Louisa Cornell, ladydawgfan, KateS and Kelly Ryan are the winners of Fun Contest Saturday!
Lori Austin's (aka Lori Handeland) An Outlaw in Wonderland has been named one of Publisher Weekly's Best Summer Books of 2013!!
A big CONGRATULATIONS to Goddesses Lori Austin (Lori Handeland) and Sabrina Jeffries for being named as RITA finalists for their historical romances BEAUTY AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER and A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS!
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Sometimes it feels like being a writer is a full-time gig. And I mean 24-hours a day full time. When I’m doing laundry I’m trying to figure out how to get the heroine to the ball without an invitation. While I’m brushing my teeth I’m trying out snippets of dialogue to try to make them snappier. Watching TV, I see a scene and think, “if I did this and that, I could make a similar scenario work for an opening chapter.”
This is why I like my hobbies so much. They take time and concentration, which gives me a break from writing. And in the case of collecting Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc., it gives me a land/galaxy to think of that’s far away 
from anything I’m otherwise working on. So I collect things, as some of you may have heard. When I search out and acquire a new figure, I make sure to record where I found it, how much I paid for it, any specific serial or item numbers, and where I’m storing the box (which can be really important, considering how many boxes I have). These are some of my more recent acquisitions.
I’ll admit that I probably have too many items in my collection. Pirates have begun spilling out of the display room and taking up residence in my bedroom. But since my bedroom theme is Caribbean/tropical, I think they fit pretty well. I have a dinosaur head above my television, a Terminator arm on my hearth, and a hobbit and four dwarves on my mantel. (I’m working on getting all twelve dwarves from The Hobbit movies.)
I have a spare bedroom I’ve converted into a display room. (That’s one wall of it, there on the left.) When friends and relatives come to visit, that’s where they want to go first. Even the giraffe in the foyer pales by comparison. I know some people think I’m goofy, or worse, but I don’t really care; it’s my stuff, and I have fun finding it, displaying it, and even dusting it.
What do you do when you’re not working? Do you choose things that are as far from your regular job as you can get, or do they all complement each other? Does anyone else look at your hobby as…odd?
45 Comments on “Yabba Dabba Dooo!”
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I am the proud owner of a growing rubber duck collection and I might add that all but one of them are Halloween themed. Then there’s my crime show collection which confuses the heck out of my housemate Sci Fi Guy. Gamer Dude indulges me with the fact that I am currently doing a psychic development workshop and it wasn’t cheap but I am finding it interesting and it is getting me out of the house and meeting new people of varying faiths. I will be looking into doing further courses in this area after this particular set of workshops is finished (it’s really different from what I am studying at uni that’s for sure).
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 7:38 am.
That sounds fascinating, Kelly! And I love the idea of a rubber duck collection.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 12:37 pm.
I love the peeks into your collection! What a fun distraction.
Sometimes I swear, writing is like a disease. It never stops. You need the down time, though, so I usually spend it obsessing about stories in other ways..sobbing over Downton or drooling over Firefly or reading a fab book, going to the movies when I’m not carting kids everywhere…:-)
Looking forward to your latest!
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 7:41 am.
FIREFLY!!!!!!
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 9:56 am.
I love movies too, Deb — in the dark theater it’s easier to forget all my own storyline bits and bobs. And like Lori, may I add, “FIREFLY!” *g* Shiny.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 12:39 pm.
I love your display room. I want one! But I only have two shelves of freaky Barbies.
When I’m not working I watch a lot of mindless Tv to decompress and I read. Not exactly far off from the work.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 8:02 am.
I want to see your freaky Barbies, Lori!
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 12:54 pm.
I’m into dragons, gargoyles and fairies. Once I’m back out on my own again I can spread out and get even more stuff. My look is over the top Gothic. Don’t care if nobody likes it. They don’t have to live with it. It’s me. Totally me. You can walk into my room and say, yeah that’s all her. I like that.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 8:27 am.
Ooh, nice, aida. Do you have figures? I always wanted to collect dragons, but never did for some reason.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 12:55 pm.
I’m on a minimalist kick. With all the stuff that I’ve inherited, I want to get rid of everyone else’s junk and just collect my own. I don’t what I would collect. While it is cool that you have your figures, those just aren’t me. DH’s aunt and uncle collect California Raisins stuff. It is fun finding them treasures. We found an old restaurant poster of the Raisins at a junk store for them several years back. We gave it to them on his uncle’s bday. It was fun doing that, then watching as they had a decorating crisis because it needed a frame and the thing was so huge that they had to make room for it somewhere. I guess I help out collectors
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 9:29 am.
