View Full Version : What is Your Favorite Hobby?
What is your favorite hobby?
I used to enjoy reading and embroidery but my eyes can't do it as much now.
But, I found a new hobby in 2010 when the federal census was going on.
It is genealogy/family history, and I will brag and say I am awesome at it!
No one had been able to trace my family trees because the volunteers had the names listed wrong in the basic typed systems.
So, over 6 years, I have traced by looking for first names, ages, locations and such.
I have found stuff that no one else could find.
However, I still have about 3 huge brick walls (that is what genealogists call it we can't find anything more).
Some things that I have learned is that a lot what we have been told about marriages in the past were lies.
People did get divorced in the 1800s (and sometimes before that), especially after the American Civil War because men often got involved with new women in other states while fighting.
Bigamy was not illegal until 1861 because the government was worried about the influence of the Latter Day Saints. So, Abraham Lincoln signed a law making it illegal. However, men were married to several wives and they had kids by those women (we are talking men who were not Latter Day Saints). They had a choice to divorce one or more wives or to break the law. Also, it takes a long time for the news about bigamy being illegal to the backwoods of nowhere so a lot of men kept doing it.
Girls did have babies out-of-wedlock and sometimes there are records of it happening (1500s through 1800s). Women could file a complaint against a man and it was called a b------- bond to collect payment. I am not going to write the word because I find the word despicable. Back when I was a kid, I was told that this never happened.
Many families (or single people) took in orphaned children but there are no records for most of these. Sometimes parents died or just walked off and left a bunch of kids in a cabin alone. All children were considered workers, so boys were desired to do the farm chores. I have noticed that widowed couples or women tended to adopt girls (probably to have someone take care of them in their old age.) If you wanted an orphan, then there wasn't a lot of paperwork to do because no one worried about it.
A large percentage of the population died of consumption/tuberculosis, and many people thought it was an STD similar to syphylis. (people also died from that).
I have notebooks filled with information but can't do on-site research to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle.
It is weird though because sometimes someone will find new information to help fill in the information and that just leads to more questions.
So, what is your favorite hobby?
mschrisgo2
9-10-16, 12:48am
My favorite hobby is quilt piecing. I LOVE fabric and colors and textures and sewing makes me happy! I also enjoy scrapbooking and other paper arts, again, for the colors and textures.
Interesting about the genealogy. I dabbled in it a bit but my sister-in-law is working on my family's history and has made several errors and won't listen to my corrections, so I've given up.
But I noticed occupants listed in the census records who were not family; my mother explained that it was almost expected that a family "take on a boarder" or "home an orphan" in "the old days."
My favorite hobby is quilt piecing. I LOVE fabric and colors and textures and sewing makes me happy! I also enjoy scrapbooking and other paper arts, again, for the colors and textures.
Interesting about the genealogy. I dabbled in it a bit but my sister-in-law is working on my family's history and has made several errors and won't listen to my corrections, so I've given up.
But I noticed occupants listed in the census records who were not family; my mother explained that it was almost expected that a family "take on a boarder" or "home an orphan" in "the old days."
My grandmother was a quilter especially baby quilts to earn cash.
Your right about the boarders and orphans - it was their duty because most places didn't have old folks homes or places for disabled or orphans.
I think it many cases, people had lost children and wanted to do the right thing.
I have read of some bad adoption cases but there were good ones too back in those days when they didn't do any screening.
Some of my ancestors had children from the age of 13 to into their 70s - multiple wives.
Then the oldest siblings in their 40s and 50s ended up taking in the youngest half-siblings to raise. I have a 3 times great grandmother who had an early marriage to an old guy - had 10 kids, he dies - she then had a child without a marriage, then got married again and had one child, that husband died, then she got married again and had one more child, then he died. I have read she married again but the records are missing or I haven't found it. Anyway, her older children ended up raising the youngest two. Apparently, she had a bit of a reputation for getting married to old guys who died right away.
greenclaire
9-10-16, 3:33am
I make dollhouse and miniature things. I like the research part and learning techniques as you get to do a bit of sewing, painting, designing, modelling, wood carving etc.
I'm in the middle of a 1930s style mock-tudor house of the type which are very popular around here but now I'm back at work progress has definitely slowed!
Shooting and scuba diving are currently competing for my attention.
Another quilter here. In fact, I am in upper Michigan at a retreat. Some amazing women here and many national award winners. (not me.) One woman drives one of the world's biggest trucks at a coal mine in Wyoming.
