The Art of the Hobby with Maddie Loucy
I, Samantha, would describe myself as frantically searching for purpose, and that is why I have tried monetizing every hobby I’ve ever had. That’s the kind of world we live in, right? You’ll never get to do what you want to do unless you can make a livable wage doing it? I have now learned, on the precipice of 30 years old, that for me this strategy completely missed the point.
“If you don’t put 100% into relaxation,
how can you have 100% for anything else?”
— Maddie Loucy
Maddie has patiently watched me rush through this journey since we were pre-teens. She would encourage me of course! Then, I’d get past the point of no return, promptly give up, and we would share a hearty laugh about how it happened again. It never felt right- doing art just for money- but I’d never considered it any other way. It wasn’t until I started writing this book and drawing my characters that I really experienced flow state and the time-warp enjoyment that is the true purpose of a hobby. I get it now!! It brings me joy to express myself and any money would be an afterthought and a bonus.
Plant in a Lamp
This Cutie Plant
Plant of String
Some of the many projects and hobbies that Maddie enjoys include embroidery, plant care, plant crafts, home design, video games, and crocheting. She’s had many hobbies in the past and I’m sure will continue to find more things she enjoys for the rest of her life!
Going hobby by hobby here, there is something to be said about the joy that comes from making a plant happy and finding creative ways to incorporate plants into your space. It shrinks the world down, makes it a bit less overwhelming, and is a daily reminder to tend to the small, essential things that are easily overlooked. That’s if you like plants! They’re not everybody’s thing; they’re just the beginning.
String can be used for endless kinds of hobbies and enjoyment. Maddie has tried crocheting recently and made scarves and neck warmers for her family. As they wear them I know they will be thinking of her with warm faces and hearts!
Not to brag, but I was also lucky enough to get a made by Maddie gift! She sent me her first embroidery project and I felt so thought of and cared for when I found it in my mailbox. I hung it at my desk so it can keep watch over my writing space, remind me of my friend, and that when I’m proud of something, being brave and sharing it may bring joy to others like it has for me.
Video Game Plants
Going virtual, video games are a very good way to enter the hobby time-warp! Maddie has encouraged me to get a console for ages and to think! I was afraid that it would take up too much of my time. Video games have replaced the hours of TV I used to watch weekday evenings, a trade I gladly make. My husband, Joe, and I are playing Zelda: Breath of the Wild (see trailer below) and I don’t feel weird about saying it is a taste of freedom. We get to explore a whole world and do whatever we want there- we can fight battles, forage, explore, shop, cook, train a horse, meet the townsfolk, do puzzles, and every night we play we feel accomplished. (Except for the one time that I tried fighting too many monsters before I was ready, that was stressful but lesson learned! I must go at my own pace).
When it comes to hobbies, Maddie is fearless and has worked through the barrier of self-judgement that stops many of us from trying something new. I really admire that. She has showed me that while American culture puts a very strong an emphasis on productivity, it is not a reliable source of happiness. I encourage you to find the space and time to regularly tend to your hobbies, like Maddie has taught me to do. See if they bring you a kind of happiness that you didn’t know you could have.
“If it was time that you enjoyed, how could that ever be a waste?”
— Maddie Loucy
P.S. Watch this trailer, you won’t regret it. :)
