{"id":3284,"date":"2021-11-23T16:29:12","date_gmt":"2021-11-23T23:29:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=3284"},"modified":"2021-11-24T15:19:49","modified_gmt":"2021-11-24T22:19:49","slug":"how-i-inherited-a-love-for-hobbies-insouciance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/11\/23\/how-i-inherited-a-love-for-hobbies-insouciance\/","title":{"rendered":"How I Inherited a Love for Hobbies &#038; Insouciance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We all come from generations of people who worked hard and then had lots of interests so that they could live abundant lives. They did not wait until they had all the knowledge or watch all the YouTube videos. They just tried stuff. When I think about all that my grandparents were able to do I am inspired to try hard things. To fail and then get up and do it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>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. <strong>Often the result did not seem to matter as much as the process of trying.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Each Grandparent has had a unique perspective and stories that have made a positive impact on my life. I am still learning from them and the legacy they have left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>I hope that in sharing some of these unique hobby &#8220;experiments&#8221; with you that you are inspired to try something that you enjoy. To stretch yourself in a new way.<strong> It is never too late to be a beginner.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/joanna-kosinska-spAkZnUleVw-unsplash-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/joanna-kosinska-spAkZnUleVw-unsplash-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/joanna-kosinska-spAkZnUleVw-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/joanna-kosinska-spAkZnUleVw-unsplash-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/joanna-kosinska-spAkZnUleVw-unsplash-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/joanna-kosinska-spAkZnUleVw-unsplash-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/joanna-kosinska-spAkZnUleVw-unsplash-1560x1041.jpg 1560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@joannakosinska?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Joanna Kosinska<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/collections\/EVctN3gK0k0\/grandparents-%26-family?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Granddad Seaman<\/strong> &#8211; 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 close to 90.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Writing &#8211; He has published books, put together dictionaries, and continues to write books. His newest book is on its 4th edition and was published last year. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Metaphors-Challenges-Learners-American-English\/dp\/B08M8CRM3Q\/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3TTLS0JRPM7Z8&amp;keywords=p.+david+seaman&amp;qid=1636391869&amp;sprefix=p.+david+seaman%2Caps%2C117&amp;sr=8-2\">here is the Amazon link<\/a>)<\/li><li>Travel &#8211; Granddad has traveled all over the world. He even moved his family to Greece for 2 years in the 70&#8217;s. He speaks several languages and is always learning about new cultures.<\/li><li>Archeology &#8211; 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.<\/li><li>Chopping wood &#8211; 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. He chopped down massive ponderosa pine trees on his own property and turned then into organized stacks.<\/li><li>Chess and Strategy games &#8211; Granddad taught us how to play chess and a variety of games to keep our minds sharp and to apply strategic thinking.<\/li><li>Croquet &amp; horse shoe games &#8211; Relaxing was an important part of our summer time visits at Granddad&#8217;s house. He made a croquet lawn (rivaling a putting green) where games with intense competition would take place among the adults.<\/li><li>Skiing &#8211; Until a double knee replacement ended this hobby. Apparently he was a great at skiing in his 60&#8217;s and could keep up with my uncles. He is still physically active at 89 and can stride past most middle aged people.<\/li><li>Piano &#8211; Granddad decided to take piano lessons in his 50&#8217;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.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grandma Seaman<\/strong> &#8211; Grandma Mary was always ready to support her family 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 wear her wedding ring as a reminder to slow down, listen well to others, and be kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Reading &#8211; She always had several books she was enjoying. Mysteries and historical fiction were her favorites.<\/li><li>Volunteering &#8211; She helped at church and worked at the elementary school library helping struggling readers.<\/li><li>Painting &#8211; occasionally she would do some small painting projects or take a class with a friend.<\/li><li>Crossword puzzles &#8211; She loved the crossword puzzle in the newspaper and she had stacks of them around the house.<\/li><li>Jigsaw puzzles &#8211; Grandma would get out a favorite puzzle and then listen to all my childhood fears and troubles while we worked on the pieces.<\/li><li>Cooking &#8211; When I think of Grandma&#8217;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.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grandpa Agan<\/strong> &#8211; 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.\u00a0He had a generous nature and was friends with many people in the small town where he lived.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Gardening &#8211; 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.