With so many commenters mentioning that they’re doing NaNoWriMo right now (you go, ladies!), I thought a fun discussion for today might be this: What hobbies do you have on your bucket list? As in, “Right now I don’t have time — but ONE day I’d really like to ____ for fun.”
For me, writing a novel is definitely one of my top bucket list hobbies, and I’ve saved a zillion articles and tips and tricks about the logistics of writing a novel. (So many, in fact, that I wrote a whole little post about HOW to write a novel!)
I kind of have already, if the one I wrote in 6th grade and “finished” with a super-short summary chapter wrapping everything up counts. But I’d love to write a novel as an adult. Nothing too literary, just fun — reach goals for me would be brain candy books like Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld (a rewriting of Pride & Prejudice) or The Hating Game or any of Sophie Kinsella’s novels.
(Pro tip for those of you trying to edit a novel: The software Scrivener is amazing for trying to deal with a huge quantity of text, particularly moving chunks of it around. I also like to believe it’s how all James Patterson novels get written.)
{related: the 6 different kinds of fulfilling hobbies}
Other bucket list hobbies of mine that may seem a bit bizarre: growing olives, doing Pilates reformer classes really regularly, learning photography really well, learning another language, writing a movie script.
I don’t know if it counts as a “hobby” or not, but to get really involved at a small level of local government or with a charity (here’s our older advice on how to get on a nonprofit board, as well as our roundup of resources for women running for office).
How about you guys: What’s on your bucket list as far as hobbies are concerned? What’s your TOP bucket list hobby?
Psst: did you know that cross stitch and other meditative, repetitive hobbies are great for stress relief?
Here are some easy kits and books to get you started on cross stitch for stress relief…
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Anonymous
Sailing is the next one on my bucket list! I recently got PADI certified and one day would like to be able to charter a boat with some dive equipment and be my own divemaster :)
Flying!
I wanted this so badly as a girl, but I did not get a superpower.
No matter; I will learn how to fly via plane instead!
[That said, when I turn on the Weather Channel, it is often on a bender of Why Planes Crash and that and life insurance and my own awareness of how easily I make mistakes makes me not likely to do much noncommercial flying, but I am in awe that it can be done and how ancient people figured out how to navigate the seas before watches and compasses, never mind flying above the sea out of sight of land.]
Housecounsel
I object to the characterization of “Eligible” as brain candy! I loved it, but I think that description diminishes the brilliant Ms. Sittenfield.
Contemplating this question, I think I am kind of boring, but I am OK with it. All of my someday-dreams involve being available to fly around to be grandmother-of-the-year whenever and wherever my kids need me. I hope I have the time and money by that stage in life.
Alana
Considering how many kids don’t have living grandparents and some people don’t get along with their relatives, this is a lovely idea!
Vicky Austin
Honestly, doing crazy cooking. I pin outrageous recipes all the time, but can’t justify spendy ingredients (or can’t find them in my rural town), or there’s no time after work to make anything that takes longer than an hour. Someday I want to cook with abandon and make all the ridiculous things.
Anom
I’d love to get into photography. Took a photography class in college back in the days of film photography and I bought a digital SLR right before my 3 year old was born and haven’t used it much in the past 2 years.
Wanderlust
Yes, so much this! My dream is to be a landscape photographer and travel around to beautiful, remote destinations around the world.
Leah
Same! My lovely camera collects dust. I do not have the time, money, or spare PTO to travel.
Belle Boyd
Me too! I entered a picture I took in our local newspaper’s photo contest on a whim — I thought the pic was awesome, so I figured what the he l l and sent it in. I won! (Never mind the fact that there weren’t that many entries… It was still a great pic IMO!) That gave me the inspiration to want to learn how to take great pictures. There is a fantastic landscape photographer with a studio near our camp and he does occasional “photo walks” and lectures. I haven’t been able to attend any yet, but I am going to make it a priority. If I’m going to learn, I may as well learn from one of the best that I know of in one of the prettiest places I know to take pictures!
Anonymous
I want to write crossword puzzles and publish them. NYT would be #goals.
Juliska
I really want to get back into handicrafts. In a compulsive fit of decluttering many years ago, I gave away all my knitting needles and related stuff. Now I have to buy it all again! At least I found my crochet hooks; they were stashed with an unfinished tatting project, where they certainly did not belong. I would never get rid of my tatting shuttles, my grandmother gave me my first one and they don’t take up much space! Let’s just say I have not tatted since … Hillary’s husband was president. I also just discovered nalbinding, the great-grandmama of both knitting and crochet, so I have lots of reasons to visit my gorgeous local yarn shop. Not being able to make time for any of this, however, is what led me to declutter my supplies in the first place. I keep thinking I will work on a small project after work, and doze off instead. Suggestions, anyone?
Katie
I go in knitting phases. It usually takes a fairly significant project (sweater, shawl) to get me back into the spirit, but once I’m there, I get on a roll. Time is a major factor, but knitting needles travel well: airplanes (knitting needles have their own TSA designation!), trains, TV watching, interminable kid activities that involve waiting, conferences, etc.
Anon
Photography and jewelry making. I’m sitting on a mountain of supplies and sketchbooks full of ideas. Just don’t have the time to make, though. Waiting for the moment I have the time… :)
Big mouth
Woodworking. When the kids are a bit older I can see myself filling the garage with tools and projects.
Juliska
Kat, I like the photo you used for this article, where did you find it? Although, as a long-time writing machine aficionado, I must point out that the typewriter looks dirty – which would affect its use – and doesn’t seem to have any paper in it!
Mae Wood
Novel writing. I’ve just published my 5th. I’m so damn proud of myself not only for the results, but for taking a “wish” and making it reality.
So, chase your dreams. Make the time for your passions and interests. I haven’t regretted it once.
R
Painting!
Ellen
I would ALSO like to do oil painting b/c it is so relaxing! When I was a little girl in kindegarten, I did some great fingerpainting and it was so exotic lookeing that my mom saved them and framed them for me to give to my kids. She is still holding them in the house b/c I have no room for them. Don’t you all remember fingerpainting? It was fun! YAY!!!!
Anonymous
Sigh. I haven’t had a hobby for so long, I can’t even think of what I would like to do.
Someday I really want to do Meals on Wheels (drive for them). When I retire, maybe.
Anon
I love this post and the comments. I’m intrigued about Kat’s wish to grow olives, I’d love to know more. Also, what cool and creative women!
I took a package recently and now I’m writing my first book while i search for my next role.
Marissa
I actually own a horse stable. I compete in the show jumpers. I work as an attorney, but I also ride and compete. I always wanted to own my own facility instead of paying board to others and three years ago, my husband and I were able to make that a reality. Its now growing into a great boarding business. Follow your dreams and work hard for them!