I think that’s brilliant, Amanda – you help out other sad, addicted people, and don’t have to find storage room for weird stuff. *g*
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 12:56 pm.
I read and travel which are pretty common. I don’t travel for work at all.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 9:46 am.
Traveling is great for clearing the mind for new things, isn’t it, Anne?
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 12:57 pm.
I like to get out and run or walk or practice yoga. Something active, something out of the house. I also do needlepoint. I know, not what you expected, right?
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 10:00 am.
I had no idea you did needlepoint, Julia! I bet it’s perfect, though, since it takes a lot of concentration.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 12:58 pm.
I collect fairies, dragons and unicorns. My high school mascot was a dragon and I thought they were just REALLY cool looking. I’ve always loved the purity and mysticism of unicorns. Fairies are just tiny, light and graceful…pretty much everything I’m NOT.
I also just love watching some of my mindless TV shows where I can just dive in to their world for a bit. I love GH for that very reason. I also like Smash–I swear Jack Davenport could read the phone book to me and I would be a puddle.
Love his voice!
You could possibly say that I collect movies as well…I think we probably have over 300 different movies on VHS, DVD and now collecting on Blu-Ray.
Love your collection. Did my eyes deceive me, or is that a Buffy collection? LOVE Buffy, Angel and Charmed.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 10:13 am.
I love all those mystical, fairytale things, Julie! And yes, that’s some of my Buffy stuff. *g*
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 12:59 pm.
I have taken up knitting recently. I am not very good at it, and sometimes it can be more stressful then it’s intend to be, but it keeps my hands occupided while I am watching tv at night. I look at it as a weight loss tool, as well. I always have the urge to eat at night while watching tv, so if I knit I don’t eat.
Reading is another hobby. I think I would go mad if I couldn’t read for a little bit each day, it’s my escape.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 10:21 am.
I think maybe I need to take up knitting, Amy. *g*
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 1:00 pm.
Anything you can have fun dusting is something worth having!!
Your collection is amazing! You could open a shop and make a mint.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 10:31 am.
I must say you have a kindred spirit – I have collections galore, converted my spare bedroom to LOTR (with elven script on the walls), my tv room has GWTW, my daughter has more Barbies displayed and still in their boxes than she ever played with. I used to have a comic collection that could have been a store in itself, and my bookcases are filled and throughout every room (including the dining).
Work for me is 24/7 – being a mom, cook, housekeeper, planner, home accountant, chauffeur, whew..exhausting how many hats I wear – my favorite thing to do is read and go to the movies (sneaking away to a matinee while the clothes are in the wash). I love doing crafts – as small as cross stitch as large as furniture.
My children are funny and enjoy that mom is self appointed “norkalious” (nerd/dork/and delicious) and now that they are older they appreciate the insanity and join in.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 10:36 am.
I still think of my comic collection and want to kick myself….I had SO many comics when I was a kid and teenager, including a 1st edition She-Hulk that I got as a present when it first came out. I had Superman, Wonder Woman, Incredible Hulk, X-Men, Avengers, etc. *sigh* I was a dumb teenager when I moved out at 18, and THREW THEM AWAY…………what a ninny I am. I could have made a mint.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 11:21 am.
Your house sounds a lot like mine, Carla! And I’m going to borrow “norkalious”. *g*
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 1:02 pm.
Most of my collecting was done in the years P.C.B.C. Post College-when I had finally had money-and Before Children-when I no longer had time to dust it all and was always having to place it out of reach of sticky fingers and wayward footballs, baseballs, whiffleballs, etc.
There was a definite theme to the various things I collected and it was Anglophile. I was a member of a club where each month I received a handsomely bound Agatha Christie mystery. I collected teapots even though I detest drinking tea. I snapped up almost every piece of English made porcelain I could find at TJMaxx, especially the blue and white. I blame all the regencies and tea-cosy mysteries I read.
Now, I’d rather spend my time and extra money on planning trips to England and other places. I don’t get to go as often as I’d like to all the places I’d like but I enjoy it greatly while I’m there and the pictures I take allow me to revisit in my mind as often as I wish.
