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Hobbies and Leisure-Time Activities

Sif

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Wow, that’s a nice group! I went to their site and found two in my area. I’ll keep an eye out for future events.

How long have you been involved in martial arts? Were you always interested?

~Bella

I've been interested in swords, fighting, etc. since a little girl, since hearing stories about Valkyries and shield-maidens. I remember seeing the Return of the King cartoon (made for TV) long ago and really liked the idea of Eowyn's character.

I've seriously studied martial arts since my mid-teens. Being unusually tall for a girl and a woman and, at least for a woman, quite strong, I feel a natural draw toward martial arts in general

I've always been rather 'tom-boyish'. Just a part of my personality. My father was surprised when I asked him when I was 12 to go along with him when he went hunting. He was even more surprised when I was not grossed out by the cleaning of the elk he shot. I actually found it interesting. Today I also enjoy hunting myself
 
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bèlla

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I've been interested in swords, fighting, etc. since a little girl, since hearing stories about Valkyries and shield-maidens. I remember seeing the Return of the King cartoon (made for TV) long ago and really liked the idea of Eowyn's character.

I liked her character as well. I had a similar affinity for Diana and Athena.

I've seriously studied martial arts since my mid-teens. Being unusually tall for a girl and a woman and, at least for a woman, quite strong, I feel a natural draw toward martial arts in general

What classes have you taken? I grew up watching karate films. They played them every weekend on telly. My interest in Japanese culture was probably the result of early exposure.

I've always been rather 'tom-boyish'. Just a part of my personality. My father was surprised when I asked him when I was 12 to go along with him when he went hunting. He was even more surprised when I was not grossed out by the cleaning of the elk he shot. I actually found it interesting. Today I also enjoy hunting myself

I was very adventurous and enjoyed climbing and activities that required dexterity. I was forbidden from climbing hills because my uniform was soiled and I looked disheveled. After watching me leap from a swing, cheerleading and dance kept me occupied thereafter.

I’ve never been hunting but I excelled in marksmanship in JROTC. I’ve contemplated firearm training and have good hand-and-eye coordination. I’ve wanted to try archery and fencing too.

What kind of game have you hunted? Do you have other outdoor hobbies?

~Bella
 
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Sif

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I liked her character as well. I had a similar affinity for Diana and Athena.



What classes have you taken? I grew up watching karate films. They played them every weekend on telly. My interest in Japanese culture was probably the result of early exposure.



I was very adventurous and enjoyed climbing and activities that required dexterity. I was forbidden from climbing hills because my uniform was soiled and I looked disheveled. After watching me leap from a swing, cheerleading and dance kept me occupied thereafter.

I’ve never been hunting but I excelled in marksmanship in JROTC. I’ve contemplated firearm training and have good hand-and-eye coordination. I’ve wanted to try archery and fencing too.

What kind of game have you hunted? Do you have other outdoor hobbies?

~Bella

Back in my teens I took some local Karate classes. They were a good start, however, I am not interested in competition. I am interested in self-defense and historical fighting systems. For self defense I've focused on Krav Maga.

My father encouraged my sister and I to learn self defense. He told both of us that very likely if we ever needed to protect ourselves we'd be alone or any man we were with would be incapacitated and it would be up to ourselves. I had to use self defense only once in my life and I was alone when attacked. I was successful and not harmed.

I like to hunt elk primarily. I like the meat and enjoy the places were I can hunt elk. I have hunted wild boar/feral pigs. They can be treacherous.

I enjoy hiking, both day hikes and long range hikes, usually alone. I've had the good fortune to have done a multi-day trip above the Arctic Circle in summer. In the lower 48 I enjoy the wilderness areas of Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. One a trip earlier this year I was the one being hunted. A mountain lion was stalking me. Once it realized it had been spotted it bolted off into the brush.
 
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bèlla

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I had to use self defense only once in my life and I was alone when attacked. I was successful and not harmed.

I’m sorry to hear that. I’m glad you weren’t harmed and knew how to protect yourself. That had to be scary.

I like to hunt elk primarily. I like the meat and enjoy the places were I can hunt elk. I have hunted wild boar/feral pigs. They can be treacherous.

Do you hunt alone or with others? I’ve heard boars are dangerous.

I enjoy hiking, both day hikes and long range hikes, usually alone. I've had the good fortune to have done a multi-day trip above the Arctic Circle in summer. In the lower 48 I enjoy the wilderness areas of Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. One a trip earlier this year I was the one being hunted. A mountain lion was stalking me. Once it realized it had been spotted it bolted off into the brush.

That’s incredible! I bet it was beautiful. :)

The wilderness in those areas is striking. I grew up in the city but I enjoyed my time out there.

Why was he stalking you? Do they usually turn back when spotted?

~Bella
 
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Sif

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Why was he stalking you? Do they usually turn back when spotted?