<\/li><li>Building things &#8211; 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.<\/li><li>Fishing &#8211; He loved going fishing, watching fishing on TV and telling stories about the fish he caught.<\/li><li>Reading &amp; Storytelling &#8211; 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. He would retell stories from his own life and from the westerns. Sometimes mixing them together.<\/li><li>Geology &#8211; He taught me all about &#8220;rock hunting&#8221; 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.<\/li><li>Garage Sales &#8211; I&#8217;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.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grandma Agan<\/strong> &#8211; My Grandma Agan is a hardworking farm wife. She has had to work hard, be creative, and solve 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 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.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Furniture repair and woodworking &#8211; She made most of the furniture that was needed for her family when the kids were young and they had a family farm.<\/li><li>Kitting and crochet &#8211; She made each grandkid and entire twin size knitted quilt for high school graduation. Her creations often include complicated patterns and color schemes.<\/li><li>Painting &#8211; Grandma took painting lessons in her 60&#8217;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.<\/li><li>Sewing &#8211; She used to make her own clothing, doll dresses, costumes, curtains, and anything else needed.<\/li><li>Tulips &amp; Roses &#8211; She had special spots on their property for her flower gardens. Specialty heirloom flowers that she would grow with unique colors and vibrant smells.<\/li><li>Canning &amp; Preserving &#8211; 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.<\/li><li>Baking &#8211; 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&#8217;s home there is something homemade that tastes and smells amazing.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"685\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/michaela-murphy-jlG41_nbXOk-unsplash-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3410\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?attachment_id=3410\" class=\"wp-image-3410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/michaela-murphy-jlG41_nbXOk-unsplash-685x1024.jpg 685w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/michaela-murphy-jlG41_nbXOk-unsplash-201x300.jpg 201w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/michaela-murphy-jlG41_nbXOk-unsplash-768x1148.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/michaela-murphy-jlG41_nbXOk-unsplash-1028x1536.jpg 1028w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/michaela-murphy-jlG41_nbXOk-unsplash-1371x2048.jpg 1371w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/michaela-murphy-jlG41_nbXOk-unsplash-1560x2331.jpg 1560w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/michaela-murphy-jlG41_nbXOk-unsplash-scaled.jpg 1713w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/marius-masalar-rPOmLGwai2w-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3411\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?attachment_id=3411\" class=\"wp-image-3411\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/marius-masalar-rPOmLGwai2w-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/marius-masalar-rPOmLGwai2w-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\"> Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@micmurph12?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Michaela Murphy<\/a>, &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@daria_kraplak?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Daria Kraplak<\/a>&nbsp;, and others on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/collections\/6r7uMs9bWPY\/hobbies?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"429\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/daria-kraplak-d34DtRp1bqo-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3412\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/daria-kraplak-d34DtRp1bqo-unsplash.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?attachment_id=3412\" class=\"wp-image-3412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/daria-kraplak-d34DtRp1bqo-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/daria-kraplak-d34DtRp1bqo-unsplash-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Approaching hobbies in this new way came from the book <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond\/dp\/1594634726\">Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert<\/a>. She gave me a new perspective and some new vocabulary to see trying something new as a way of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Definition of&nbsp;<em>insouciance<\/em>:&nbsp;<\/strong>lighthearted unconcern <strong>:&nbsp;<\/strong>relaxed and calm in a way that shows that you do not care or are not worried about anything&nbsp;<strong>: &nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/nonchalance\">NONCHALANCE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As discussed by Gilbert as &#8220;practicing creative living&#8221;. Seeing the world as an opportunity to explore art and make things. Not asking for permission or acceptance but just doing what sounds exciting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Try new hobbies and shape the world the way that makes sense to you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><br>&#8220;He [my father] didn&#8217;t quit his day job to follow his dream; he just folded his dream into his everyday life&#8230; When my father grew curious about things, he pursued them. He had solid faith in his own capabilities.