Patience vs passion

[Betty J.]

I went on a short business trip this week with some colleagues who I don't work very closely with on a normal day, and we had a lot of time we were sort of stuck together to talk...especially since our plane got delayed on the way home by several hours because of a storm...and we talked about what we did beyond work. I told them about my quilting passion. They reacted like I'm someone from another planet. :roll: Neither of them have a hobby. Maybe we ARE from different planets. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Anyway, the woman colleague made that comment that always tells you they think quilting is the most boring pursuit they can possibly think of "I don't have the patience for that." :roll: :shock: :? My response was, "I don't think takes patience, it takes passion." Heheheh. She looked at me like I'd fallen off a turnip truck. :lol: :lol: The guy said he guessed he'd never retire because he would get too bored.

Most of my colleagues that I work closely with have seen some of my quilts and love them, and quite a few seem genuinely enthusiastic. But most of them have hobbies of their own...even a few quilters out there.

Question: How often do you hear that comment? And, what do you answer, if anything?

[Marion D.]

Maybe the best response was to ask what they did in their spare time. Or say something about quilting as therapy because of the job! Or just change the subject back to job related things. Perhaps they see quilting as something grandma did and just don't know about the wide variety of quilts that are made!

[Betty J.]

Maybe the best response was to ask what they did in their spare time. Or say something about quilting as therapy because of the job! Or just change the subject back to job related things. Perhaps they see quilting as something grandma did and just don't know about the wide variety of quilts that are made!

I'm sure they did see it that way, and, in fact, I did ask what they did in their spare time, which is why I know they didn't have a hobby. I told them about the change in quilting lately. They seemed sort of interested. And then I changed the subject to what they liked to read...we don't really talk about work when we are out. It wasn't a big deal either way on this trip, but I was just wondering if others hear the same comment. It was the end of a looong day and I was pretty tired...guess I didn't handle it as well as I should.

[Paula D.]

Why feel defensive? To be involved in ANY hobby, especially a creative one, enriches our lives in so many ways. Having my quilting, gardening and music, I still envy those who can paint and sing. (Also classical guitar). Don't ever seek approval of others. 8) 8) 8)

[Paula D.]

There are a lot of people who have hobbies that I don't get. Golf to me is a supreme waste of time. But if that is what floats their boat then good on them. Most non-quilters are not aware that we support a multi-billion dollar industry world wide. Take pride in being part of that group and enlighten others about your passion. At least when we are done with a days quilting we don't have aching feet, sore backs and skin cancer. Please no comments from golfers! Some of my best friends are golfers just not for me. Betty Ann in Golf Crazy Florida

[Hannelore N.]

Last time somebody couldn't understand why I made quilts as a hobby and asked, I said with a straight face: 'Well, it was a very difficult decision. It was either quilting or marathon running.' (I'm in my late 50s and rather large) We then all burst out laughing.

[Hannelore N.]

I usually hear "I could never do that" and I say--I could teach you. Most times, ends the conversation. When I was interview this week the journalist saw my quilt and said, "this is kinda like mostly art". Yep, it's an art.

[Frances L.]

I usually have some sort of hand project going that I take with me when I'm out. You never know when you are going to have to wait somewhere. A lot of times I get the comment, "You must have a lot of patience to do that." My reply is usually, "I do this because I don't have a lot of patience. I don't like to wait and this gives me something to do."

[Kathryn S.]

I have had similar conversations with people at my work. They have also made the comment about needing a lot of patience, to which I also reply that I like quilting so it's not patience but passion. Many of them also don't have hobbies or outside interests. The ones who do can understand my joy in quilting.

I once read a column in the old Threads magazine about a woman who went to someone's house and saw many beautiful handmade things- doilies, linens, wall hangings, etc. She said "when do you have the time to do all of these, and so well too?" the reply was "oh, I don't make these-- I see them and buy them". It seems that we are in the category of people who when we see something, we think "I can make that" and actually want to. The other category is those who buy them already made!

I think it's genetic, at least it is in my case!
Kathy

[Kathryn S.]

Sounds like sour grapes to me. I think only boring people get bored.

A friend retired about a year ago and retirement does not agree with her because she has no hobbies. When I asked her if she was passionate about anything she said, "No". Her idea of fun is going to play bingo. That's not my idea of fun at all! I suggested that she get a hobby, but nothing seems to interest her. It's difficult for me to understand how a person could have no interests or passions.

Hobbies connect you with people who have similar interests. It gives you something interesting to talk about to those who do not share your hobby. Passion gives you patience for your hobby.

Quilting is more than just a hobby for me. It is a passion, such that it's often the first thing I think of when I wake up each morning. Maybe it's an obsession.

[Kathryn S.]

I hear you! I have two passions - quilting and painting. I put about equal time into both. I'm never bored. When people see one of my quilts or a watercolor I've done, the comment is always - "How talented. I wish I could do that." They then go back to shopping, gabbing, or whatever they do - and I think, how boring. To each their own.

[Kathryn S.]

I was complaining to my hubby about being tired, and he said I should take a day and kick back and not do anything, including sewing. I told him that would not be relaxing for me, I would be stressed beyond words. Even just watching TV without handwork is a stress for me. Hubby doesn't have a hobby, and doesn't understand that quilting is my passion, and my therapy! But at least he humors me and brags about my stuff. He just doesn't understand!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[Kathryn S.]

by Franceslovesfabric » 15 Aug 2010 03:46

A lot of times I get the comment, "You must have a lot of patience to do that." My reply is usually, "I do this because I don't have a lot of patience. I don't like to wait and this gives me something to do."

Now that I can relate to!

[Kathryn S.]

Nancy, I think your comment: Only boring people get bored. Should be in the QUOTES forum. The statement is oh so true. Betty Ann

[Marion D.]

I have brought handwork to doctors' waiting rooms, and it opens a lot of conversations! People start actually talking to me and to each other. Especially when my Dad was in ICU and I could only see him for 20 minutes every two hours. A lot of people said that they could never do that, and I always answered that I thought that about myself until I tried it.

Nancy in STL: why don't you invite your bored friend to some kind of class, a new thing you could do together? Just a thought.