~Bella

With the mountain lion incident I had observed several signs of their presence that day along the trail (scat and some tracts). I frequently, when hiking will make sudden stops and turn, looking behind me. This time at a distance I saw the head of the maintain lion (I got lucky). I moved quickly toward it and began to shout as I leveled my firearm (I did not shoot). My shouting and aggressive movement likely scared it off. Mountain lions are not that big and some have fought them off with knives or even bare hands

As to why it was stalking me I do not know. Perhaps it smelled food, maybe I just got it mad (after all I was it his/her home) or just an unfortunate coincidence
 
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bèlla

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I moved quickly toward it and began to shout as I leveled my firearm (I did not shoot). My shouting and aggressive movement likely scared it off. Mountain lions are not that big and some have fought them off with knives or even bare hands.

That’s quite an encounter. You kept your cool. It would have been my last outing of that nature. ;)

~Bella
 
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MehGuy

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That’s quite an encounter. You kept your cool. It would have been my last outing of that nature. ;)

~Bella

Probably mine too.. Lol.

Although I don't know about you.. but I'd probably try to take a swing at it.. but immediately fail and get mauled to death.. lol.
 
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bèlla

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Although I don't know about you.. but I'd probably try to take a swing at it.. but immediately fail and get mauled to death.. lol.

Avoiding harm would be my first priority. The odds of escape are pretty slim if you attack him. :p

~Bella
 
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MehGuy

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Avoiding harm would be my first priority. The odds of escape are pretty slim if you attack him. :p

~Bella

Yeah.. a 90s Nickelodeon tv movie taught me to play dead when a bear attacks you, lol.

Not sure what I'd do if the time comes.. not feeling the best leaving my fate to such a film.. lol.
 
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Rigatoni

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Not sure if I mentioned this before, but I also enjoy digital modeling both as a hobby and as part of my profession. Lately, I've been experimenting with baked ambient occlusion - to help prevent environments from feeling "flat".

2019-12-11_20-00-42.png 2019-12-11_23-08-16.png
 
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Ada Lovelace

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Today is my little sister's birthday. She was born on Saint Lucia's Day, and is named Lucia, which means "light." She was born with the spark of light in her heart and has a luminous presence that makes every day brighter.

I made this for her:

I didn't actually build it, of course. I painted it gold, and added six unique drawings made with tiny dots from a paint pen rather than brushstrokes, then added the gemstones.

I loved the process of making it and think I found a new hobby to pursue!
 
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SarahsKnight

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Today is my little sister's birthday. She was born on Saint Lucia's Day, and is named Lucia, which means "light." She was born with the spark of light in her heart and has a luminous presence that makes every day brighter.

I made this for her:

I didn't actually build it, of course. I painted it gold, and added six unique drawings made with tiny dots from a paint pen rather than brushstrokes, then added the gemstones.

I loved the process of making it and think I found a new hobby to pursue!


It was definitely good of you to do that for your sister, Stanfordella. :)

Lucia is a good name for someone, I think, too.
 
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S.O.J.I.A.

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gaming,

Phantasy_Star_II.jpg


finished this game a few weeks ago. probably the worst RPG I've ever played. the story actually isn't bad considering the time it was released but it has some of the most frustrating mechanics and maze like dungeons in any game I've played. whoever designed the dungeons was a sadomasochist or something. i'll never play this game again!
 
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Go Braves

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Today is my little sister's birthday. She was born on Saint Lucia's Day, and is named Lucia, which means "light." She was born with the spark of light in her heart and has a luminous presence that makes every day brighter.

I made this for her:

I didn't actually build it, of course. I painted it gold, and added six unique drawings made with tiny dots from a paint pen rather than brushstrokes, then added the gemstones.

I loved the process of making it and think I found a new hobby to pursue!

My goodness you are a talented gal. I've seen your poems, painting, dancing, singing, whatever you call that bend over backwards thing you do.

What can't you do?
 
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bèlla

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I have a busy year ahead.

I’m leading a sew-a-long and helping the participants to structure their wardrobes. The project is an outgrowth of the process I used for my own. I’m using it as a spring board for paid products (courses, books, etc.). Aside from the obvious, I’m gauging the challenges and additional tools they need to accomplish their goals. We’re doing prep work now and it officially begins on the first.

And I’m taking up knitting. I am a little concerned about the wrist injuries from overuse. They’re common with knitters. But circular needles and knitting machines are meant to combat that. There’s a class in my neighborhood that gets you up and going. Most of my knitting will be done during my commute to sewing class and the return ride home.

I start Toastmasters next month. The club is in the area. I’m limiting my activities to 2 days per week. Four was overkill. We meet weekly and I’ll pursue both tracks (leadership and communication) simultaneously. I’ve done public speaking in the past but this is meant to prepare me for paid events and video production. I’m looking forward to it!

My image consulting training takes place this winter. We have a short window to apply for certification. But thankfully, I have many test models. Between family, friends, and sewing companions. I’ll encounter different styling challenges. And they benefit from my assistance free of charge.

I’ll have to sit down with my instructor in the spring to discuss my portfolio. I wanted to have a year of sewing under my belt before we tackled it. The program I’m interested in doesn’t require sketching upon entry. Its in the curriculum.

But examples of creativity and workmanship are expected. I’ll improve my chances of acceptance into the intensive (it shaves a year off the program) if my skills are more advanced. That’s what we’re working on.

I don’t expect to delve into sketching until the summer. A local school offers classes in drawing and fashion illustration by hand and digitally. The courses are commonly taken to produce a portfolio for design programs.

~Bella
 
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