I noticed in your Buffy collection that Spike got the place of honor beside Buffy while Angel was over to the side. Did you do that deliberately? Because I sure would have. Must be the Anglophile in me.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 11:03 am.
LOL, Misty. I love teacups too, and hate drinking tea. And I’m not sure why Spike is next to Buffy, unless it’s something subconscious. *g*
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 1:04 pm.
I like making and creating things. Crafts, jewelry, collages, quilts.. when I am working on a project it gets my brain flowing, but also takes my mind off other things for a bit.
As far as collections, I have been amassing Disney prints and some other things from Disneyland and I am going to finally own it and decorate my office with them all. I bought some of the Mary Blair prints a few years ago from Small World and Cinderella that are just lovely. I can’t wait to get the rest framed and hang them all up!
I love your collections and they are very you
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 11:41 am.
My middle sister is very crafty, and she says it’s very relaxing. I think you have to have some talent for it, first — which I don’t. *g*
And thanks, Sheridan! You’ve seen the whole pile o’crazy in my house. I think it’s very me, too.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 1:07 pm.
Having a giraffe in your foyer is definitely cool.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 11:42 am.
Thanks, Philip! It’s definitely the only one in the neighborhood. *g*
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 1:08 pm.
When I don’t work, I’m reading (a lot) or sitting behind my computer. I write a daily blog and when I have the time for it, novels.
For the rest I try to keep my house clean and the washing done, run errands.
Weekends I try to spend doing fun things (mostly relaxing, because teaching can be demanding). I love to make trips and often spend a long weekend abroad. Like going to London just for the weekend to see a Westend show or a performance in the Royal Albert Hall.
I don’t collect anymore, but I used to collect dolls in traditional costume. I have them from all over the world and they are in a showcase (on my attic!).
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 11:47 am.
Nickie, I would LOVE to be able to go down to London for the weekend. Sigh. *g*
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 1:09 pm.
Goofy? For loving amazing characters and great fiction? Pah! I love your collection and you’re right – it was the first place I wanted to see when I visited you. I can’t remember if I yelled SHOW ME THE HANS! or if I just said it. Something like that.
When I’m not working, I’m doing House Projects. Next on my list, the backyard and my office. I’ll post pics when I’m done, which will hopefully be before 2025, but I’m not making any promises. Genius takes work!
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 11:58 am.
My ears are still ringing, Karen, though I remember something about having to check your luggage for my Wolverine action figure. *g*
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 1:10 pm.
I used to crochet and do needlepoint, but now my most active thing to do is walking. I do play Barbies and color a lot. The Barbies are not my activity of choice, but what are you going to do when the little one looks at you with those big blue eyes? We play card games at which she beats me regularly. She’s especially good at Uno. We do have dance parties at the house with DD#1 and Leia. My activities of choice are collecting and listening to music and watching baseball and football. I’ve grown away from episodic television except for a couple shows. I still read a lot even though one of my jobs involves reading many books.
Love your collections and your perseverance in keeping up with them.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 12:35 pm.
I know what you mean about playing, Donna — I’m wicked at Hot Wheels and crayons right now. The nephews are great at taking my brain away from writing and plotting. It’s a matter of survival. ;->
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 1:12 pm.
I collect Fostoria frosted coinware in amber. My first piece was a 50th anniversary gift to my grandparents. I inherited it and started adding to it. It is no longer being made so pieces are now hard to find and expensive.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 1:18 pm.
I’ve a variety of collections, but at some point I always say to myself, enough and stop collecting. In the past I’ve collected old dishes, linens, frames, flatware, the odd components that I think I can use in jewelry, photographs, letters, and books. The old books have to have some meaning to me or are quirky.
The oldest book I own was published in 1811. It’s leatherbound and looks better than a book I picked up that was published in 1892. If I hadn’t recognized some of the lectures in the 1811 book from my history classes, I probably would not have picked up the book. The 1892 book is about heroines responses to heroes. I haven’t read it, yet, because it’s in pretty bad shape. One of my favorite old books is ‘What a Young Girl Ought to Know,’ which is apparently one book in a series about educating young girls about the ‘birds and the bees’ from 1905 by a woman dr. My poor great-grandmothers!! If any of them read it, they had to be confused because I was, lol. Sadly, this woman dr was against teenage girls reading romance novels. One of my greatest treasures, though, is a pocket book of Robert Burns poetry, bound in a modern, Stewart Black plaid from turn of the last century. It’s inscribed to a girl in 1900, and then, again, in 1948 when the girl’s a grandmother, giving the book to her granddaughter.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 1:42 pm.
