A friend of mine—a Renaissance man of sorts—writes a blog about fishing.
His latest post, entitled “The Right Stuff,” examines the equipment people need for their various hobbies and professions. Also a musician, this man likened fishing rods to guitars, as far as the selection of equipment based on one’s goals and skill levels goes.
While I know as little about casting a rod and reel as I do about playing the guitar, I found his post thought provoking. He discusses why a beginner shouldn’t begin with the most advanced—and often, most expensive—equipment and what considerations go into proper selection.
I know a fair number of golfers and have overheard my share of debate over the need for expensive equipment. My husband, a marathon runner, spends what he considers a lot of money to buy shoes and enter races and participate in running clubs. A cyclist friend pours his spare change into bikes and flying to Hawaii to watch the Ironman triathlon up close.
My friend’s blog got me thinking about my own hobbies.
In 1977 I got into crocheting. I spent about half of the $2.35 an hour I earned at the yarn store on acrylic yarn. Once I spent an exorbitant sum of $6.99 on a complete set of crochet hooks, which I still have but no longer use.
That’s it. Except for a couple of style guides, I don’t spend anything on my hobby. Perhaps it shows.
I suppose I could take up more hobbies, and then I could blog about those. Golf is out, as plaid does not become me. We’ve already established I lack musical and athletic talent, so neither a violin nor a tennis racket is an option.
I don’t care much for stamp collecting (sorry, Dad) or bird watching or scrapbooking.
As I look back on some of my most popular blog posts, I notice (and WordPress confirms) that the best stories came from travel experiences and mishaps.
Therefore, would it be reasonable to conclude that I’d be a better blogger if I had a bigger travel budget?
As I see it, my choice is either to buy more style guides (and new bookends!) or a plane ticket.
With any luck, things will go terribly wrong.
Word Nymph 
Yes, but how many hobbyists (I would argue running and cycling are lifestyle choices, not just hobbies) are willing to admit how much we actually spend annually on our pursuit? My rather lame excuse for owning more bikes than I can ride is that each is unique–frame material, weight, gearing, components, and ride characteristics, for example. And to me, each bike is also a work of art, that can be hung on the wall to be appreciated even while not moving. (This viewpoint also helps to justify the outrageous prices the machines cost these days.)
Well said. I’m sure my blogger/fisherman/musician friend would agree.
Happy New Year! We can all agree that various types or makes of equipment may be different and fit situations better or differently. If they’re bought or obtained for that reason that makes a lot of practical sense. Also, if you use equipment extensively, it may need time to rest (eg shoes). That said, some people are just into collecting, and there’s nothing wrong with that either. Maybe, collections are amassed in the process of getting use.
On writing, I’d love to read more about the varied adventures that come with travel. That would be a collected set of views that many of us would not have shared.
Good writing, whatever direction you take from the compass and muse.