Fiber Fool

This week’s Ten on Tuesday is part easy and part difficult. I am one of those people who really likes having background noise. And, since I’m home alone the vast majority of the time sometimes I want people noise, not music. That means the TV is on in our house a fair amount. Though in the summer I try to stay out of the basement until evening to keep it cooler down there and more of a place to escape the heat and that is where the TV is so summer is a time of much less TV watching.

1. Obviously one of my favorite non-TV watching activities is reading. It offers many of the same components of entertainment without being so passive.
2. I will admit that sometimes one requires passive entertainment. Perhaps it is because you have a task that progresses faster (or at least appears to) if you can multitask with something a bit more enjoyable or you are not physically up to some of the other non-TV watching tasks. If that is the case I highly suggest audiobooks. I listen to them mostly when I’m knitting, but lately I’ve gotten wrapped up in a few enough to keep them playing while working in the kitchen.
3. Knit. Sometimes knitting goes more smoothly if you aren’t multitasking. Also, even easy knitting can become nicely meditative if the TV isn’t on in the background.
4. Go on a photowalk. You get a little exercise this way, but not too strenuous because you get to stop every once in a while and take a picture. This can be a great way to improve your photography too. If you don’t have many different options for a route from your your departure location try set a theme for each walk - choose a specific color, a particular f-stop, macro, type of object and see what new things you notice that you haven’t before.
5. Go to a local theater production or concert. I know in many places around the country there are Shakespeare productions being put on, often outside and usually at very reasonable prices. Also summer community bands and orchestras can often be found performing in parks and the like, again often free or for a small donation.
6. Cook or bake from scratch. Another one I’m sure you all would have never guessed I would suggest ;-) It really can take a fair amount of time to make quality food from scratch and it can also be a family activity. Drew and I spent the better part of Saturday grilling and cooking, some to eat that day and some as prep to make meals later in the week in less time. Plus, there is something extra special about a meal made together. It tastes even better than a meal made by one.
7. Garden! It is much more active than watching TV (or reading or knitting) and can help improve flexibility. Food grown by your own hands that you are proud of tastes sweeter too.
8. Play a board, card or lawn game. This is another great activity for the whole family or friends. It often promotes laughter, little healthy competition and keeps your brain engaged.
9. Visit a museum or art gallery.
10. Go to a local festival - Renaissance, cultural or on a special interest.

Don’t forget, I’m appearing over on Donna Druchunas’ blog today!