5 Hobbies #FridayReflections

Unfortunately I missed the Friday Reflections prompt last week and I really wanted to write on my 5 hobbies and why I love them. So thank you Sanch for the prompt this week - write on any November prompt.

Dictionary.com defines a hobby as "an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation".

When I was young I collected stamps and postcards.  I still have my collection tucked away in a box somewhere. I also loved writing letters and at a point in time I had over 100 pen friends. I shared my thoughts and my life with them through my letters. I also had a fascination for stationery. Paper gave me a great thrill and I was forever making things from origami to little books, cards etc. And I loved to paint and colour.

Unfortunatey stamps and postcards collecting has gone by the wayside as has snail mail letter writing. But some of my earlier hobbies have transformed into the hobbies of today  (in no particular order) ...

Writing
I love writing. It's been a passion not since my young but my little days. Writing is so therapeutic. When the world of blogging opened up it was like a fabulous gift that was given to me, a chance to share my thoughts with the world with the hope that my words inspire someone. I also love poetry and share my poems on my poetry blog Reflections of my soul.  Poetry brings me great joy. So in the end letter writing transformed into blogging. 

Watercolour Painting
In November 2015 I came across some youtube videos on watercolour painting and I had to try my hand with it. I absolutely loved it. I paint on postcard size paper so within 20 minutes a painting emerges. Painting is so relaxing and watercolours are so unpredictible that more often than not the effects they produce are unexpectedly delightful.

Mixed Media Art Journalling
When I was young, I used to keep diaries of my thoughts and ramblings but when I moved to NZ I destroyed my diaries. I have no regrets as they served their purpose at that time. Over the years I tried to pick it up again but couldn't sustain it. Then I discovered mixed media art journalling. Now this is so much fun. I keep my journalling simple - a mixed media picture, scene etc with some words to go with it.

Crafting - Card Making
Mixed media art journalling led to card making.  This year I decided to make all my cards - adding a personal touch. Card making really challenges my creative skills. I'm hoping that this and my watercolour painting are hobbies that I can convert into post retirement charitable creations. My aim is to create and then donate my creations to places like hospice shops so they can sell and keep the profits.

Photography
I've loved photography from ever since I can remember. My late father was an avid photographer and my love for photography comes from him.  Photography for me is not about taking the perfect picture but about capturing a moment in time that you can remember forever. My photoblog Photos Are Fun is my photo showcase.


Some of my creations ...

sharing my thoughts from a snail mail challenge - a letter I wrote to a blogger, and my photo

my watercolour painting - Mt Fuji and Cherry Blossoms - the story behind this painting

from my mixed media art journal - I love this quote.

 one of my handmade Christmas cards. a few more shown here

Written for:
#FridayReflections at The Write Tribe - 5 hobbies and why I love them

Linking to:
Inspire Me Monday week 256
#openslather at One Mother Hen
No Rules Weekend Party at Sincerely Paula
#MicroblogMonday #118
#MondayMusings



Wishing you all an inspirational week. What is your favourite hobby? Do share in the comments or write your own post.


Warm Regards


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#MondayMusings - If I Only Knew

If I only knew  ...

Some years ago I had this sudden urge to write a book. I even have a name ready for it. Actually I saw the name in a dream and it felt so right. I know when my book does eventually take shape, that this will be the perfect title for it. 

But wanting to write a book and actually writing one are two very different things.

For one, what would my book be about?  

Fiction writing is not my strength yet it seems fiction seems to do better than fact. 

Or should I write about spiritual insights? But there are so many spiritual writers and frankly most of them write the same things in different words.

Or should I publish my poems? But poetry isn't everyone's cup of tea and often I find that the meaning I am trying to portray is lost on my readers. Perhaps my poetry is too complex. And lately the poetry mojo seems to have dropped by the wayside. I haven't written a poem for months. 

Lately I've been trying my hand at Romantic Fiction (short stories) but with a spiritual message / background. I'm enjoying these a lot. Sometimes I think these may not be true fiction.  That is somewhere inside me I feel I've lived these stories before. Or maybe I'm just dreaming. But are they good enough to publish? 

In April I took part  in the A to Z Challenge and my theme was based on the historical epic The Ramayana but with a very different view. My series was based on a combination of poetry and prose and friends who have read my posts think I should expand on it and create my book. But The Ramayana is dear to the heart of many Indians so how would my twist be received?

And then there's the publishing itself. I haven't got a clue how to go about doing that. 

If I only knew what I need to write.

If I only knew how to publish a book.

If I only knew!

What do you think? Would love your thoughts.

Linking to:

I Must Confess #IMC
#OpenSlather
#MondayMusings at the Write Tribe
#MicroblogMonday 59


Warm Regards


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#MicroblogMonday - Writing Resolutions for 2015

I no longer make any resolutions as the Universe has a mind of its own and invariably overrides my resolutions.

So many times an exasperated Universe has said to me, okay then go pursue your own course but be prepared for the U turn.

So instead I choose a word or a theme for the year and this year it is Serendipity.

Where will that lead me in terms of writing, who knows. But then isn't that half the fun?

The year has started off serendipitously as I am the first featured poet for 2015 at Poet's United. My interview with Sherry Blue Sky is at Poet's United - Life of a Poet Suzy Que.  

Happy Writing


Written for:
MicroblogMondays #21
Monday Musings prompt Writing Resolutions

Linking to:
Blog-A-Rhythm

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Why I Write

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy" ~ Rumi

I write to share the insights of my soul and hope that someday somewhere someone will feel that river of joy move in them.

I write because I can connect to other worlds and live my dreams through my words.

I write so that I can chronicle my life and perhaps someday I will come back to my posts and live some moments again.

But most of all I write because when I do, I feel that river of joy moving in me.

~x~

Written for the Thursday Writers Post  This week's prompt is hosted by Corinne Rodrigues at the Write Tribe.

Warm Regards