I come from working-class dreamers who never stopped learning. Growing up, I watched my grandparents turn their free time into something meaningful and that shaped me more than I realized.
There is a powerful thread woven through the generations before us when we learn skills from the past. At times it may seem like our modern society is so radically different that we have little in common with previous generations.
But then we read historical fiction and feel a connection with the characters.
We hear coming-of-age stories of people from 50 years ago that feel similar to our own.
Or in dusty attic we find photos from when our grandparents were teenagers. Did Grandma really wear that skimpy swimsuit?! How old is my aunt in that photo? Her hairstyle is amazing!
The truth is that we are all connected by similar human experiences.
Elizabeth Gilbert gave me a new perspective and some new vocabulary for hobbies. She sees trying something new as a way of life; insouciance, nonchalance, the practicing of creative living.
We have so many opportunities to explore and make things. We do not need to ask for permission or acceptance first, but just do what sounds exciting with the resources we already have.
“Look a little further back in your family’s history. Look at your grandparents: Odds are pretty good they were makers… you will find people who were not consumers, people who were not sitting around passively waiting for stuff to happen to them. You will find people who spent their lives making things…”
“That is where you come from… Human beings have been creative beings for a really long time”
– from Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert[1]
I learned about trying new hobbies when I was young. Each of my grandparents had a variety of hobbies that they have taken on and tried throughout the years. I have watched them try new things, fail, do them well, and sometimes do them badly.
Often the result did not seem to matter as much as the process of trying.
Each Grandparent came from a unique perspective and shared stories that have made a positive impact on my life. I am still learning from them and the legacy they have left behind.
I come from a very regular bunch of working class people who dreamed of better lives for their families. They worked hard to make that happen and they also enjoyed the weekends and time off.
I had the joy of seeing each of my grandparents enter retirement and embrace new lifestyles of exploring life-long learning.
Since we are looking hobbies in this series, it seems appropriate to give you some concrete examples from my family.
Granddad Seaman –
When I think of organization, being strategic, planning, and trying new things I picture Granddad. He is the very definition of a trailblazer. The list of accomplishments is too long to put here so I will choose those unique to him. My Granddad Seaman is still making things, writing, and practicing new skills even though he is 94.
- Archeology – His worked as a professor in Linguistics but also spent a lot of time learning about other cultures and the history of different people groups. He collected artifacts and information and shared stories over dinner conversations.
- Chopping wood – Granddad made chopping firewood into an art. In his Flagstaff home he had a firewood shed where he kept enough wood for several winter seasons. On his own property, he climbed and chopped down massive ponderosa pine trees (that had been struck by lightening) and turned them into organized stacks.
- Chess and Strategy games – Granddad taught us how to play chess and a variety of games to keep our minds sharp and to apply strategic thinking.
- Croquet & horse shoe games – Relaxing was an important part of our summer time visits at Granddad’s house. He made a croquet lawn (rivaling a putting green) where games with intense competition would take place among the adults.
- Skiing – Until a double knee replacement ended this hobby. Apparently he was a great at skiing in his 50’s and could keep up with my uncles. He is still physically active in his 90’s.
- Piano – Granddad decided to take piano lessons in his 60’s. I remember him practicing scales and teaching me the basic cords. Watching him learn piano taught me the value of practice and showing up every day to a task no matter what.
- Travel – Granddad has traveled all over the world. He speaks several languages and is always learning about new cultures. Even in his late 80’s Granddad walked the Wall of China and ziplined in Costa Rica.
- Writing – He has published academic papers, put together dictionaries, written several books, and continues to write. His newest book is in its 4th edition and was published recently.
Grandma Seaman –
Grandma Mary was always ready to support her family members with their dreams. She often put her needs to the side and served other people without complaint. Her hobbies were smaller and often something she could do in the snippets of time she had to herself. I think of her often and I wear her wedding ring as a reminder to slow down, listen well to others, and be kind. I miss her terribly and often wish I could call and ask her advice.
- Reading – She always had several books she was enjoying. Mysteries and historical fiction were her favorites. We would have conversations about what I was reading and she always had good book recommendations.
- Volunteering – When I was a kid I remember her working at the elementary school library helping struggling readers. Even though her health was fragile she spent a few days a week helping the librarian.
- Painting – occasionally she would do some small painting projects or take a class with a friend. Usually it was something practical.
