We all know life can be tiring and stressful, and now more than ever we need ways to distract ourselves and focus on something we enjoy doing during our downtime. Having a hobby brings us joy and helps us break away from the pressures of life. They also give us the opportunity to challenge ourselves and learn new skills.
Howl You Know wanted to know what are some of the favorite hobbies of our colleagues. Here are some of the many replies we received:
Crocheting
Karen Autry
College of Engineering
Why is this your favorite hobby?
I love making beautiful things. I just started making stuffed animals and find it to be one of my super powers. It is exciting to see a project come together.
Puzzles
Tracy Brown
College of Engineering, Deans Office
Why is this your favorite hobby?
It relaxes and challenges me, especially shaped mystery puzzles.
Creating Natural Wreaths
Suzette Walker
College of Education
Why is this your favorite hobby?
After spending winter holidays in England and Lithuania, I grew to admire the understated beauty of the natural garlands and wreaths that adorned the Christmas markets. I wanted to create something that evoked that same feeling, so I started creating natural wreaths made for my home and eventually started making them for friends and family. This is my favorite hobby as it allows me to work with my hands and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful.
Visiting Assisted Living Homes and Folks in Hospice Care With My Licensed Therapy Dog
Diane Feller
College of Education
Why is this your favorite hobby?
Serving my community while spending time with my furry best friend is so rewarding. While volunteering, my dog gets extra love and attention while showing the same unconditional affection to those in special need of care. Because people don’t feel judged by animals, they experience pure happiness. I especially love to volunteer on my birthday – it’s the best gift for me to see others find some happiness.
Looking for Arrowheads
Denise Bufmeyer
CALS – Sandhills Research Station
Why is this your favorite hobby?
The thrill of the hunt. To find and hold an arrowhead that has not been seen or touched for thousands of years is amazing.
Hiking
Jenny Evans
College of Veterinary Medicine, Dean’s Office
Why is this your favorite hobby?
I enjoy being surrounded by the woods and nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city while also getting in physical activity. I recently joined Women of the Triangle Hiking Club and am currently in the process of becoming a hike leader for this non-profit organization. Some of my most memorable hikes were in Vancouver, Sedona and the Grand Canyon. The Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon was one of the most grueling hikes I have done as it was in June and 95 degrees! Anytime I travel I try to find a trail to explore. My husband and I plan to hike in Maine later this year for our 10 year anniversary.
Horses
Sandra Wash
Horticultural Science
Why is this your favorite hobby?
I fell in love with horses by the age of two. Riding, training, caring for them and teaching kids to ride.
Wood Working – Carving Bowls
Kenneth Anderson
Prestage Department of Poultry Science
Why is this your favorite hobby?
You are concentrating on what is in front of you and what you are carving and other concerns fade into the background for that period of time.
Reading Fiction Books
Sarah Stokely
Academic Success Center
Why is this your favorite hobby?
I absolutely loved reading as a kid all the way through high school. Getting into college and grad school, I didn’t really have much time to read for fun and was a little bit burnt out on reading in general. However, after finishing my master’s, I rediscovered my love of reading and read 52 books last year! I just really enjoy getting to experience the world, the building of characters, and I get to imagine the scenery while reading.
Quilting
Beverly Porter
Analytical Instrumentation Facility
Why is this your favorite hobby?
I’m able to create something “from scratch.” I like to create my own patterns, designs, and color schemes. I prefer bright colors. It’s a great creative outlet and I feel like I am sewing happiness and love into the project. I can quilt by myself or with friends or family members. As long as I take good notes, I can put it away and pick it up whenever I want.
Pysanky
Erika Wagner
North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies
Why is this your favorite hobby?
I was first introduced to the art of pysanky (Ukrainian egg decorating) as a child, through a class at my local Museum and Science Center. When I was in my 20’s, I had a roommate who grew up making pysanky with her grandmother. She reintroduced me to the art, and inspired me to take it up myself. I’ve been crafting pysanky and hosting “pysanky parties” for those who are interested ever since. I enjoy the challenge of a new design, seeing how an egg turns out (never as expected!), and find working on an egg relaxing and stimulating, all at the same time. Though pysanky are traditionally Easter eggs, I craft them year-round, and have an extensive collection of eggs I’ve created with designs for every season.
Walking
Alicia Harris
CHASS Business Services
Why is this your favorite hobby?
It’s a great health maintenance for your heart and blood pressure. It puts you in a good mood and clears your mind.
Baking
Vickie Youngblood
University College
Why is this your favorite hobby?
I love to bake. Especially my grandmother’s pound cake recipe from the 1920s, with some Howling Cow Ice Cream.
Triathlon
Dave Herpy
4-H Youth Development
Why is this your favorite hobby?
Triathlon keeps me well, both physically and mentally. Triathlon helps me set goals and motivates me to get up and workout every morning. I also love the camaraderie and fellowship of fellow triathletes at races. It is always so encouraging and inspiring.
Preserving and Casting Plants, Bugs, and Bones in Resin
Grace Kilroy
Crop and Soil Science
Why is this your favorite hobby?
Working in the field as a research technician, I come across all sorts of interesting plants, insects, and sometimes animal bones. I’d bring them home with me and press the flowers, preserve the dead bugs, and clean any bones that I had found. I had been collecting these little oddities for a few years now and finally started casting them in resin to create unique jewelry pieces. Just recently, this little hobby blossomed into a small side business and I ended up opening my own Etsy shop called Bugz-n-Bloomz. I love having this creative outlet to preserve and share these little bits of nature.
Baking Bread
Chrissy Barbrey
Halifax County Cooperative Extension – EFNEP
Why is this your favorite hobby?
I began baking bread at home about 4 months ago. As a nutrition educator I love that I know all the ingredients that go into making my bread. As a mother and wife, I love that I am creating something that is healthy and fresh for my family. It is always a challenge trying new recipes to find the ones that my family loves, and to achieve bread that is good.
Looking for Reptiles and Amphibians (Herping)
Tess Moody
Ag and Extension Education, Doctoral Student
Why is this your favorite hobby?
Reptiles and amphibians (herps) have such fascinating lives! They are drastically underappreciated. Finding herps in their natural environment is my favorite way to observe them. The different species you find, when and where you find them, and different life stages are constantly shifting so it never gets old. I also enjoy teaching others about these amazing animals by leading hikes or sharing photographs.
Saltwater Fishing
Kyle Bostian
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Why is this your favorite hobby?
Being on the water allows me to clear my head and put things into perspective. The thrill of the chase is also addictive.
Crocheting
Nellie Maurer
Libraries
Why is this your favorite hobby?
I recently took up crocheting again after many years. YouTube has been such a great learning tool. I started out following along with tutorials, and now I am beginning to read patterns. It’s really nice to crochet while listening to a podcast or audiobook. It’s also fulfilling to have a finished product.
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