Cultivating a New Hobby

[pinball]

2 hours ago, Jenny in Florida said:

I always feel badly about that perception of "shooting down," but I think that comes from a couple of things:

• I tend to be a pretty self-sufficient person who enjoys research, and I don't come here (or anywhere) to ask for help until I have really, really scrounged and dug and run out of resources or ideas. If the answer were simple, I would have found it and never asked for help. So a good number of the ideas people will suggest are things I have already tried or ruled out. (And, since we're talking hobbies, I do think there has to be some spark of interest to get one started. Otherwise, it's just another chore to be done.) That's one of the reasons my initial posts in these threads are often long; I'm trying to save people time by providing background to give a full picture of what I've already explored.
• I always feel awkward asking for help or suggestions and then not responding at all. That feels rude. I feel like, if someone takes the time and effort to try and help me, they deserve a meaningful response, especially when the responses are phrased in a "have you tried" way. So, I reply, but it comes off sounding like I'm dismissing, rather than explaining. If folks have suggestions for how to address that challenge, some way that I can respond and make it clear I have read and considered people's suggestions, without sounding like I'm "shooting them down," I would appreciate hearing those.

And, to be clear, it's not always about benefitting another person (although that is always the thing that is most appealing to me), but I just plain cannot maintain interest in things that don't have a point. Even when my kids were little, I was never the mom who just played with them. I would play games, do craft projects, read aloud, bake stuff, go on field trips, etc. But just sitting on the floor and playing was absolute torture. 

So, I have been perfectly happy to crochet or knit dishtowels or pot scrubbies to use in my own kitchen (fully stocked up now). I have enjoyed repainting furniture so it can be used in a different room in my house. I have the squares for an afghan I was crocheting for our living room stuffed in a bag in my craft closet. None of those were done from any sense of "nobility," but because they were a way to put to practical use a skill I had and enjoyed using. 

I also have to say that the stuff in my initial post was by no means an exhaustive list of the various things I have explored, because I was focusing on the "creative" itch that I am specifically seeking to scratch. I left off, for example, the fact that I joined a dance studio a few years ago and took classes in a bunch of different styles . . . until I injured my knee and was told by my doctor to knock it off. In the interim, I've been diagnosed with arthritis in both knees in addition to the neuropathy. I'm allowed to walk, bike gently, swim, do the exercises prescribed by the physical therapists and use the mini-trampoline. Anything that potentially twists my knees or involves much in the way of impact is off the table. 

I also didn't mention the hiking and camping I've been experimenting with (when the ugly Florida weather cooperates), because I was focusing on activities that would offer "creative engagement." I've done various kinds of crafts and creative things since my childhood, and that feels like a large and specific hole in my life that is not being filled by the other activities I'm using to kill time.

 

 

Could you teach outdoor and camping skills to youths? I’m not sure what your feelings are about Girl Scouts but that’d be a place to start.

Some people on here have posted about building beds and camping accoutrements into their vehicles. Can you do that? If you don’t have a vehicle to make permanent changes, maybe there are some temporary things you can build.

[Jenny in Florida]

57 minutes ago, pinball said:

Could you teach outdoor and camping skills to youths? I’m not sure what your feelings are about Girl Scouts but that’d be a place to start.

Some people on here have posted about building beds and camping accoutrements into their vehicles. Can you do that? If you don’t have a vehicle to make permanent changes, maybe there are some temporary things you can build.

Interesting concept, but I really don't have enough of a passion for camping or anything like that to turn it into anything other than a personal passtime. 

Also, I drive a Chevy Spark, and my husband drives a MINI Cooper. So, turning either into a camping vehicle -- even if I weren't happy with tent camping -- would be pretty unrewarding.

[Carol in Cal.]

https://www.marthastewart.com/1534972/arm-knit-blanket

[Carol in Cal.]

This doesn't take a lot of precision or dexterity, and you end up with immensely helpful items, particularly the sleeping mat.

Lightweight, and water resistent.

 

[ktgrok]

With machine sewing, or embroidery, or arm knitting, maybe you could create with the idea of donating to an infusion center where people get chemo and dialysis and such? I've heard that a soft blanket can be a nice thing to get the first day, as some of the fluids make them cold. So creating something, choosing various colors/textures, but also practical with an endpoint? 

