Hobbies

When my husband and I retired, we decided to turn our hobbies into small businesses. I write and publish children’s books. He makes toys and has a whole array of “testers” eager for his next invention. Our grandchildren are happy. Our friends’ grandchildren are happy. My husband is thrilled.

I decided to decorate my end of our shared workspace with the hobbies of our friends – evocative oil paintings, some color and some black and white photographs, watercolors. They each mean something to me. They each recall time spent together. They each make me smile when I look up from my keyboard.

Some hobbies are just for you. Some you can share. Some you can teach. Some you can sell. My dad was an outdoorsman. I have mementos of his fishing and climbing hobbies all over our house. My mother-in-law collected teapots. I had one aunt who used to send me themed salt and pepper shakers. Every time I see an odd set of shakers on a table, I think of Aunt Sarah.

Hobbies are never trivial. They are often what define you, how you are remembered. Indulging in your dream pastimes is one of the many, many, many perks of being a senior citizen. Enjoy!