Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Things I love

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In my devotional time this morning I read something by Charles Swindoll. He was quoting a doctor named Sir William Osler. Here is the quote:

"No man is really happy or safe without a hobby, and it makes precious little difference what the outside interest may be--botany beetles or butterflies; roses, tulips irises;; fishing, mountaineering or antiques--anything will do as long as he straddles a hobby and rides it hard."
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I think this is very true. I also think that is why many of us blog. It provides an easily accessible social network of sharing hobbies, sharing things held in common. Changing my rooms can be a hobby for me. For some reason, if I am sad, I just have to do a little changing up to provide a break and some satisfying kind of joy---weird as that might be.

On the table above I have a tray with some of my favorite photos from my walks about town. So much pleasure is taken just by looking at these. Shells sooooo speak to me--their softly washed beauty and hues. The warmth of candles--all are touches that make me smile inside.

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Flowers in their brilliant contrasting shade to the world about them!

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The pleasures of an herb garden (in back ground---) -some herbs have made it through the winter.
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The peaking out of bright pansies
Rosemary and toads awaiting at my doorway (below)Photobucket

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AND a softly crumpled lived-in area in the sunshine.

As Swindoll says, "Diversions are as essential to our health and personal developement as schools are to our education, or as food is to our nourishment. And it's funny--you can always tell when it's time to shift gears and change hats. The frown gets deeper...the inner spirit gets irritable...the jaw gets set... the mind gets fatigued--these are God's signals to you that say, 'Don't abort, divert! Don't cave in, get away! Don't crumble, create!' The saddest believers I know--those most bored, most lonely, most miserable, most filled with self-pity--are those who have never developed interests ourside of the realm of their work.
The only vision they possess is tunnel vision, the most significant thing they've ever created is an ulcer, the only thing they can discuss in depth is their old nine-to-five routine."

I think this is true. Our minds, and our bodies need a break at times---a rest. Sometimes it really helps to focus on something creative.


Ps. I am using this post for Tabletop Tuesday at Marty's --check here for more:http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-table-top-tuesday-spring-into.html

19 comments:

  1. Howdy,
    Blogging really does get to be addictive, doesn't it. Love your Spindle Cottage. And I totally agree with you about hobbies.
    Hugs,
    Charlotte

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  2. Yes, I guess this is ONE of my hobbies..And soon another, gardening will limit my time here..A season for everything.
    Great header!

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  3. I was just thinking about you yesterday. Hope things are going well. I very much enjoyed your post ... it's a thoughtful reminder of the importance of quiet reflection in our often too-busy lives.
    Nicely done!

    Bill

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  4. I love Chuck Swindoll's writing and thoughts - and what you have done with what he said. Lovely.

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  5. Every word of this post is so true. I love your pictures and the simple things of life and all of the beauty around us. Thanks. Hugs, Marty

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  6. Your awesome header just blew me away. I love that!
    I think EVERYONE that wants to be really happy HAS to have a hobby. Some of the most unhappy people I've met in my looong life haven't had any interests or hobbies at all.

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  7. Love your beautiful header! It's true...just the simple things can be so enjoyable if you let them. I love your tabletop...especially the shells! I hope you are having a wonderful week!...Debbie
    Baby Kitty says to tell Boots that his presence on the table is purely professional! (He is only interested in being there during photo shoots...the little ham!)

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  8. You are so right on with this post! I have a girlfriend that can only talk about her job. Nothing else. Actually, it's kind of boring and I feel sad that she doesn't look for other things to fill her free time. Your table looks so pretty too, thanks for sharing.
    Cindy

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  9. Flowers mean spring time, and that's just what I'm in the mood for! Thanks for bringing some blossoms to my day.

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  10. Have no idea why it's saying I'm "Richard", I'm not...I'm Sandy...how do you do?
    Just wanted to say thanks for posting your devotion today. I needed to read what Mr. Swindoll had to say...very timely.

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  11. Great post girl and so true thanks...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  12. Sometimes I think I have too many hobbies! They sure make life fun and interesting though!

    I've always liked Charles Swindoll books.

    Nice post!

    Katherine

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  13. Hi Mannykim
    I love your post. Blogging, decorating, cooking and gardening. What a great life. Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment on my new blog.
    Betty

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  14. What a touching & thought provoking post! That photo of your boys at the old family homesite it just priceless & speaks so loudly of *Family*.
    Beautifully done!

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  15. Beautifully written! You have really touched my heart today. You are so dear and have such a sweet heart!
    Take care and hugs, Elizabeth

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  16. Blogging is my hobby. It is something that I really take time to do for me.

    Thanks for warming my day (actually evening).

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  17. When I am very stressed, I tend to do one of two things...I clean like crazy, even if it doesn't need it (that is what I almost always do) or I curl up in a ball and don't move for a day. That is much more rare. As for hobbies, I have many and they change depending on my mood, the time of year and things I see others do.

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Howdy :-)