Painting and gardening are my main interests. I love learning about others' interests so thanks for this thread. I do have a quilt started with a horse's head in the centre surrounded by a horseshoe and I was thinking just yesterday that I should take it in to the quilt store nearby to see what I need to do to complete it for my eldest daughter for whom it was intended about 30 years ago:|(
Drawing, genealogy, permaculture, and running.
A couple of years ago I did a lot of blogging, but it just fizzled out.
Reading fiction. Watching Star Trek from start to finish. Riding my bike. Homeschooling my 9 year old grandson one day a week in math. Going to coffee shops with my two best friends.
Crochet, just finished the 5 lb afgan for my nephew to have at college. I have a few baby things to finish, and I like to do free form style, not so many patterns and rules. People keep sending me yarn so I keep going,
Is meditating a hobby? I do a lot of that and go on retreats and hang out with Buddhists.
Quilting (the piecing and actual quilting), reading, gardening...............no order of Favorite:cool:
I have an interview this week to become a Big Sister through BigBrothersBigSisters of Southern Nevada. I also will begin volunteering at my local GoodWill to help students prepare for state licensing exams and teaching immigrants a course in "Cultural Literacy" to teach them about American traditions, social patterns, etc.
My hobby is dabbling. I've dabbled in drawing, painting, mixed media, quilting, beading, metalwork, precious metal clay, polymer clay, crochet, knitting, fashion sewing, genealogy...I'm sure I've forgotten something. I amuse myself by amassing pictures of polymer work--of which I have thousands--that I will turn over to a polymer guild some day. Cynthia Tinnaple's Flickr site gives an idea of how versatile a medium polymer is: https://www.flickr.com/photos/polymerclay/collections/
I've always been a reader, and a voracious collector of (mostly) useless information. Not sure that's a hobby.
freshstart
9-10-16, 12:42pm
I was a reader, 2-3 books a week (I must have been a fast reader, looking back now) but then since the neuro incident it takes me almost a month to read a book. I'm not giving that up and plan to someday read like I used to if it kills me. Right now my new glasses are progressives and the reading area is not working out, I have to go back again to the optician's. I also like to needlepoint pillows based right now on Klimt paintings. But making them into pillow is outside my skill set and is expensive so far I've just done them for fun with a vague plan to getting them made into pillows in the future. I have not tried this since the neuro thing but I finally feel like trying it once I get the glasses straightened out
IshbelRobertson
9-10-16, 1:54pm
Like Jane, I rejoice in being a dabbler. I love tapestry, which I have done since I was a child. I loved knitting, but had to give up because of my arthritic fingers. Genealogy, but have hit brick walls back in the early 1500s. Trying to visit every Standing stones site in Scotland, but this will probably outlast my lifetime! Reading... i love tartan noir writers like Stuart McBride, Ian Rankin and Quintin Jardine.
Teacher Terry
9-10-16, 2:16pm
Knitting, reading and taking long walks. A friend taught me to knit about 7 years ago and i knit many scarfs for the homeless as well as things for family & friends.
Gosh.....it would be hard to pick just one.......Gardening, water gardening, bird watching, cooking, riding my car through the woods, jigsaw puzzles, cross stitch, nature........ I can't pick just one. :)
Tracking humans in wilderness and rural areas.
Tracking humans in wilderness and rural areas.
I saw a movie something like that. As I recall it didn't end well. ;)
frugal-one
9-10-16, 4:07pm
I love playing the American version of Mah-jongg! I call it my brain exercise. I am really bummed if I can't go. I also like trying new recipes. I am always studying something and love to read. I love to travel and try new things! The days are not long enough!
I need to buy a cheap jigsaw puzzle at the dollar store.
Never played Mah jongg - but now I want to.
Bae- that is rather scary!
Tried knitting and crocheting and it isn't part of my skill set
I can read better without my Progressives but probably need new ones but not in the budget right now (those are not those $100 bargains as advertised on TV).
Gardenarian
9-11-16, 1:03am
Reading, bicycling (more transportation than hobby,) drawing, writing, observing nature, gardening, dancing, archery, piano, guitar, archery, calligraphy, playing with my dogs, theater, DIY. I'm a dilettante.
Walking/hiking has been my favorite thing; I have a wonky sacroiliac joint that's making that very painful right now. Nix on yoga, too.
Reading, bicycling (more transportation than hobby,) drawing, writing, observing nature, gardening, dancing, archery, piano, guitar, archery, calligraphy, playing with my dogs, theater, DIY. I'm a dilettante.
Walking/hiking has been my favorite thing; I have a wonky sacroiliac joint that's making that very painful right now. Nix on yoga, too.
Gosh, I wish we could meet IRL. We have many similar interests!
Neat thread. Simple question, but I'm learning new things about everyone.
