All posts by NewEngland_Muse

I'm a traditionally and self published author. I write in the genre of children and YA at the moment but working my way up to adults. I'm a sports loving, photo taking gal who loves to sing/dance to my own enjoyment. I love to laugh even at myself. I am also owned by 8 birds and 2 hamsters, and yes they know it. :)
Adventure, Hobbies, Life

Hobbies Part 2

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My two newest hobbies are knitting and drawing. In May of this year I signed up for my first drawing class ever. While I was the weakest link in the class I definitely can say I made major strides from the first day to the last. I enjoyed it so much I am now taking the second part and love it. It may take a while before I am at a decent level. In that first class the instructor had us do a pre-instructional drawing. I just have to refer to that sheet as a reminder that I am improving.

This past summer when I was in Maine I had my mother show me how to knit home-made slippers. A tradition in our family that I always wanted to learn. Knitting may seem old fashion to some but it is soothing and so relaxing. It keeps me calm for I have to stay focus so I don’t mess up. These two latest editions to my list of hobbies have just added more things to enjoy and do when I need to unwind.

My list continues to watching movies, listening to music, working on my flowers and plants, and exercising. I am also an avid sports fan. For sure I am leaving some out. These are all things that keep my life full and active. Life is so chaotic as it is. When my son leaves the house for good as he makes his way I don’t want to get into a slump of depression. Though I will have a degree of that. But with the things that make me happy and keep me moving at least I will have options on things to do.

So is there such a thing as having too many hobbies? I guess that all depends on the individual. Every time the college catalogue comes out I scan to see what is being offered.  I am not trying to see what I might take. What I am figuring out is what will be my next amazing experience in something that I have zero clue in.

All in all hobbies not only helps us grow and learn but it can also define a part of us. It shows people and ourselves what we are about, what we like and who we are to some degree. Every one needs a hobby or two or three. I hope you have a number of them like I do. For when we are in a good place then our family is in a good place as well as the people who come in contact with us. Life is good, it really is but it is amazing when you break out and reach for a hobby. Especially one that is so far out of your comfort zone. In that you discover something about you which you might never have before.

Birds, Bonding, Cameras, Family, Happiness

Hobbies Part 1

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Is there such a thing as having too many hobbies? I have quite a few. For the most part I hate being bored, simply hate it. Along with that I like to continually learn and improve myself even if is something that is small.

 

My first love is the one I have for books. The feel and smell of one in my hands is one that I continue to enjoy. A good book can take you places that you are not able to visit. A good book helps you forget as your mind is captured by the plot and various characters inside. It is ok to hate one of the people involved it just makes the book more awesome for me. My small problem is I don’t give up my books easily, neither does my husband, so my house soon could become it’s own library.

I am not sure if I can call my birds a hobby or not but they are definitely a love of mine. I have eight and each one has his own distinct and unique personality. Frequently I will take some time to bond with each and every one of them. But I have to make sure I block out enough time. Once I start I am not able to stop until all of them have gotten some mama love. I can’t place favorites on them or at least show it. The way they preen and sing to me is a simple pleasure I wish you all could enjoy. They are fascinating animals and any one who feels they can’t be as awesome as cats and dogs, well they have never been around or owned by one. For that is what it comes down to it, they own me and know it. The time flies as life goes on and my mind clears as they tell me every thing that has gone on since we lasted connected. That for me is pure joy.

Thanks to my husband my love of photography has grown from a simple snap and shoot camera to my digitals. While I am not as experience as my husband is, I am getting there. Due to pawn shops and layaways I have accumulated quite a few. This is a nice time for my husband and I to be together and enjoy a common love. The hours fly by as I try to work on this craft. To get just the right picture that one can be proud of is another simple pleasure that can last for days. It may take me endless shots to get the perfect one but it is worth it.

 

To be continued…

Faire, memories, Middle Ages

Snood

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Snood, what a funny word at least to me it is. I purchased two recently at a recent Renaissance Faire in the area. I was a virgin to this explosion of colors, sounds and outfits. When I saw the hair nets as I first called them I thought it be pretty cool to own some.

But the fascination to this celebration did not stop there. I was transported back into Mid Evil times where one would see queens, kings, knights, the court jester and the always popular wandering minstrel. Every where I turned one heard the King’s speech as my friends and I wandered from shop to shop and event to event.

I was fascinated to see people who had dressed to the nines from head to toe. It was truly a wonderful experience. One of the areas had the medicinal herbs that they would use when one was ill. Seeing the different colors and various smells brought ones nostrils to full ecstasy. Picking up one bottle and reviewing the contents I recognized the scent but could not put my finger on it.

Me: “Don’t tell me , I know what this is.”

The lady at the table stared at me with a twinkle in her eye that hid some doubt to my capability.

Me: ” I smelled this before. Mm ashes, Palm Sunday this is so familiar to me.”

A few minutes later it hit me Frankincense.

The young woman called over her lady in waiting and notified her that I had guessed the scent. One that people had not been able to. Softly to myself I pumped my fist and went, “Go Catholic” as the people around me smiled. See I was paying attention.

After talking with them a few minutes we noticed a huge loon where an older woman was working.  Next to her was a spinning wheel. This was familiar to me for my family possessed a huge loom that had been passed down to one of my aunts. They knew also how to spin the magical wheel. While this is not a skill I possess it is one I am fascinated by the many wonderful garments that can be created this way.

The endless pictures that were taken filled my camera. I felt like a kid as I got in line to pose with the King and Queen, the Knight and other various objects on display. It did not matter that I was a full-grown woman I was having a blast as my friends laughed at the kid that was transformed before their eyes,

The sites just kept coming at me as the time slipped away without being noticed. While it was not a big one by any stretch this event made the day full of laughter and fun. It will fill me with memories for a long time to come.