[Jenny in Florida]

1 hour ago, Carol in Cal. said:

This doesn't take a lot of precision or dexterity, and you end up with immensely helpful items, particularly the sleeping mat.

Lightweight, and water resistent.

Thanks for trying. This is actually, again, something I taught at the library. (I still use a couple of the bags I made while leading that activity.) It's more than is comfortable or pleasant for me to do at the moment, unfortunately.

[cjzimmer1]

Do you like animals?  Between shelters and rescue groups there is a never ending list of needs.  I know one of our local shelters begs people to just come and take walks with a dog.  Probably not very good at filling your "creative juices" but still something that could be enjoyable.

[Jenny in Florida]

32 minutes ago, cjzimmer1 said:

Do you like animals?  Between shelters and rescue groups there is a never ending list of needs.  I know one of our local shelters begs people to just come and take walks with a dog.  Probably not very good at filling your "creative juices" but still something that could be enjoyable.

Love animals and am a regular donor to my local no- (or very low-) kill shelter. I volunteered to be on the planning committee for an upcoming event. I have received a welcome email and been told that all meetings will be virtual. I do not yet have dates or any other information.

I also reached out to inquire about being a driver for their pet food meals on wheels program that delivers pet food and supplies to seniors. They acknowledged my interest but have not followed up. 

They are not currently running training or orientation classes for any of their in-person volunteer programs (including dog walkers and kitten cuddlers).

I have also been on the wait list for over a year for volunteer training at a shelter for women and children (and pets) escaping domestic violence; however, all of their training has been on hold during the pandemic.

[Kanin]

40 minutes ago, cjzimmer1 said:

Do you like animals?  Between shelters and rescue groups there is a never ending list of needs.  I know one of our local shelters begs people to just come and take walks with a dog.  Probably not very good at filling your "creative juices" but still something that could be enjoyable.

I wonder if shelters are letting people foster animals, even if you can't go in the building. Or maybe a different organization would set that up. 

[Jenny in Florida]

2 hours ago, ktgrok said:

With machine sewing, or embroidery, or arm knitting, maybe you could create with the idea of donating to an infusion center where people get chemo and dialysis and such? I've heard that a soft blanket can be a nice thing to get the first day, as some of the fluids make them cold. So creating something, choosing various colors/textures, but also practical with an endpoint? 

I'm possibly open to the possibility, although I really just don't find machine sewing (or embroidery which -- wait for it -- I also taught introductory classes in while at the library) especially interesting. What I have found when I have looked at such projects before, though, is that many of those organizations can't accept any donated items that have been exposed to animal fur. And, since I have two cats and a long-haired dog, pretty much anything I make comes complete with animal fur woven right in.

[ktgrok]

6 minutes ago, Jenny in Florida said:

I'm possibly open to the possibility, although I really just don't find machine sewing (or embroidery which -- wait for it -- I also taught introductory classes in while at the library) especially interesting. What I have found when I have looked at such projects before, though, is that many of those organizations can't accept any donated items that have been exposed to animal fur. And, since I have two cats and a long-haired dog, pretty much anything I make comes complete with animal fur woven right in.

Oh, I feel you on the fur! When I was giving away hand sewn masks I had to give the disclaimer these WILL come with pet hair/dander. 

[Carol in Cal.]

Have you considered teaching vegan cooking classes?  When my sister and BIL went vegan, and came to our area with their new (first) baby to visit, I took a vegan class at Whole Foods and was so glad they had it.  I knew some vegan recipes but nothing really hearty enough to be a dinner.  Teh recipes all involved food processors so they were low hand use compared with, say, Chinese food.  

Or maybe see if you could develop a recipe booklet for food bank users for vegan, or low carb, or other special diet cookery.  That's a tall order, I know.  

[Jenny in Florida]

1 minute ago, Kanin said:

I wonder if shelters are letting people foster animals, even if you can't go in the building. Or maybe a different organization would set that up. 