Reading.
Can whiskey be a hobby?
Walking, not over-earnest hiking, just walking.
Can charitable work be considered a hobby?
Trying to raise a child who can think for herself, support herself and enjoy herself without drifting into selfishness.
Crossword puzzles. There, I've admitted it.
I forgot crossword puzzles. I dabbled in Cryptic crosswords for awhile--try those, great fun.
Also origami and needlepoint. I'd be a walker, and maybe I will be again; goes with nature "study."
iris lilies
9-11-16, 1:23pm
I make dollhouse and miniature things. I like the research part and learning techniques as you get to do a bit of sewing, painting, designing, modelling, wood carving etc.
I'm in the middle of a 1930s style mock-tudor house of the type which are very popular around here but now I'm back at work progress has definitely slowed!
I love miniatures. Love them! I had a very small collection started 40 years ago, and i stopped there because I was afraid it would become an all consuming hobby. I used to read Nutshell News at the library (is that even still i. Publication?) I have even attended miniature shows without buying anything.
A few years ago I gathered up the small items .i owned and donated them to our local miniature club. They maintain a "museum" in the city that is kind of nice. I feel such a pull toward miniatures but am fearfull of al, of the crap that will bring into my life, so nope, wont go there.
greenclaire
9-11-16, 2:38pm
I love miniatures. Love them! I had a very small collection started 40 years ago, and i stopped there because I was afraid it would become an all consuming hobby. I used to read Nutshell News at the library (is that even still i. Publication?) I have even attended miniature shows without buying anything.
A few years ago I gathered up the small items .i owned and donated them to our local miniature club. They maintain a "museum" in the city that is kind of nice. I feel such a pull toward miniatures but am fearfull of al, of the crap that will bring into my life, so nope, wont go there.
Yes, it isn't a great hobby for decluttering and a minimalist type lifestyle as you do quickly accumulate things! Ebay is my main vice as I keep seeing houses on there that need some TLC and it takes a lot of will power to stop myself buying them.
printslicker
9-12-16, 10:50am
I love cooking, baking and photography.
Kayaking is my big one.
I also like to sew a little (more abstract), knit/crochet, piano, garden, photography, and write lists.
Sewing, embroidery, crochet, veggie gardening, birdwatching, zentangling, word puzzles, Sudoku. Dabble in photography. I've tried more things than I've stuck with. Like Jane, I'm a dabbler.
I saw a movie something like that. As I recall it didn't end well. ;)
Well, to be fair, *most* of the time we are looking for people who are quite happy to be found.
Not always though.
Reading.
Can whiskey be a hobby?
Walking, not over-earnest hiking, just walking.
Can charitable work be considered a hobby?
Trying to raise a child who can think for herself, support herself and enjoy herself without drifting into selfishness.
Crossword puzzles. There, I've admitted it.
Whiskey can be a hobby, if it's considered to be a pleasurable pastime
Raising a child is definitely not a hobby. Unless you're drinking whiskey while parenting.
Crossword puzzles--hobby or obsession? Hobby if you're happy with getting to Thursday with the NYT. Obsession if you work all week on Sunday's.
freshstart
9-12-16, 8:34pm
I miss walking the dogs. I did one day try it and made it 5 houses down the street and back but they were like, "what? that wasn't a walk!" I should do that everyday and increase the number of houses. I'm a little nervous I'll fall with them pulling and me with no cane, and Buddy is a runner like mad if he gets loose. Baby steps
Simplemind
9-12-16, 8:52pm
Being active in the morning (dog walking, swimming, yoga), photography, drawing, painting (watercolor currently),gardening, landscape design, reading (constantly), meditation and WINE.
messengerhot
9-13-16, 4:33am
I always wanted to try different things like scuba diving, horse back riding, bungee jumping, wrestling and kayaking. Sounds awkward but the truth though!
Crossword puzzles--hobby or obsession? Hobby if you're happy with getting to Thursday with the NYT. Obsession if you work all week on Sunday's.
I can quit anytime I want! All those reference books I bought were just for decoration!
I used to sew a lot of my own clothes, but sewing has been limited to mending and costumes while raising children. I do a lot of scrapbooking and cardmaking. I have been aware of an itch to sew again though lately. I've decided to buy some Christmas fabric and make gift bags to reuse. Kids are older and about gone now, so perhaps I can start doing fabric stuff again. I love the texture of fabric, papers, etc. I've tried to knit, but am not very good at it. Haven't ever learned crochet or tatting.
