a typo! Quilling is a way of creating things like greeting cards by rolling narrow strips of paper into beautiful designs. I discovered it a couple of years ago and I think it's beautiful. Check it out online.
Do you have hobbies, and are they a source of joy?
Love this for you. My hobbies are still sporty, but every now and again I think I should try something else. A musical instrument, painting etc. I haven’t yet as I’m in that stage of life where I’m struggling to fit in the hobbies that I already have, but your post is making me think twice. Maybe the benefits would give me back time. Something to think about!
Hi Kristi, I suspect learning to play a musical instrument, painting, and maybe even a new language can be soothing and healthy. I practice Spanish for ten minutes or so daily using Duolingo and have for several years. It's free; I can do it at my own pace, and they make it fun.
You've reminded me of the heart-and-soul benefit of hobbies, whereas I've been thinking hobbies must be productive (fitness) or busy-work (needlework, instead of cookies, whilst watching TV).
Catherine, Well said. That is the truth - the heart and soul benefits of certain hobbies.
Janice, what nice artwork!!! I'm too intimidated to try painting. I suppose I'll breakout because my arthritis is getting worse, and like Grandma Moses, I will need to express my art in finding alternative ways to do so.
At the moment my hobby is coloring... anything g having to do with color. It brightens my mood and calms me during stress and anxiety.
Hi Patti, Yes, the color is good. Sometimes, I just take markers or colored pencils and let my hand draw without intent; occasionally, interesting information comes to mind.
That's what I do for the most part. I love doodling with markers while I'm thinking.
What a lovely hobby
Hi Cali, It does take my mind off other things, that's for sure.
Beautiful work, Janice!
Thank you Mandy.
Art, in all its multitude of varieties, brings a source of not only joy, but purpose. It is an authentic way to become absorbed in another dimension of communication. Drawing can be realistic, or not, but is still valid. I draw paint, sculpt, and create messes that I love, as do some others, but that works for me. I write here and everywhere when words come pouring through. It's always a validation of sorts. Not only art but finding bones, feathers and...antique laces (!) that express something and can be recreated...ahhh...not a new concept, but recreation is therapeutic, is it not?
Now, if I could only figure a way to add an artwork picture of mine here....that would be therapeutic!
Do you mean add the artwork into comments, or into your own posts? If you need help with the latter, let me know. There is a relatively simple way to do so.
I only know how to do it sort of with on an iMac. What works for me is that I take a photo of the picture I painted, save it in Photos, drag it to the desktop, and drag it into the article. But I think if you go to the photos link on the substack article, you can add an image, but I don't know quite how that works.
I have been waiting for a long time to see some of your work, Janice. I thank you for sharing some with us. The covered bridge is just delightful, especially the bank of flowers in the background - my guess would be azaleas or rhododendrons. Just lovely. Your perspective is off just enough to add an extra layer of charm, in my opinion. The extra layer of tulips in your comparison pictures is also inspired. Congratulations! Keep it up!
I know you have - and finally got brave enough to share them. Yes, rhodies - but vaguely so. Thank you.
Something you do not know about me is that I have been studying antique lace for many years. It is not a hobby per se, but a great passion. Here is my website that helps others identify their antique laces. You might like to browse the pictures.
https://rookandraven.weebly.com/ - I have had over 165,000 hits! I also have several articles about lace on 🌿Leaves here at Substack, under the section "LACE".
Hi Sharron, I didn't know that about you or antique lace - how fascinating. I can certainly understand your passion.
Love your paintings!!! I recently spent an evening with my book club painting miniature Van Goghs. Oh what fun we had! We had read the book The Secret Lives of Sunflowers about Van Gogh's sister-in-law so we discussed the novel, ate pizza and painted small canvases. It was very therapeutic. Glad you have your daughter to enjoy the experience. {{Hugs}}
Hi Jan, So am I - she is such a gift. What a great idea for the book club.
Good for you, Janice! Your paintings amaze me.
I have taken up quilling some of the time in retirement. It has the same therapeutic effects. And, yes, when I quill it is a source of joy.
Hi Carol, Thank you. At one point, I thought I would try quilting - they are very therapeutic. Do you do quilt on a machine or by hand?
Actually it is quilling. That was not a typo! Quilling is a way of creating things like greeting cards by rolling narrow strips of paper into beautiful designs. I discovered it a couple of years ago and I think it's beautiful. Check it out online.
I had no idea, but I will check it out. Thanks!