They are, but unfortunately that is a hard no for me. I have a dog who hates/fears other dogs and only kind of gets along with one of the two cats we already have in the house. It would not be a kindness to either the animals I already have or an animal in need to bring any new critters into our circle. (Which is why I donate as generously as I can to organizations and individuals that are able to do that work. One of my co-workers fosters cats, and I have covered medical costs for a couple of those specific animals in addition to making my regular monthly donations to the shelter.)

 

[Jenny in Florida]

22 hours ago, Annie G said:

The Habitat for Humanity chapter in our area actively looks for people to donate lunch and/or snacks for their Saturday work days. They specifically say you can order from a local restaurant or make it in your kitchen. 

I missed this one earlier. I appreciate you mentioning it, since Habitat is one of those organizations I've always wanted to volunteer for "when I have time." Sadly -- and it's interesting how these things obviously vary regionally -- my local chapter doesn't do the lunch thing. I found this on their site:

Will there be water and food provided?

Water is provided on-site. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle to reduce waste and ensure proper hydration. Lunch is not usually provided during the volunteer shift. Volunteers can bring a bagged lunch, go off-site during the lunch break or arrange to have food delivered to the site.

[Jenny in Florida]

On 8/8/2021 at 4:59 PM, Annie G said:

Yours sounds very much like mine, right down to the fingers locking.  I sympathize- I really had to adjust my expectations when I retired and thought I was going to do *all* the things I never had time for.  Mine has improved with diligent brace wearing and modification of activities…took three years. I hope yours improves- it’s so tiring to constantly face activities you just can no longer do. 

Yes, it's very hard to have to acknowledge how much things have changed for me in a very short time. When I think about the fact that it was less than three years ago that I was teaching fiber arts and running the "yarnfiti" installation project, it hits pretty hard.

In theory, now that I have official testing and diagnosis of the carpal tunnel and neuropathy in my upper extremities, I will be referred for an orthopedic consult. We'll see what, if anything, comes of that.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, too.

[Kanin]

1 hour ago, Jenny in Florida said:

They are, but unfortunately that is a hard no for me. I have a dog who hates/fears other dogs and only kind of gets along with one of the two cats we already have in the house. It would not be a kindness to either the animals I already have or an animal in need to bring any new critters into our circle. (Which is why I donate as generously as I can to organizations and individuals that are able to do that work. One of my co-workers fosters cats, and I have covered medical costs for a couple of those specific animals in addition to making my regular monthly donations to the shelter.)

 

Hopefully the volunteering comes back soon then!

[Kanin]

A different volunteer opportunity would be to provide respite for a family with a child with special needs. I'm sure you can do it without any certifications, but if it became something of interest, there are different certifications which are really interesting. BCBAs are behavior analysts, and I think the next level down is RBT(?) and it would be a really good fit for an intelligent, research-passionate person.

[Kanin]

Just now, Kanin said:

A different volunteer opportunity would be to provide respite for a family with a child with special needs. I'm sure you can do it without any certifications, but if it became something of interest, there are different certifications which are really interesting. BCBAs are behavior analysts, and I think the next level down is RBT(?) and it would be a really good fit for an intelligent, research-passionate person.

I was talking to a family member in this field recently, and she said that BCBAs can make quite a lot of money if you're in the right area. If you wanted to volunteer only, so many schools and other organizations would welcome you with open arms. I'm in special education, and I found that many of the people in the field are my kind of people... Pretty nerdy sometimes, in a good way! And enjoy problem solving and working hard on figuring out difficult challenges. The appreciation from parents and caregivers feels really good. Of course the kids are awesome too.

[Harriet Vane]

49 minutes ago, Jenny in Florida said:

Yes, it's very hard to have to acknowledge how much things have changed for me in a very short time. When I think about the fact that it was less than three years ago that I was teaching fiber arts and running the "yarnfiti" installation project, it hits pretty hard.

In theory, now that I have official testing and diagnosis of the carpal tunnel and neuropathy in my upper extremities, I will be referred for an orthopedic consult. We'll see what, if anything, comes of that.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, too.

I get it. I lost quite a lot of hand dexterity and mobility over about five years. I also had to radically change the way I eat. I have regained some but will never be the same. It IS a loss and it is felt each day in the things you miss or do differently. I’m so sorry.