I love working on genealogy but sometimes it makes me batty. How can some of these people just disappear with no info of where they were buried or died? Despite 5 to 7 marriages and tons of kids - and no one knows what happened to them. Sigh! Who knows- maybe they died by suicide and no one wanted to talk about it (we are talking about the 1800s on this info)
I have a great aunt who disappeared completely. She was the product of some extracurricular activity on the part of my g-g grandmother. The last mention of her was in 1880, when she was fifteen. Her father was one of the very few black men in Oregon at the time, I'm guessing--again from the census--that he was a neighbor. He disappeared, too. Completely. So far, that's my most interesting brick wall.
So, I was at the library today, and did some genealogy research. My 3 times great grandfather had several marriages but also had a name and birth date that is similar to other men. This was a popular name and I have determined that they are some how all related. Cousins, second cousins and so on. The one I am descended from was cagey with lots of name changes, numerous wives and many children. He may have been involved in bigamy (not illegal until until 1861). I knew that he had used several names so suspect he is buried under the wrong name. Anyway, I have several suspects as to his parents. Of course, he might have been an orphan in the family that was passed around from home to home. Someone had some parents names listed. This led me to rootsweb, but no children with names that matched. Then I went to the find a grave site and found the supposed mother's name who died in 1865 in her 80s. There was a photo! As it begin to show up, my mouth dropped open! It looks so much like me but with more gray hair, wrinkles and of course she was wearing a white cap. If she isn't a direct ancestor, then she is really close! I am going to do some more research because I bet she and her husband are cousins or close relatives in some way. No photo of the husband unfortunately. When I go back to research these couples in the mid or early 1800s they are usually related some how.
I found out that a distant relative ruined most of the family photos and records - so anyone who has these is lucky IMO.
Favourite hobby - currently roller derby.
Also walking, knitting/crocheting, reading, cooking, making spreadsheets, listening to podcasts.
I'd like to take my dog to agility but am limited re: time/money.
Next year gardening I hope, and I want to make a largish terrarium/aquarium in my new house.
Geez - I want to smack some of these people who shove a bunch of same name people's genealogy together. They don't look at birth dates, locations, children's names or occupations to determine who is who. It isn't always easy to figure these things out when the same name people live right next door to each other and are closely related but when they are living in Rhode Island and Iowa at the same time and were born 40 years apart - it is easy. And! This is why so much info is wrong. But these are the jerks that post the info on every genealogy website to mess everyone up! This is probably someone who is charging a customer 50 bucks an hour for erroneous information - it drives me batty!
freshstart
10-4-16, 6:24pm
Now that i can see better, I tried needlepointing again and can see to do it! I like to do these kits of Klimt paintings, I'm on the second of three. The kits are pricey and having them blocked and made into pillows I have not found for less than $100. So for now I'm doing them just to do them but I would love to eventually have the pillows made.
I used to do embroidery but now it gives me a headache. Oh well, genealogy replaced it as my favorite hobby.
Oh my - I have been researching my 3 times great grandmothers brother who was married 5 times but only had one child who had children (as far as I know). Anyway her family has her maiden name wrong and they are posting trying to find info on genealogy - they won't because the name is wrong. Now, I know the childrens names and she was married at least 3 times. Strangely, her oldest child was born about 3 years before she married the father and I think she was about 14 when she had him. It is unusual to learn this because families kept things like that secret but the information is available. Anyway, I found a younger child who died recently at the age of 83 and it said his brother was still alive in the obit. Now, I was thinking it was a mistake but I did some research and he is was still alive a few months ago at the age of ---------103! My jaw dropped when I read the details about his birthday party in a nursing home. He is out of state but wish I could give him the correct maiden name. Then again maybe he doesn't know about his mother having him without marriage.
So, researching genealogy and many of my 3 times great grandfather's children may not have known they were related - and they lived in the same region - creepy because they often married close relatives in the late 1800s (by this time that was frowned upon). Naturally, you see so many infants and children dying - and of course there is no way of knowing if it was genetics or not. By the late 1800s people were beginning to understand the dangers of relative marriages because most were farmers who knew that breeding closely related animals was dangerous. In fact, this is why many people began to move further west. Unfortunately, they often still settled in areas where there were relatives.
Anyway, this ancestor mostly had sisters though some were half-sisters. Anyway, 3 of his sisters married brothers from the same family and 2 other sisters married brothers from the same family. Now all of their descendants mostly live in the same area. Since his father used multiple names and had several marriages - it would be interesting if all of the DNA was collected and analyzed.
It seem like I am the first descendant to crack the code on this family with my research. I suspect that 4 time G grandfather may have been involved in fluid or bigamous marriages because some of the children have overlapping birth dates.
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