Yes! I love watercolor journaling. I find that nature journaling in general is one of the only times my mind completely shuts off and I find myself fully in the moment.
This newsletter and a comment by a colleague on Facebook have led me into a more experimental phase with the book that I'm writing. I really want to return writing to play again, give it some space to try different things. Just bought rhubarb at our local market to make some jam this week, as preserving is such a joyful hobby for me. Loved seeing your painting, Meg. I can see you doing it on the trail too.
I've been learning to value of 'play,' and knowing when my Work (meaning my larger writing projects) is coming from that space. I believe the playfulness is an indication that, for me, the work is coming from a place beyond me - an adornment that this is the work I'm meant to pursue. Of course, I understand what hard work feels like. :) It can feel good but I'm learning the difference between work that I'm forcing and work that's stretching me.
I plan to do some plein-air watercolours this summer; really looking forward to that!
And I grow heaps of rhubarb; wish I could just bring you some!
Thank you for this edition and for sharing your thoughts. If that is your painting of the tree then you have found a beautiful hobby. If per chance any other art works were to land in Field Notes then I for one would not object. I do look forward to seeing these Notes as I sit here in dear old Blighty. 🇬🇧 Thank you. Rob G
I can relate to this so much and yes, I do think it's a mid-life kind of thing...I seem to enjoy the quiet life more for every year that passes and I'm OK with that:)
I guess it depends on how you define "hobby"...Many of the friluftsliv activities that I enjoy probably qualify in the traditional sense of the word, even though camping, hiking and skiing feel more like a lifestyle to me.
I was thinking about this concept this morning before I read your comment... how the idea of friluftsliv distinguishes from 'hobbies.' I can see how the line will become murky when, for instance, I take my paints outside and into my interactions with the outdoors/nature.
Where I see a distinction, I think, is this: reading can be a hobby; taking your book outside to read in a hammock and listen to birds might be friluftsliv? But I suppose friluftsliv also invites us to bring the outdoors in. Yesterday I picked some lilacs (from my own garden) and brought them in to paint.
It's quite interesting to think about and personally I love that we don't need to define it. I was just interested to know if you had any particular 'hobbies' that might fall outside of anything you do for work or lifestyle.
Yes! I love watercolor journaling. I find that nature journaling in general is one of the only times my mind completely shuts off and I find myself fully in the moment.
Yes, it’s engrossing that way!
This newsletter and a comment by a colleague on Facebook have led me into a more experimental phase with the book that I'm writing. I really want to return writing to play again, give it some space to try different things. Just bought rhubarb at our local market to make some jam this week, as preserving is such a joyful hobby for me. Loved seeing your painting, Meg. I can see you doing it on the trail too.
I've been learning to value of 'play,' and knowing when my Work (meaning my larger writing projects) is coming from that space. I believe the playfulness is an indication that, for me, the work is coming from a place beyond me - an adornment that this is the work I'm meant to pursue. Of course, I understand what hard work feels like. :) It can feel good but I'm learning the difference between work that I'm forcing and work that's stretching me.
I plan to do some plein-air watercolours this summer; really looking forward to that!
And I grow heaps of rhubarb; wish I could just bring you some!
Thank you for this edition and for sharing your thoughts. If that is your painting of the tree then you have found a beautiful hobby. If per chance any other art works were to land in Field Notes then I for one would not object. I do look forward to seeing these Notes as I sit here in dear old Blighty. 🇬🇧 Thank you. Rob G
That is my tree, yes. :) I love how easily watercolours lend themselves to painting things found in nature.
I can relate to this so much and yes, I do think it's a mid-life kind of thing...I seem to enjoy the quiet life more for every year that passes and I'm OK with that:)
Do you have any 'hobbies', Linda?
I guess it depends on how you define "hobby"...Many of the friluftsliv activities that I enjoy probably qualify in the traditional sense of the word, even though camping, hiking and skiing feel more like a lifestyle to me.
I was thinking about this concept this morning before I read your comment... how the idea of friluftsliv distinguishes from 'hobbies.' I can see how the line will become murky when, for instance, I take my paints outside and into my interactions with the outdoors/nature.
Where I see a distinction, I think, is this: reading can be a hobby; taking your book outside to read in a hammock and listen to birds might be friluftsliv? But I suppose friluftsliv also invites us to bring the outdoors in. Yesterday I picked some lilacs (from my own garden) and brought them in to paint.
It's quite interesting to think about and personally I love that we don't need to define it. I was just interested to know if you had any particular 'hobbies' that might fall outside of anything you do for work or lifestyle.