There are four things that get me out of the house these days – golf, walking, swimming in an outdoor pool and grocery shopping. I approach all with caution to reduce my risk. I see the first three as low-risk, at least the way I do it. The grocery store can be riskier, but I feel good about our approach.
We don’t do big weekly shopping excursions. Dale goes to the military commissary once or twice a month for the basics, and we supplement that with what I call “precision strikes” at the local grocery store. We might go for three or four things. We know what we want and where it is, entering the store like masked commandos to seek our targets, avoiding other customers like the plague (or COVID-19).
We are in and out in 10 or 15 minutes. Hand san after. Wash hands thoroughly when we get home. Throw masks into the washing machine. While everything carries risk, we feel reasonably safe going to the store. As for restaurants, movies, salons – anywhere you have to hang around inside for an extended length of time – we’re just not going there.
We never did it much anyway. Both of us have multiple interests that keep us amused at home. If our current approach to managing risk keeps us safe and healthy, we could easily ride this out for as long as it takes.
Those of you who are more sociable are probably having a harder time. I understand. And although I try hard to avoid preaching about anything from my bloggy pulpit, I do encourage everyone to broaden their range of solitary interests. Learn to create. For me, it has been life-changing.
In the past, most of my hobbies were sports-related. I guess they still are, but since I retired, I filled in the gaps with other creative pursuits … art, cooking and growing cannabis.
I’ve never even dabbled at visual arts, but I took a mask-making class and then started experimenting with stone coasters. I liked it a lot, but coasters didn’t feel like anything I would want to sustain over a lifetime. The idea of making something useful appealed to me at first. That’s a symptom of my practical nature.
But with more leisure time and the freedom to think about something other than work, my brain began to wander. Maybe I am not practical by nature. Maybe I just adapted to survive. It’s not like a switch went off. I would say it was more like the slow turning of a dimmer that gradually illuminated the space in my brain. I began to appreciate the idea of art for art’s sake.
At some point, I decided to scavenge my neighbor’s discarded wood. It sat in the garage for a year while I mused about what I could do with it. I do not know what made me decide to start burning wood. But I did some research and bought an inexpensive beginner’s tool. I just finished my third piece. I’m still a complete novice, so it’s probably too soon to say this, but I might have found my artistic calling.
In my fantasy world, I would become good enough at wood-burned art projects so people would want my stuff. Then I could start an Etsy shop or something like that and donate 100 percent of the profits or proceeds to charity.
While I had a good job and am exceedingly grateful to have earned enough for a comfortable retirement, it came at the expense of exploring a more personal journey of expression. Some days it does feel like the end of the world as we know it, but nurturing my creativity keeps me happy inside and excited about life.
Retirement, even during a pandemic, can be an unbelievable opportunity to pursue nothing – and that is everything.
I’ve always had a bit of a creative side, but I’ve been able to do more with it since I retired. My biggest problem is wanting to try too many new things!! I assume the picture is a sample of your work and if so, I love it. I sometimes think about selling stuff but then I remember that I don’t need any added pressure. I don’t want my hobbies to become a job. But if you can make enough of something and quickly, it could definitely be a worthwhile venture. In my case, many of the things I make probably wouldn’t bring in a price to even cover the costs!! Oh well. Keep going with it.
I’m not excited by the prospect of a job, either, but I’m motivated because I want to donate the money. I don’t even care if I lose a little on costs. I would think of it as part of my contribution. I also struggle with the problem of wanting to try too many new things! But it’s a good problem to have.
My job came at the expense of pursuing artistic expression as well, Donna. And now I’m able to “play” again and it’s wonderful.
I love what you are doing with the scrap wood. I think you have indeed found your calling.
Deb
Thanks so much, Deb. I agree. It’s wonderful to play again.
I think your wood burning piece is fantastic!
I am honored. Such kind words from a real artist!
I really like the burned wood you posted – nice work. Just curious how you add the colour afterwards?
Great question, Derek! I had a piece of the same wood to use as practice, and first I tried acrylic paint. It was too heavy-looking for me. I had a set of colored pencils from a short-lived fling with coloring books, so I tried them and loved the effect. The gloss is from a UV sealer, which I also believe will keep the pencil from rubbing off over time. I’ve since researched it and learned colored pencils are a popular way to color wood. Of course, now I’m thinking my pencils are too entry level and want to splurge on fancy artist pencils …
I think the burned wood is beautiful, and the subtle color from the colored pencils is great. Like others here, my career was demanding and left insufficient time to play on the artistic side. I bought and started The Artist’s Way but didn’t make it all the way through. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, though, and while it might need some accommodations because of the CV, I think I’ll give it another go.
I’ve never finished The Artist’s Way, but I return to it over and over!
Covid hair? My last cut was the week cases started in my county. Now it’s ponytail most days. I quit coloring around age 50 (I did a 2 color highlight for years to “mask” the grey).
Love that you’re exploring artistic outlets. I knit and quilt-mostly quilt and donate in my community. Gardening is well underway and we’re awaiting harvest and putting it up for winter use!
Thank you for your comment. I’ll bet your hair is a lot happier without all those chemicals. Love that you are knitting, quilting and gardening. I never thought I would find these “home hobbies” so satisfying.
I love what you did with the wood scrap. The design and colors used are perfect!
Thank you so much!