Three Simple Hobbies: Share Your Ideas
It must be something about spring. The fresh breezes, the longer evenings, the new growth (looks like everything survived the winter!)… I’m not sure what exactly causes that spring sense of purpose, but I’m absolutely caught up in it. I want to start new things, try new experiences, and cook new foods. So this week, I want to hear from everyone else who’s caught spring fever: what are some easy hobbies to start?
What kinds of hobbies are a) easy to start, b) have low cost barriers, or c) are simple to enjoy? Here are my suggestions, and I’m very much hoping to get some good ideas from readers:
1. Photography. All you need is camera, and you can have tons of fun learning new techniques, taking horrible action shots, and creating accidental masterpieces. I love playing with light and angles, but still have a lot to learn.
2. Tackling a reading list. Sometimes the idea of just reading doesn’t light a spark. But working through a reading list can be super fun. You’ve got motivation, a list of books that should appeal directly to your interests, and you get to feel like a smarty pants as you dig deep into a genre. I’m putting together a dystopic fiction list, with The Declaration at the top, and I can’t wait. (P.S.: If you’re a book junkie, feel free to friend me on GoodReads.com as sarasmile215.)
3. Golf. Seriously. I’ve had a lot of fun sucking at golf. A couple of hand-me-down clubs and some whiffle balls for practice, and you can have quite an enjoyable afternoon. Even playing a full game with my husband is pretty fun, especially when there are margaritas at the end. Don’t let the people who take golf super-seriously discourage you from giving casual golf a try. (Just be sure to let them play through…)
Alright, spill it: what simple hobby recommendations do you have? Please share any ideas in the comments!
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This post has 27 comments
April 15th, 2009
Since when did photography have a low cost to start? Sure, you can take some pictures with any old camera . . . but to call that photography is a little strange.
April 15th, 2009
I’d love to NOT be intimidated by photography! It just seems like there is so much to know…
I’ve got a guitar in the basement that I “started to learn to play” about 10 years ago. I’m thinking about breaking that out this Spring and giving it another shot.
PS I’m jealous that things are actually growing where you live. The snow hasn’t even finished melting here!
Adam Steer – Better’s Betters last blog post..The Steve Jobs Workout – Bodyweight Exercises For the Virtual Nomad
April 15th, 2009
1) Jogging – all you need is a good pair of shoes
2) Bird Watching – get some binoculars and a bird book to identify what you see.
3) Hiking – go out and find all the nature trails in your area and take a hike
Chase Marchs last blog post..Bottled Water Debate
April 15th, 2009
Well gardening is a good one for sure to pick up in the Spring – I totally have visions of seeding my lawn and starting a little herb and veggie garden.
I don’t know if Spring Cleaning is considered a hobby, but there’s something about the sunshine coming through my windows that makes me want to spruce everything up.
Allegras last blog post..Awesome Item of the Day
April 15th, 2009
Walking, reading, and geocaching.
http://www.geocaching.com
Not the lowest startup cost (although yes, lower than photography), but a great way to get outside and find the neat little spots you didn’t know were there. There’s a nature preserve within two miles of my house, and it took geocaching for me to find it.
April 15th, 2009
Hey Sara,
Photography is one for me! With cameras now a days you can do some pretty amazing things without all the different filters and lenses.
Cooking- I love trying new and exotic dishes. Ever walk through the produce department, see a fruit or veggie and think “wow what’s THAT? and what ever would you use it for?” I do. So buy it and find a recipe that uses it. Experiment and have fun.
Knitting- I know…stop laughing. I really got into it a few years ago knitting scarves, hats and blankets. It’s a great hobby to do in the winter and really doesn’t cost a whole lot.
Sherri (Serene Journey)s last blog post..When Life Gives You Lemons…Use Them!
April 15th, 2009
Thank you for this post, that’s a great idea to share our simple hobbies
I would say :
- photography ; of course if someone don’t already have a camera, it may be expensive to begin)
- cooking ; even if I’m not a good cooker, but I still can be better
- write ; this is my fav and easier hobby, but I need to do more and more
Ambiomes last blog post..L’art du désencombrement
April 15th, 2009
Great post. I love thinking about new things to start. Here are some of my ideas:
1. Start blogging. It’s free (or cheap) and you can do it whenever you want to.
2. Get into walking. Whether you live in a city or in the middle of nowhere (I mean, the country), you can enjoy getting out and seeing the sites around you.
3. Sample some free classes. A lot of yoga/dance studios will let you try out a class. The classes are probably pretty pricey, but if you really enjoy it, it will be worth it.
4. Search for great sites online. Now that I’ve started blogging, I have been on the hunt for great, relevant websites (like this one!).
Can’t wait to read more ideas. This is fun!
Positively Presents last blog post..this IS it
April 15th, 2009
I’m also a photog! It’s great fun and a wonderful way to explore your surroundings.
I’m creative by nature and photography is a relaxing outlet for me. I also enjoy painting and sketching, though it’s not so easy to spend time creating a masterpiece with a 3yr old who wants to help!
