I like to hoard different kinds of cows. Not literally, but figuratively. I like calling it my "cow collecting
hobby," simply because it’s better than saying "I hoard cows." Currently, my esoteric collection has
reached an exciting 88 pieces. I have little china figurines of these creatures, some cow shakers
and matchboxes picked up by friends during travels in nondescript lanes in Greece, a 52-piece
crockery set with cows all over that my cousin thought would make for a perfect 21st birthday gift,
and even a cow pendant studded with precious stones.
While this makes the task of picking up something that will make me happy a lot easier, it also
makes my bovine fascination the butt of many jokes, including how a perfect present on my
birthday would be a real cow.
I thought I was the only one with this fascination, till I saw Tara Zandra’s page which proclaimed, "Moo spoken here."
Her cow fascination was even more specific than mine: "I only collect black and white cows, and
only cows, not cow print. And I have decided to limit my collection only to the kitchen." She has
even adopted some cows on the Internet and there are links to some cow campaigns, awards, other
sites and more. Other collectors may be a little disappointed if they are looking for merchandise
though, because she adds, "These are all gifts. I don’t know where to pick up some of these cow
merchandise!"
All this just when I had fallen for her cow strainer!
When it comes to strange collections, I am not alone. Heard of someone collecting empty band-aid
boxes? The site explains how these guys stumbled over their
hobby when they inherited a house in California which had ‘unmolested’ band-aid boxes. The one
they cherish most has "a certain undeniable retro 50s look." Considering I describe my cows as
angel faces, I really can’t say much.
Not fond of cows or band-aid boxes? There are other options online, that can help you convert an
interest into a hobby. Take your pick from lots of sites that offer you glimpses into the huge world of
interests, pastimes and collectibles.
A good place to begin is About.com which, led by expert human guides
to each section, gives you the latest news and useful tips for a good beginning point. Making rose
beads for instance. The site provides links to other
sites, which explain the whole process of making rose beads in great detail, with pictures.
Another site that lets you search for specifics is ehow.com, a browsable
engine that claims to have 15,000 solutions. So if you want to learn how to
make an aromatic candle, it will provide you with step-by-step instructions to make a candle and
will also give you a list of ingredients and necessary equipment, along with additional links for
candle care, maintenance, etc.
No matter what stage your interest is in, there are sites that can help you enhance it. Crazy about
Harry Potter Books? Discover collectibles here, with the popular
character in little glass figurines, wooden boxes, and even Christmas tree ornaments.
There are a lot of sites devoted to niche hobbies. Like Caboose hobbies devoted strictly to toy trains, rail modelling and aero models.
Amma’s Kitchen is for those who like collecting and exchanging recipes.
There’s also a Searchable Engine of Recipes (SOAR) with over
30,000 thousand recipes from different regions.
For those who just want to add to their collections, the superstore at beyond.com is completely devoted to hardware, software and games
related to hobbies. The Internet Hobby Shop is also a good place
for those looking forward to adding to their collections of anything from the conventional stamps,
coins and jigsaw puzzles to telescopes, die cast models, etc.
If you’re not the type to imbibe a font of knowledge all at one go, try emazing.com. It emails you a pearl of wisdom daily, on any of the subjects
you might have an interest in. Woodwork, bartending, sewing, clicking good pictures, brushing up
your chess moves or even how to mix your drinks. The tips vary from the serious to those that are
completely out of the box.
Read this bartending tip and you get the drift: "For most of you, winter with its inclement weather
and sub-freezing temperatures is upon us. Other than a trip to the slopes, that kind of limits your
activities to indoors. Even when you've got to go. So, if it's too cold to give the snow a new tint, try
the drink recipe of the same name. Over ice pour 1 1/2 oz. of vodka, 3/4oz. peppermint schnapps,
and Mountain Dew in a highball glass. Stir and serve. And don't worry about how it looks. Unless, of
course, you let someone else make it for you." What’s more, you can even chat with those sharing
similar hobbies and interests.
Lets say none of these sites help, and you still run into problems finding additions to your
collection. That’s where clubs, organisations and message boards come to your rescue. Google’s
directory offers you clubs
for any kind of hobby. , while one can also join or start a hobby club with Yahoo.com.
As for me, I’m off to learn how to predict the weather. Maybe it just might snow sometime, who
knows?
Popular Hobbies
Stamps
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Cooking
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Crafts
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