&#8221;<\/p><p><br>&#8220;Look a little further back in your family&#8217;s history. Look at your grandparents: Odds are pretty good they were makers&#8230; 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.&#8221;&#8221;That is where you come from&#8230; Human beings have been creative beings for a really long time&#8221;<\/p><p><br>&#8211; from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond\/dp\/1594634726\">Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert<\/a> &#8211; p.82-90<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/roman-kraft-7sPg5OLfExc-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/roman-kraft-7sPg5OLfExc-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/roman-kraft-7sPg5OLfExc-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/roman-kraft-7sPg5OLfExc-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/roman-kraft-7sPg5OLfExc-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/roman-kraft-7sPg5OLfExc-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/roman-kraft-7sPg5OLfExc-unsplash-1560x1040.jpg 1560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@romankraft?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Roman Kraft<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/collections\/EVctN3gK0k0\/grandparents-%26-family?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>When you look at the generations before you, what do you see?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>How can you follow the path that your family has taken?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>What are some good qualities about your relatives and what they do with their resources and ingenuity?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>When you were young, who did you see living out a vibrant life?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>What older adults do you know who are fascinating and full of ideas?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>When you look through the list of hobbies from my grandparents, which one stands out to you? How can you try that this next week?<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/anna-auza-nubGXRkckLo-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3413\" class=\"wp-image-3413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/anna-auza-nubGXRkckLo-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/anna-auza-nubGXRkckLo-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/benjamin-combs-wuU_SSxDeS0-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3414\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?attachment_id=3414\" class=\"wp-image-3414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/benjamin-combs-wuU_SSxDeS0-unsplash.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/benjamin-combs-wuU_SSxDeS0-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@b3njamin?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Benjamin Combs<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/collections\/6r7uMs9bWPY\/hobbies?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Writing this list has been a great exercise for me. It has given me time to think about the people who have influenced my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Sometimes in an effort to avoid unhealthy family patterns, we throw out all the good as well. There are parenting ideas I will not repeat with my own kids. My grandparents had ways of communicating with each other that I do not want to copy. But, each has a unique perspective that can make a positive impact on my life. I am still learning from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>We all come from generations of people who worked hard and chose to live abundant lives.<\/strong> They did not wait until they knew everything. They just tried stuff. They made mistakes. Their examples inspire me to do new things. To fail and then get up, brush myself off, and try again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>I hope this does the same for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Best wishes! &#8211; April<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">Need some ideas to get started on developing hobbies?  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">Click here for some help and encouragement.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/06\/14\/why-hobbies-matter\/\">Why Hobbies Matter<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/07\/07\/the-overachievers-practical-guide-to-sabbath-why-when-how\/\">Making Space for Hobbies<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/09\/21\/rituals-routines-and-rhythms-whats-the-difference\/\">Finding Routines &amp; Rhythms<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/priscilla-du-preez-wC7_Gq_Cw9s-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3417\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?attachment_id=3417\" class=\"wp-image-3417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/priscilla-du-preez-wC7_Gq_Cw9s-unsplash-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/priscilla-du-preez-wC7_Gq_Cw9s-unsplash-1-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@priscilladupreez?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Priscilla Du Preez<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/collections\/6r7uMs9bWPY\/hobbies?