I love berry picking! Here in Nova Scotia in late summer & fall we have an abundance of blackberries, bluenerries and cranberries. I really enjoy the process of “hunting for them” and baking with them, canning etc.
Hiking is a great hobby. Look for local hiking groups in your area. It’s a wonderful way to get to meet new people and hike safely in groups, especially if you don’t know the area.
I also love baking. I’ve been teaching myself to make verious breads and take great pride in the fruits of my labour. It’s not that hard to do. While yes it takes some time, if you’re home anyways it doesn’t really matter.
My latest hobby is reading great blogs like this one!
April 15th, 2009
I’ve just started knitting – I’ve known the basics for years, but haven’t really made anything. I’ve made one small bag and am now working on a more ambitious bag (ok, I love bags). Spring is a good time to find a knitting group in the area and go for it. To make it even cheaper, buy old wool or cotton sweaters from the thrift stores and learn to “frog” them to re-use the yarn.
April 15th, 2009
A great way to keep fit and supple and enjoy music is bellydance. I haven’t tried it but my friends can’t seem to get enough.
freelance writing queens last blog post..The Words We Speak
April 15th, 2009
I knew there would be some great ideas! I could definitely get into taking classes and being a more experimental cook. And about the photography (forehead smack), I made the assumption that a lot of folks had a camera around for family and vacation pictures and the like, but hadn’t tried doing more with it. Bad assumption it sounds like!
April 15th, 2009
A good hobby that can be enjoyed for a lifetime is chess. There are many sites to choose on the internet but my favorite is chess.com.
I also enjoy reading very much especially books on tape or CD–I usually get them from the library.
April 15th, 2009
Great ideas. Sewing is also a good hobby… my favorites are writing, walking, and cooking.
Sagans last blog post..Life Lessons: On Being (Too) Nice
April 15th, 2009
My favorite cheap hobby is reading blogs.
Roger – A Content Lifes last blog post..What’s Your Favorite Charity?
April 15th, 2009
I’m a big fan of asking my friends and family for hobbies. Someone usually has an old manual camera, a pair of knitting needles, an old bike, or a guitar lying around. They’re usually more than happy to loan stuff out.
SavvyChristines last blog post..Why Live Simply?
April 15th, 2009
1. Learning a new language.
2. Yoga.
3. Blogging and reading blogs.
Now, if I didn’t do so much of #3, I’d have more time for #1 and #2.
kirwins last blog post..5 vegan recipes an omnivore will love
April 15th, 2009
Tennis! I took a few lessons and I’m loving it.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..Patient Parenting: Five Tried And Tested Tips
April 15th, 2009
If you are an amateur golfer, don’t take score, it helps keep focus on the fun.
Coloring. My 19 year old niece reminded me of this. A coloring book and some pencils or crayons is extremely relaxing.
Dirks last blog post..US Financial Bailout
April 15th, 2009
Here are my three favorite hobbies:
1. Reading – I love walking through bookstores and just seeing whatever catches my eye. Same goes with magazines. I just love to read.
2. Baking – I absolutely love to bake. Every Sunday I make chocolate chip pancakes and it is so much fun. As is making cupcakes!
3. Walking is another one of my favorites. It is nice to walk along the beach or in the city. You always see all kinds of stuff.
Nadia – Happy Lotuss last blog post..High Beam to Success
April 15th, 2009
1 (a/b/c). Jogging/walking/biking.
2. arts/crafts. it’s easy to go cheap by just using whatever materials are around, supplemented as necessary by a cheap box of crayons or watercolors.
3. gardening. it can be as much or little as you want, and seed packets don’t cost much. it can even be done in containers on windowsills and fire escapes, not just in the country or suburbs.
adam | iHappy.mes last blog post..happy haiku wednesday
April 15th, 2009
1. Blogging – find something you like to talk about or want to explore and then blog on it.
I really want to say learn a language here but I guess it is not simple just because it takes a long time and requires you to stick with during the sucky beginning. Otherwise it is simple, millions of babies can do it.
Jarrod – Warrior Developments last blog post..Progress is All About the Gradient
April 15th, 2009
1. Music listener. Never gets old and the internet has everything.
2. Nature buff. Take a walk – chances are your neighborhood or town has somewhere cool you’ve never been.
3. Reader or purveyor of knowledge. Vist the library (heck, they even have movies now at mine!). ’nuff said.
Christophers last blog post..No Stopping Five-Year-Old Girl with New Legs
April 16th, 2009
Great ideas.
Mine…tennis, poetry, power walking (without the goofy stride and arms going wild, Ha!)
Servants last blog post..Did you get your ears lowered?
April 17th, 2009
Photography has been on the top of my list for ages. I am looking to take some classes in an effort to take is more seriously.
Reading has always been my number one hobby. That will never change.
Yoga is going to be my next attempt. I have been dabbling in it but would like to take it more seriously.
April 21st, 2009
Knitting! and trading in the markets, not exactly simple/relaxing, but fun!
JaneySs last blog post..How Do Mutual Funds Work?
April 22nd, 2009
Embroidery. needs only a needle and thread, lots of free vintage beautiful patterns on the internet. Needs only four basic stitches to make beautiful work.
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