Unique Hobbies Unveiled: From Square Dancing to Adult Coloring Books and Decorative Finishes Painting
Exploring the unique hobbies of individuals can provide a fascinating glimpse into the diverse and exciting world of personal passions. From the exhilarating experience of square dancing as a professionally certified caller and instructor, to the calming and artistic world of adult coloring books, and the creative process of Faux Marble painting, here are some insightful stories from those who found their niche in life.
Square Dancing and Its Allure
I square dance alongside being a square dance caller and instructor. My journey in square dancing began way back when I was in college, over 50 years ago. To this day, I still enjoy dancing as a beloved hobby. Square dancing is not just a fun and entertaining activity; it is also an excellent form of exercise for both the mind and the body. Every movement, from the twirls to the ladder formations, works your muscles and sharpens your cognitive skills.
For those in search of social settings and dance opportunities, there are many city groups across North America that offer square dance lessons. These social groups create a vibrant and supportive community, where enthusiasts can meet, learn, and dance regularly. Alternatively, you can host a western-themed party at home by hiring a caller to guide your guests through the unique dances and steps.
Adult Coloring Books: A Nostalgic Return to Fun
One of my hobbies that added a bit of nostalgia to my life is adult coloring books. As a child, I enjoyed coloring books, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I discovered the joy of adult coloring books. I stumbled upon these books while browsing online and decided to place an order from either eBay or Amazon. This decision has brought immense joy and relaxation into my life. On a typical day, if I'm at home, I can easily complete 3 to 4 pages in just a few hours before I recently injured my arm. With my arm recovering, I'm thrilled to anticipate the return to my coloring book adventures.
Embracing Creativity with Faux Marble Painting
Another unique hobby I've embraced is painting decorative finishes, specifically Faux Marble Wood Plaster. My journey began with a class at the prestigious New School in New York, where I initially found myself at a significant disadvantage. The class was not designed for beginners, and to my surprise, the majority of my classmates were more advanced. A Fine Arts student and a Brooklyn house painter were the only ones who could offer any assistance, as the Fine Arts students simply ignored me, while the house painters took pity and directed me to mix red with burnt umber and review my color theory knowledge, which I hadn't used since 6th grade.
Our first assignment was to mix the paints, and I initially struggled with the task. However, once I got over the initial paint-mixing challenge, I quickly adapted to the process of creating layered colors, painting veins, and adding dimensionality. The class was loose in structure, allowing for experimentation and flexibility. Interestingly, using unconventional tools, such as crumpled paper towels, became a cornerstone of my artistic expression.
The class was a mix of adversity and triumph. The Fine Arts students were bewildered by the messy and inexact nature of the process, but the house painters encouraged experimentation and diversity. I found myself excelling in the class without any preconceived expectations. Whether it was painting the veins with a finger brush or creating irregular circles with torn brown paper bags to simulate knot holes, I embraced each challenge with enthusiasm.
As a result of my unique journey in the class, I took home a Faux Marble Wood Plaster finish that served as my inspiration to create an old French bistro table. I decided to design and paint the top of the table to look like a pinkish marble. To my surprise, the final result was a piece that defied any scholarly verisimilitude, earning sneers from the Fine Arts students but creating a personal masterpiece for me.
Ultimately, these unique hobbies have not only brought me joy and relaxation but have also introduced me to new communities and personal growth. Whether it's the rhythmic movements of square dancing, the soothing colors of adult coloring books, or the creation of decorative finishes, each hobby is a testament to the power of individual passions and the joy of discovery.