[Annie G]

55 minutes ago, Jenny in Florida said:

I missed this one earlier. I appreciate you mentioning it, since Habitat is one of those organizations I've always wanted to volunteer for "when I have time." Sadly -- and it's interesting how these things obviously vary regionally -- my local chapter doesn't do the lunch thing. I found this on their site:

Will there be water and food provided?

Water is provided on-site. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle to reduce waste and ensure proper hydration. Lunch is not usually provided during the volunteer shift. Volunteers can bring a bagged lunch, go off-site during the lunch break or arrange to have food delivered to the site.

That’s really too bad- the lunch breaks are  often the only chance a volunteer gets to talk to the pros and organizers. Most builds are all business unless you’re a frequent enough volunteer to be known.  They might welcome it if you offered to bring some baked treats just for breaks or something.  But yeah, every chapter is so different. Some let volunteers really help and others kind of relegate them to gofer status no matter what. 

[Jenny in Florida]

2 hours ago, Harriet Vane said:

I get it. I lost quite a lot of hand dexterity and mobility over about five years. I also had to radically change the way I eat. I have regained some but will never be the same. It IS a loss and it is felt each day in the things you miss or do differently. I’m so sorry.

I meant to pick up on the changing diet thing you mentioned earlier. I already eat gluten free (for the past four or five years? I lose track) and vegan (for a little over 20). I have read several articles about arthritis-friendly foods, and my regular daily diet is already pretty close to what is recommended. 

I'd be curious to hear what you found most helpful, though? 

[Carol in Cal.]

4 hours ago, Jenny in Florida said:

I missed this one earlier. I appreciate you mentioning it, since Habitat is one of those organizations I've always wanted to volunteer for "when I have time." Sadly -- and it's interesting how these things obviously vary regionally -- my local chapter doesn't do the lunch thing. I found this on their site:

Will there be water and food provided?

Water is provided on-site. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle to reduce waste and ensure proper hydration. Lunch is not usually provided during the volunteer shift. Volunteers can bring a bagged lunch, go off-site during the lunch break or arrange to have food delivered to the site.

This is how ours is, too.  I found that if I showed up at a site with chocolate chip bars, I was very popular, LOL.  But most people already had their lunches with them, so the usefulness was for dessert or snacks.  

[Drama Llama]

I want to say that I keep reading this title as "Cultivating a new hubby" and thinking I really need to read this thread, in case there is some fertilizer trick I don't know that leads to skill in laundry doing or some such.  

[Harriet Vane]

11 hours ago, Jenny in Florida said:

I meant to pick up on the changing diet thing you mentioned earlier. I already eat gluten free (for the past four or five years? I lose track) and vegan (for a little over 20). I have read several articles about arthritis-friendly foods, and my regular daily diet is already pretty close to what is recommended. 

I'd be curious to hear what you found most helpful, though? 

In my case, three things converged. One is that a connective tissue disorder grew progressively worse, as happens with aging. One is that I think I was gluten intolerant but unaware. And the third is that a devastating abdominal infection ravaged my digestive system. After regular doctors and specialists were unhelpful, I went in desperation to a functional medicine doctor. Lab tests showed both lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance as well as various markers pointing to intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Many do not believe that condition exists or that it is really rare, but it made a lot of sense for me in light of my illness and my symptoms. Also my sister was diagnosed with gout, which is genetic, so I tested and turns out I have that too.

Giving up gluten had the most noticeable effect on joint pain.

Giving up both milk products + gluten was a game changer. My puffiness and swelling and other symptoms visibly and drastically improved.

I avoid gout triggers and eat low sugar as fructose is a trigger. Those things that I want sweetened, often I can use maple syrup (lower fructose). They recommended stevia but I cannot abide the taste.

I cut back eggs to only 1/2x per week at most. 

I stay away from junk food. I do not know what it is that I react to, but I suspect I have a sensitivity to some common food additive. 

I cut out corn and soy for a while. I have learned that whole corn kernels cause flare-ups for me, big time. I do sorta okay with cornmeal products (like polenta) but indulge only every now and then. Soy seems to be okay, though, so I do not monitor that.

When I started, I hoped to get back to “normal.” There has been both rejoicing and mourning—while there has been significant improvement, there is still pain, lack of coordination. Unfortunately aging and chronic conditions are still factors. I try to focus on the gains. Hope this helps.