- Word games and Crossword puzzles – She loved the crossword puzzle in the newspaper and she had stacks of puzzle around the house. We would watch Wheel of Fortune together and figure out the missing words. She loved puns and used her clever mind to
- Jigsaw puzzles – Grandma would get out a favorite puzzle and then listen to all my childhood fears and troubles while we worked on the pieces.
- Cooking – When I think of Grandma’s cooking I remember seasonal meals with a variety of dishes. Nothing to complicated. She was a good cook but I think she did it to serve her family, not as something she loved to do.
Grandpa Agan –
I miss Grandpa. He was a storyteller and a collector. He would see value in things that others had discarded and always had something taken apart in his workshop. He had a generous nature and was friends with many people in the small town where he lived.
- Gardening – He had 2 acre garden that always had a variety of trees, vines, fruits, and heirloom vegetables. One of his favorite times of the year was when fruit and vegetables would ripen and he could give bags of homegrown produce away to friends and neighbors.
- Building things – He enjoyed making things that were useful and practical. But he also had fun with special projects. When my sister and I were little, Grandpa and my dad built a tree house for us in a huge tree in the backyard.
- Fishing – He loved going fishing, watching fishing on TV, and telling exaggerated stories about the fish he caught and campgrounds they stayed at.
- Geology – He taught me all about “rock hunting” and driving around in the middle of nowhere. Geological facts were shared about the layers of the earth, the properties of rocks, and how geodes were made.
- Garage Sales – I’m not sure if garage sale shopping is a hobby but Grandpa and Grandma sure made it seem like one. He could tell by the sign if it was a good sale and if he could find some antique tools or good books. We spent many mornings looking for card tables full of treasures.
- Reading & Storytelling – Grandpa taught me how to browse a used bookstore and find the good stuff. He was a prolific reader and would buy crates of western novels to read. When his eyesight gave out, he watched westerns on TV. In his later years, he would retell stories from his own life and from the westerns. Sometimes mixing them together. We knew when he got a twinkle in his eye he was gonna tell a good one!
Grandma Agan –
My Grandma Agan is a hardworking farm wife. She has worked hard, been creative, and has solved problems with whatever she had. She has the ability to fix almost anything, or know what needs to be done. She often says that she has enough hobbies planned and supplies in her garage to keep her busy until she is 120. I am always fascinated to see what she has made. I will list a few of her unique hobbies here for you. (The real list would not fit in this article.)
- Furniture repair and woodworking – She made most of the furniture that was needed for her family when the kids were young and they had a family farm.
- Kitting and crochet – She made each grandkid and entire twin size knitted quilt for high school graduation. Her creations often include complicated patterns and color schemes.
- Sewing – She used to make her own clothing, doll dresses, costumes, curtains, and anything else needed. I have a faint memory of her trying to teach me how to use a pattern that ended in both of us frustrated. Grandma has always told me to sew curtains and anything home-related myself.
- Tulips & Roses – She had special spots on their farm property for her flower gardens. Specialty heirloom flowers that she would grow with unique colors and vibrant smells. This was a nod to her Dutch heritage and was always a welcome sight turning into the long driveway.
- Canning & Preserving – Pickles, veggies, stews, jellies, apricots, peaches, and jams. She made amazing creations from the garden my grandpa grew. The sweet pickles were always my favorite.
- Baking – Grandma is a self-taught cook and a recipe connoisseur. She is always collecting and trying new recipes for the enjoyment of creating something new. Anytime you show up at Grandma’s home there is something homemade that tastes and smells amazing.
- Painting – Grandma took painting lessons in her 60’s and has become an accomplished painter. She enjoys painting landscape scenes that remind her of places she has been. She gives away her art and enjoys choosing just the right frame to make for the canvas. She is still painting while living independently in her mid-90s.
Reflection Questions:
- When you look at the generations before you, what did your relatives do with their resources and ingenuity?
- What older adults do you know who are fascinating and full of ideas?
- When you look through the list of hobbies from my grandparents, which one stands out to you? How can you try that (in some small way) this next week?
I hope that in sharing some of these unique hobby “experiments” with you that you are inspired to try something that you enjoy. To stretch yourself in a new way.
In trying to avoid the unhealthy patterns in our families, we sometimes forget to hold onto the good parts too. Every person in my family tree brings a unique perspective, and I can learn something valuable from each of them.
We come from generations of people who worked hard and embraced life with all its challenges. They didn’t wait until they had it all figured out—they just went for it.
Sure, they made mistakes, but they also showed me what it means to try, fail, get back up, and keep moving forward. That’s the legacy I want to carry on.
It is never too late to be a beginner.
