[James Gutierrez]

Do you have any hobbies that 'surprised' you?​

Hello, everyone! I hope you're all having a wonderful afternoon.

I'd like to pose a question that might spark some lively discussion: What’s a skill or hobby you picked up later in life that surprised you by how much joy it brought into your day-to-day? Whether it's picking up a paintbrush and discovering your artistic side, delving into the peaceful practice of yoga, or mastering the intricate craft of baking sourdough bread, these pursuits can add so much richness to our lives.

I encourage you to share your experiences with us! It's never too late to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and try something new.

Image Source: Unsplash

 

[Johan van Zalen]

I have picked up a 2B pencil and being doing some amazing art, l have also joined an art group, it's all playing a great part in my recovery

 

[Will1243]

Maths short cuts & Vedic Maths. Ran a 10 day course at KLC (Keysborough Learning Centre which was attended by different nationalities. I was delighted to get thoughtful gifts too. The course was free as I was a volunteer English tutor at the centre.

 

[Andrew]

Apart from my in factory trade skills, l would be sent out on customer service calls. If someone was unhappy with our furniture products I would more often than not fix the issue in house. But if it was too bad, would return it to the factory. Since retiring I have done numerous jobs for a kindergarten and family/ friends. I'm also involved with a Men's shed. My self satisfaction came from leaving people happy.

 

[Mikev]

Cooking in my new Air Fryer.
I have never been one to cook a lot of difficult meals or meals that take too long, but I love the new air fryer. It’s so easy to use and to clean and it cooks food so quickly.
Cooking with it makes me feel like a real chef

 

[MaryEM]

Photography, when I retired I bought a camera and started going out in nature and taking photos. My late husband supported my hobby by joining me on the walks and ensuring I didn't get lost as my navigation skills are limited. Not only have I learnt about photography but also see far more in nature than I used to so many varieties of birds that were unknown to me previously.

 

[mOiOz]

I always loved telling jokes - who would've guessed...duh, (like my dad, who will be 95 this year).
Sharing them online started about 15 years ago and creating them started about 4 years ago.

I don't think I've ever gone a day in my life without telling a joke, however small or lame.

Laughter is still the best medicine, as long as the listener is at a distance, should they get offended with you!

 

[gayle222]

My Mum passed away 9th July 2014 , 5 months after my sister. Mum willed me her Janome sewing machine as I was the only girl left. I hated to sew on buttons,hems anything of a crafty nature . My Mum‘s machine sat in a room for 18 months when I finally decided I should show Mum’s gift more respect. I went and learnt patchwork quilting. I loved it even though I wasn’t that good at it but I was using Mum’s gift. Well that led me to knitting,crocheting, making clothes, long stitch,diamond dots….well just about anything I now have my own craft room with too much yarn,fabric,cotton etc etc but it gets me thru my down days. I would like to think Mum would be proud of me.

 

[casperdcat]

After taking up decorative painting in my 50's, I spent years doing it until my eyes and hands objected. From there I started making greeting cards and other papercraft items, including mini albums. My lounge is officially my studio and it is full of cutting dies, stamps, embossing folders, art tables and storage furniture. I am hoping to teach in the future.

 

[casperdcat]

My Mum passed away 9th July 2014 , 5 months after my sister. Mum willed me her Janome sewing machine as I was the only girl left. I hated to sew on buttons,hems anything of a crafty nature . My Mum‘s machine sat in a room for 18 months when I finally decided I should show Mum’s gift more respect. I went and learnt patchwork quilting. I loved it even though I wasn’t that good at it but I was using Mum’s gift. Well that led me to knitting,crocheting, making clothes, long stitch,diamond dots….well just about anything I now have my own craft room with too much yarn,fabric,cotton etc etc but it gets me thru my down days. I would like to think Mum would be proud of me.

That brings a tear to my eye Gayle. I didn't think I had a creative bone in my body, but my mother did. She passed 35 years ago now, but every time I achieve anything crafty, she always comes to mind. We are blessed to have that legacy. Your mum would definitely be proud of you.

 

[Marie Sillars]

I discovered that I was good at Senior Housing Advocasy and have worked hard here in NSW for Seniors in housing stress/homelessness - been on TV, appeared at Inquiries and its been very rewarding though tiring

 

[Bullwinkle]

I always said “Hell would freeze over before I would take up lawn bowls”
Well lo and behold, I was asked to “just come and fill in for us on Thursday”…that was three years ago, in my first year of bowls, with another bowler ( who had never played before), we became club championship pairs, defeating the clubs champions for the previous five years. In my second year I was runner up in the clubs champion bowler..
Not too shabby for someone who knew nothing!!
Dare I say I enjoy my bowls, and strive to become Club Champion 2025!!!

 

[KarenD]

Having done a few different crafts over the years, sewing, knitting and crochet, I finally pursued crocheting more often after retiring, now that I a bit restricted to home these days due the after effects of cancer treatment and the need to stay close to a bathroom, I spend more time now crocheting, I have made various items from baby clothes, blankets, amigurumi items and so on, I find that this is very cathartic and takes my mind off things. One day when I can venture out more I hope to join a knitting/crochet circle or try to create one home here.

 

[kath@kettins]

Aqua aerobics I love it I am now 80 so been doing it at least 5 years and I also swim most days

 

[Maureen Turmaine]

A hobby I took up later in life was polishing up cow horns and treating them to make them drinking cups. Starts with hours of scraping them back until all the outer surface is off then sanding them back until all the natural grain is showing and smooth then using a wax to polish it up. Threating the inside is time consuming with several days of bleaching and washing and sealing them then engraving the outer with a medi evil design . Then another final polish. I sold these at the medi evil festival in Caboolture held in July. I loved doing these. The final result is different for everyone of them .

 

[lynstacker]

I started horse riding lessons just over 12 months ago. I have always had a passion for horses but no opportunity until recently. The closest I thought I would ever get was rescuing 2 after they retired from racing. It is definitely my happy place

 

[Johan van Zalen]

Maths short cuts & Vedic Maths. Ran a 10 day course at KLC (Keysborough Learning Centre which was attended by different nationalities. I was delighted to get thoughtful gifts too. The course was free as I was a volunteer English tutor at the centre.

Yeah that would have been great

 

[Johan van Zalen]

A hobby I took up later in life was polishing up cow horns and treating them to make them drinking cups. Starts with hours of scraping them back until all the outer surface is off then sanding them back until all the natural grain is showing and smooth then using a wax to polish it up. Threating the inside is time consuming with several days of bleaching and washing and sealing them then engraving the outer with a medi evil design . Then another final polish. I sold these at the medi evil festival in Caboolture held in July. I loved doing these. The final result is different for everyone of them .

Oh wow that's dedicated hard work good on you

 

[Johan van Zalen]

I always said “Hell would freeze over before I would take up lawn bowls”
Well lo and behold, I was asked to “just come and fill in for us on Thursday”…that was three years ago, in my first year of bowls, with another bowler ( who had never played before), we became club championship pairs, defeating the clubs champions for the previous five years. In my second year I was runner up in the clubs champion bowler..
Not too shabby for someone who knew nothing!!
Dare I say I enjoy my bowls, and strive to become Club Champion 2025!!!

Yeah it's a great game not as easy as it looks

 

[Johan van Zalen]

I discovered that I was good at Senior Housing Advocasy and have worked hard here in NSW for Seniors in housing stress/homelessness - been on TV, appeared at Inquiries and its been very rewarding though tiring

Yeah that's excellent Marie, keep up the good work