[Sammish]

You mentioned loom weaving, but not wanting to keep the things you could make, and also having trouble donating because you have a dog. For the past couple of years I've been donating to Pine Ridge Reservation - they're not fussy about people having pets. You can see how to donate to them (and what they're looking for) here. 

I have a rigid heddle loom, which is easier to warp than a traditional table/floor loom. (Although maybe a traditional loom like a Jane would be easier to use?) If you got a larger heddle with it (like a 5 dent) you could make bulky weight scarves, blankets, and ponchos. I have tendonitis in my wrists, and I've found that the loom doesn't aggravate it (and I've seen other people mention similar things online). 

I'm similar to you in that I want my hobby output to feel productive. I love making things for friends and family, and donating to charity scratches that same itch. I recently discovered jelly rolls and made my first race quilt, and it's going in the Pine Ridge box, so if you wanted to quilt (just to vary your crafting) they would love those, too!

[Ausmumof3]

My kids recently did an ink painting class through the library and it was great and the adults really enjoyed it as well.  Because it’s fairly high flow it doesn’t require perfect precision and you can make stunning patterns using alcohol spray, hand sanitiser etc.  I wonder if that or some other kind of paint pouring/high flow paint activity could work?

My grandma used to embroider and crochet beautifully but by the time I was old enough to form memories she couldn’t do any of that because of arthritis.  I have a few of the things she made still.

[Ausmumof3]

https://riotstores.com.au/collections/alcohol-inks-painting
 

If this link works the second video across at the top is similar to what they did.  There is a small amount of squeezing to get the ink drops out but because it’s so liquid the pressure needed it really minimal. 
 

[Jenny in Florida]

2 hours ago, Sammish said:

You mentioned loom weaving, but not wanting to keep the things you could make, and also having trouble donating because you have a dog. For the past couple of years I've been donating to Pine Ridge Reservation - they're not fussy about people having pets. You can see how to donate to them (and what they're looking for) here. 

I have a rigid heddle loom, which is easier to warp than a traditional table/floor loom. (Although maybe a traditional loom like a Jane would be easier to use?) If you got a larger heddle with it (like a 5 dent) you could make bulky weight scarves, blankets, and ponchos. I have tendonitis in my wrists, and I've found that the loom doesn't aggravate it (and I've seen other people mention similar things online). 

I'm similar to you in that I want my hobby output to feel productive. I love making things for friends and family, and donating to charity scratches that same itch. I recently discovered jelly rolls and made my first race quilt, and it's going in the Pine Ridge box, so if you wanted to quilt (just to vary your crafting) they would love those, too!

This is extremely helpful. Thank you!

There is a shop about an hour from me that carries some looms and weaving supplies and is staffed by folks knowledgeable about fiber arts. I may drive out there this weekend and see if I can look at/handle some stuff in person and get a feel for whether this would work for me.  I'm a little concerned about the set-up required, but I'm very interested to explore. I have always wanted to learn to weave, and this may give me the excuse I needed.

[Jenny in Florida]

1 hour ago, Ausmumof3 said:

https://riotstores.com.au/collections/alcohol-inks-painting
 

If this link works the second video across at the top is similar to what they did.  There is a small amount of squeezing to get the ink drops out but because it’s so liquid the pressure needed it really minimal. 
 

That's beautiful. I have used some alcohol inks on the mixed media/collage things I was doing for a while, but I've never tried using them on their own.

[Pam in CT]

(( hugs ))

It sounds like connection / collaborating with other people is an essential ingredient for what you're looking for.

I'd encourage you to not overthink what would constitute a hypothetical "perfect fit" activity, and just.... TRY any old opportunity at hand, and see how it goes.  Like forex Habitat -- you sign up for a one-day commitment at whatever build is doing volunteer action on the particular day that works for your schedule.  They get a lot of senior volunteers and they're very accustomed to matching assignments to whatever folks are able to do.  You'll meet a handful of (self-selecting) people and see how it goes.

(Or any other organization in the area.  Just give it a go, for a couple of tries, and see.  Decision paralysis, and a litany of reasons why this or that or the other will not work, is the depression talking.) 

(( hugs ))