My husband accused me just the other day of being a hoarder. I hoard books. Novels. I have a library and I have about 900 books in it. They are all on shelves and I rarely have more than 2 out at a time. About every 6 months I go through and donate a couple hundred to the local library (if nothing else they can sell them at their Friends of the Library sale)Although, now I have a local used book store that I’m frequenting so they may get some, too. I think that giving some away disqualifies me as a hoarder but he was giving me heck for an hour and a half over it. He even started asking people at work if they thought it was weird to have that many books. He’s an enabler though, he custom built me a bookshelf for my paperbacks that’s about 7 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The way I look at it, we have a room that’s devoted to books – all on shelves, I still have open shelves, therefore, I’m not a hoarder. What do you think?
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 2:07 pm.
Liz, you are not a hoarder, I have watched some of those shows and they can’t get rid of ANYTHING! The fact you can and do give away some of your books disqualifies you as a hoarder. And you are right your husband is an enabler but since he can build bookcases ignore that flaw in his character.
When I moved from Los Angeles I sold 15 boxed of books at a yard sale, donated another 10 to the convalescent home around the corner, shipped 15 boxes to a friend in Washington and still moved 47 boxes with me to Nevada. Those boxes held 100 paperbacks or 40 hardbacks, I know because I got them from the bookstore I worked in. In my defense they were not all my books, my dh and sons are all readers.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 7:39 pm.
I like your collection.
For me, I enjoy piddling in the yard, and my efforts would not be found in Southern Living. That would be too much work for me. I enjoy decorating my home, it’s a work in progress. One of my favorite hobbies, if you will, is that I love to read. And, yes I do have some that I keep and a tbr stack. Only my mom and 1 sister understand my stash as they too love to read. Both mom & sister reads historial and contemporary, and I enjoy contemporary. And, these are far from what I do as a departmental secretary at a University.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 5:43 pm.
I’m with Lori. Watching TV is probably my main decompresser. And playing spider solitaire, which I am sadly addicted to. I play two or three games every day.
I do like puzzles, but I try not to do them year-round, because once I have one going, that’s all I want to do.
I used to do a lot more beading, but I just don’t have the time anymore.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 5:43 pm.
This will attest to how stupid I am. I realized today that apparently I collect every greeting card that was ever given to me. Why? I have no earthly idea. I have all old birthday, sympathy and apology cards. You know those cards that say you’re sorry for being an idiot!
Love your collection. I read and write then read some more when I’m not working.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 6:19 pm.
Like Aida, I collect dragons and gargoyles, I love them. I started collecting dragons before you could even find dragons, all they had were unicorns. Then one day I walked into a gift shop in Marina Del Rey and found Tunturi dragons! My very first one was a mother dragon with her tail wrapped around a crystal egg. Over the years I have acquired many other Tunturi dragons but none I love like the first one;unfortunately Steve Tunturi passed away a few years ago so there will be no new creations from him. But I have dragons from all over the world, another favorite is Stoney, an Aussie dragon made from polymer resin and powdered stone. About 10 years ago I added gargoyles to my collection after we got George, our house guardian. George’s eyes glow red and he welcomes you to our haunted home before he shrieks. His wings used to flap as well but they don’t any longer.
Our house is littered with elves, knights on and off horseback,orcs, and wrought iron candle stands of varying sizes and other items that people might view as strange but they make us happy.
I read to relax or I paint ceramic figures or sew, sometimes I take pictures of the skies.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 7:27 pm.
When I’m not working, I either read or watch something on tv.
I do have some figurines in a curio cabinet and my china hutch. I like horses and unicorns. I have two carriages with horses in the china hutch. Most of the horses are in the curio cabinet. The Thomas Kincaide items are on a shelf in the kitchen next to my desk.
My friends talked me into scrapbooking. They do 12×12 sheets in special books. I do 8 1/2×11 in 3 ring binders. The binders sit on the kitchen floor in front of the china hutch. We scrapbook on holiday weekends and stay over. Since our next session is Memorial Day Weekend and I’m replacing my aunt at work the beginning of May, I’m not sure how it will work; being the lead dispatcher for a 24 hour service company can suck. Always a live person answers the phone.
Posted on March 6, 2013 at 8:57 pm.
I’m into my craft work, but nothing really odd about it.
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 3:44 am.