Hobbies...We Don't Need No Stinkin' Hobbies

The number of hobbies in the world is equal to the number of stars. Though, that may be hyperbole. You get my point. During the pandemic, two subjects dominated the news—the Covid (naturally) and hobbies. People were making sourdough, exercising, knitting or painting, or some other activity that I can't think of at this moment. 

Not me. 

I didn’t acquire a new one. First, I’m an author of historical romance so writing is my career. I’ve always read, which led to the author part of my life. I don’t cook or bake. My hands aren’t made for knitting anymore (too much typing among other factors) and painting—no, I don’t want to invest in art supplies besides, I live in New York City. I don’t have the space. 

But I must admit that I have been thinking of acquiring a new one. Something to help me reduce my anxiety, stress and just to escape boredom. Then it dawned on me. When I have free time, I don’t want to do anything. I want to sit down or lie down and let my mind stop working. 

We don’t need to be busy every minute of the day. We can relax, be bored and do nothing. 

That sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it? Lives have enough happening to fill the twenty-four hours of the day. Family, friends, pets, work, home, self-care. So, I say your new hobby has to be doing nothing. You deserve it. 

Seeking Comfort In All Its Forms

 Life is filled with those moments when comfort is the only medicine needed. Most people think of comfort food, perhaps something that your mother cooked for you or that place where you stopped off to pick up your favorite treat or meal. 

Yet, comforts in life can be found in different areas besides food. Such as comfort television or movies and books. For me, I have my comfort television shows, movies, and of course, books.  Those films and shows I’ve watched so many times that it borders on embarrassment and obsessiveness still feel like a warm blanket that cocoons me from the outside world and lets me escape. As for the books, well, I’ve had to purchase numerous copies since the binding fell apart and pages fluttered away.

Those comforts for me are The Big Bang Theory, Hot Fuzz, Galaxy Quest, Wicked by Jill Barnett as well as Dreaming by the same author. I also cannot forget Julie Garwood’s historical romances.  For me, these items are like a safe haven when life needs to be escaped from. Now, that the world seems to be opening up again, I think we can all use some comfort. Why? 

Because it can feel overwhelming, anxious, and for some downright scary. 

For me, this past year has been easy. Luckily, no one in my family caught Covid-19 but I know people who succumb to the virus. Yet, while people complained about not being about to go out and socialize, I loved it. Yes, I’m an introvert but also I’m chronically ill so for the past year, I found some understanding and for those that don’t I can tell them that my life was like the lockdown. I have to prepare to go out and set up for my return when I come home spent for being out. 

I’m not the only one who feels this way. Life became harder for all. And those without pre-existing conditions or disabilities, now have a way of explaining parts of our lives to others. That in itself is a comfort. So, while the world opens up and people return to their lives, I will be here with my comforts and hoping you all have a good and safe time. 

What are your comforts? Share them with me. 

Drawing a Blank

 The eighteenth of every month is my day to blog. Some months I have a topic or at the very least, an idea. This month I got nada, nothing, just an empty mental jar in need of ideas. 

For an author, that's bad. Stress flares and the inner voice grows more demanding, berating you with "Think. Think. You gotta have something." 

Of course, the effect is you have nothing and nothing can or does spring to mind.

So, you try to do some activity to distract yourself or hopefully, find inspiration: Social media, games, reading, talking, or Hemmingway's solution--a drink. 

But maybe no ideas present themselves. So then what...Well, nothing. 

Life is stressful. We are living during a pandemic, people are sick, too many have died, people have lost jobs and are worried about caring for families.

I wish I had a solution. I won't tell you it will be alright. I don't know that but I hope that it will be. 

Maybe, you'll do what I and others do: take a breath, scream out the frustration. 

Hopefully, a solution will come to you and make life less stressful and life, yours, mine, ours, will get better. 

That's my holiday wish for all of us in 2021. A better life.