When You're in That Flow, You Know

What hobbies do you enjoy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.


I’m sure we’ve all been in spaces where we had to introduce ourselves to a new group of people, and we’re asked to tell a little about ourselves, including maybe a hobby or two. I cringed at that question because I could never share an exciting hobby. I have read all my life, since I was a young girl, and enjoy it, but I don’t get to do it as often as I want to. I never really thought of it as an exciting hobby until I gave it some more thought.

I enjoy reading about upcoming books, going to author talks and listening to authors speak about their writing process, the characters, and what they’re working on next. I also especially enjoy getting my book signed by the author and talking to other like-minded people about books at author events. I enjoy all of it, and I finally realized that reading is not just a hobby, but an exciting one.

Here’s what you’ve shared about your passions and pursuits

Wreath-making

Years ago, I had a bad case of the winter blues. I found out about a local wreath-making workshop being offered, so I signed up, hoping that it would pick up my spirits and help get me into a more festive holiday mood. In the 2-hour class, I created the most beautiful wreath. I also had fun doing it so much that I decided to get busy making wreaths to give as gifts that year. I can’t tell you how much people loved their handmade wreaths. Many said it made them feel extra special, which warmed my heart. Doing something creative for myself and for others really turned things around for me that year. Now I enjoy using my imagination to make wreaths for all seasons, holidays and celebrations.

Erica Jones, 49, Memphis, TN

Flower Arrangement

I’ve enjoyed flowers since I was a young girl, and I remember thinking that I was meant to love them because of their connection to my name, Rosey. My mother worked as a bookkeeper for a florist before I was born, and she helped the owner with floral orders from time to time. Growing up, she shared little flower arranging lessons with me.
I decided to decorate the school cafeteria for one of my student election campaigns, and I wanted to incorporate flowers. My mom suggested I ask a local florist for the flowers she planned to throw away, and my mom showed me how to clean them up and arrange them. They turned out so pretty that some students assumed we bought them, so I had to appear before my school’s student-run election board because I was accused of exceeding the campaign budget limit. I took that as a major compliment to my flower-arranging skills! I’ve taken a couple of flower arranging classes since then, and I’d love to do more when life slows down.

Rosey Lee, 48, Atlanta, GA

Crochet

In 2004, I was experiencing several personal losses and was inspired when I saw a woman crocheting on TV. I checked out a book and a VHS tape from the library to teach myself to crochet. It was a perfect way to sit quietly to process thoughts and feelings while creating something beautiful.
I love the sensory experience—the beautiful colors of the yarn and the soft feel of it in my hands. It feels like a small accomplishment with every stitch. In 2018, I took a knitting class and then a sewing class. Learning these skills has allowed me to donate warm clothing and baby items to several organizations. At some point, I became aware that my great-grandmother was also a crocheter. I now have some of her items, including a doll with an entire crocheted outfit--a dress, hat, purse, and bloomers. So, this hobby has become a lovely way to extend a legacy.

Tikenya Foster-Singletary, 50, Snellville, GA

Gardening

Currently, I am obsessed with gardening to grow cut flowers for arrangements! I had a landscaper design my yard about 10 years ago to feature mostly perennials, but I do have a bed for annuals. I took her suggestions. Then I started following gardening blogs on what to plant based on [where I live] and how much sun and shade I get. My blooming perennials include four types of hydrangeas and peonies. I also grow daffodils, and I just added irises. My annual bed includes tulips (annuals in the South), cosmos, and zinnia. My garden hobby brings me joy.

Renata Dennis, 66, Georgia

Collecting classic movie posters

When I was a little kid, I used to cut pictures out of Ebony and Jet magazines, make collages out of the photos and post them all over my walls. Collecting movie posters is a natural extension of that practice. I began collecting classic movie posters as a teenager. I love being reminded of the significance of the film at a particular moment in time and history. I had "Purple Rain," "The Terminator" and "The Color Purple" posters on my wall. I thought movie posters were beautiful and larger than life. They kept the experience of watching a movie on the big screen going after it ended. I didn’t realize you could buy movie posters until I found them in a record store in the mall. They had a bunch of movie posters, and I was hooked. Instead of creating my own posters, I curate already-made movie posters instead.

Nsenga Burton, 52, Washington, DC

Literature

Ever since I learned to read, I have been an avid and voracious reader. An avid reader herself, my mother would bring us in at dusk to read books. When there were no new books to read, she encouraged us to read the dictionary, which we did. I grew up loving words and the worlds they opened up for me. Poet Emily Dickinson wrote, “There is no frigate like a book.” As a girl growing up on a farm that provided all of our food—if we didn’t grow it, we didn’t eat it—books spurred my imagination. They brought new worlds and people into my world, where I walked barefoot down the dirt road in front of our house.
While in the 5th grade, I read every book in the library. As much as I loved reading, I never considered being an English professor until I read Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey. I was so enthralled by the Greek gods and goddesses that I prayed to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, when I took my first test. At that moment, I knew that my life would be spent reading books and sharing their magic, beauty, and power with others. And that is what I have been doing for the past 36 years, reading and teaching literature at a university.

Georgene Bess, 62, Suitland, MD

Horseback Riding

I enjoy keeping busy and doing things that I find enjoyable. One of my fun things to do when I have time is riding horses. I am an animal lover, and growing up, we had various household pets. The first time I rode a horse was when I was in college in New Mexico. I fell in love with how calming horses are and just being around them. I took a class to learn the basics and be more comfortable on the horse. Going on a group trail ride through the woods or fields is relaxing and allows you to enjoy nature. I don’t go as often as I would like, but I really enjoy the time that I do spend with the horses and being outdoors.

Diana L. DePina, 66, Georgia

What hobbies do you enjoy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.