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10/24/2007: "Sedentary Hobbies"

Besides a few unpleasant side effects from chemo these days, what frustrates me most is my lung capacity. I always seemed to be surprised by what little activity causes me to start breathing hard. Just getting dressed or loading something in the car forces me to stop and catch my breath. Today I tried to do a little yard work. Since last weekend marked the one-year anniversary of my half marathon, true vitality and capacity was not that far away. I look at my road bicycle hanging in the garage and wonder if I will ever “heal” enough to get back on it. It’s certainly remains a goal and a great motivator.

I love hobbies that involve projects. When I was young I used to work on cars. In our first house I added a master bedroom, bath and office on my own. The deck along side our current house continues to grow. And when I think of things I wish I had done, hand building a wooden kayak is high on my list. So being physically limited is not something I am used to.

So to fill some of my time, I have taken up a few sedentary hobbies. Over the last year, I have been customizing and rebuilding electric guitars. I have about six or seven of them and often one is in pieces on the dining room table. Now, finding different parts on eBay and soldering different wiring patterns have become my new challenge. The Internet continues to be a hobby as I read and post frequently.

Most recently I have taken up watercolor painting. I have done a little drawing in the past but never painting. So I enrolled in an adult education class that meets every Wednesday from 9am to noon. There are 30+ in the class and many of them have been coming to the same class for years. I am the baby in skills and age as my fellow classmates are all senior citizens. I am happy with my first attempts but I have lot to learn. My paintings you see here are of my favorite subject, Europe. The first is Grinzing, which is a little wine producing region in Vienna, Austria. Jeanette and I lived just down the street from there for several years. The second you will recognize as Venice. This is the view of St. George’s Island from the steps of the Doge’s Palace at Piazza San Marco.

So, though I am no longer out running, cycling or swimming, I am seeking activities that will keep my interest and keep me learning.

Replies: 3 Comments

on Thursday, October 25th, Marcia Russell said

Doug, I am awed. Your work is simply beautiful. I too have been regularly visiting your blog, although I don't comment. I take in what you've written and have shared your immense knowledge with others on numerous occasions. Judging by the number of people who don't know you, but have been moved to write, I know you're having a far wider impact than any of us can understand. I suppose you're in yet another teacher role now. Thanks for being such a great one.

on Thursday, October 25th, KO said

You've probably seen this site. I use it for wiring ideas:
http://members.shaw.ca/wilkatguitars/git_tips6.htm

on Wednesday, October 24th, Doreen said

Your many talents never cease to amaze... Hope your having a great day.