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/igor-lypnytskyi-WWgDjq_NV4U-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3418\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/igor-lypnytskyi-WWgDjq_NV4U-unsplash-1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?attachment_id=3418\" class=\"wp-image-3418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/igor-lypnytskyi-WWgDjq_NV4U-unsplash-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/igor-lypnytskyi-WWgDjq_NV4U-unsplash-1-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-default\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-query is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"wp-block-post-template is-layout-flow wp-block-post-template-is-layout-flow\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-5691 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-mom-life category-writing tag-april-edwards tag-substack tag-subtle-resistance tag-writer tag-writing-updates\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2025\/02\/21\/join-me-on-substack\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1560\" height=\"1040\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1560x1040.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Join me on Substack!\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1560x1040.jpg 1560w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DSC05179-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1560px) 100vw, 1560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2025\/02\/21\/join-me-on-substack\/\" target=\"_self\" >Join me on Substack!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Hey! Hello! \ud83d\ude01 I am so glad you have found my blog! This is my home place where I test out writing work, post weekly articles, and share updates on my books. I love having my own corner of the internet that I can call my own. Unfortunately, because of bots and ugly internet trolls,&hellip;&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6226 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-intellectually-alive tag-commonplace tag-commonplace-notebook tag-commonplace-notes tag-my-personal-curriculum-plan tag-non-fiction-reading tag-personal-curriculum tag-personal-learning\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2026\/02\/17\/2-commonplace-stories\/\" target=\"_self\" >2 Commonplace Stories<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">[ descriptive examples from my own learning experiences ] Lately, a few readers have reached out with questions about Commonplace notes and what it actually looks like to keep a Commonplace Notebook in daily life. Not the romanticized version with perfectly curated quotes, but the lived-in kind that sits open on the table and gets&hellip;&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6035 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-mom-life category-productivity tag-avoid-overwhelm tag-burnout tag-burnout-recovery tag-focus tag-mental-fog tag-overwhelm tag-tips-for-burnout tag-tips-for-burnout-recovery\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2026\/02\/10\/from-mental-fog-to-focus-making-space-for-clarity\/\" target=\"_self\" >From Mental Fog to Focus &#8211; Making Space for Clarity<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Mental fog isn\u2019t failure. It\u2019s a signal. A chance to slow down, make space, and remember what really matters. So many of us are overcome with mental fog on a regular basis that it has become the new normal. When did we all agree that adult life would mean being stressed out, pushed to the&hellip;&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-6228 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-intellectually-alive category-my-reading-stack tag-books tag-february tag-growth tag-learning tag-my-learning tag-my-personal-curriculum-plan tag-my-reading tag-new-hobby tag-new-years-resolutions tag-personal-curriculum tag-personal-curriculum-planning tag-personal-growth tag-personal-learning tag-planning-for-the-new-year tag-reading-stack tag-spring-curriculum tag-winter-curriculum\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/my-february-personal-curriculum-plans\/\" target=\"_self\" >My February Personal Curriculum Plans<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">\u201cYou seriously read over 100 books last year?\u201d His eyes went wide as he looked from me to the bookshelf beside my desk. \u201cYeah,\u201d I laughed, pointing to the basket on the side table. \u201cThese are just the ones I\u2019m reading this month.\u201d Another friend peeked into the doorway. \u201cOkay, but I love this room!&hellip;&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We all come from generations of people who worked hard and then had lots of interests so that they could live abundant lives. They did not wait until they had all the knowledge or watch all the YouTube videos. They just tried stuff. When I think about all that my grandparents were able to do&hellip; <\/p>\n<div class=\"readmore-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2021\/11\/23\/how-i-inherited-a-love-for-hobbies-insouciance\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read <\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3405,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stc_notifier_status":"sent","_stc_notifier_sent_time":"2021-11-23 16:41:46","_stc_notifier_request":false,"_stc_notifier_prevent":false,"_stc_subscriber_keywords":"","_stc_subscriber_search_areas":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[216,214,62,29,215,47,44],"class_list":["post-3284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mom-life","tag-beginner","tag-grandparents","tag-hobbies","tag-homemaking","tag-insouciance","tag-mom-life","tag-self-care"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3284","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3284"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3284\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3456,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3284\/revisions\/3456"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3405"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}