Taking Up Art, Staying Active This Winter, and Staying Safe With New Online Friends

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Creative hobbies are one of the healthiest ways to stay mentally active in later life, especially because they combine focus, relaxation, and self-expression without physical strain. Many retirees find that art gives them a quiet ritual to look forward to — something absorbing that feels productive, but not pressured.

The simplest first step is choosing a medium that feels approachable. Pencil sketching is inexpensive and requires almost no setup, while watercolor is a favorite for beginners because mistakes can be softened or painted over. Local libraries, senior centers, art leagues, and parks departments often host small-group classes for adults who want to learn in a relaxed setting. Many people also start by copying everyday objects — plants, household items, scenery from a window — to build confidence before moving to more detailed projects.

If you prefer to learn at your own pace, short daily sketch sessions (10–15 minutes) are enough to steadily improve hand–eye coordination, shading, and line work. Keeping a small notebook or “visual journal” can help you see your progress over time, which is especially motivating in the early stages.

If you’d like help getting started, you can try a beginner session at no cost — just reply “drawing class” to receive a complimentary lesson that walks you through basic shapes, shading, and simple techniques to build confidence from your very first page.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend. Art is even more rewarding when you learn alongside someone else.

“The Garden Hose”
From the life overview of Franklin D., 79, Raleigh, NC. Shared with permission.

Until my grandson came along, I always thought watering the garden was boring. One summer afternoon, he insisted on helping, so I handed him the hose, thinking he’d tiptoe around the tomato plants and stay out of trouble. He didn’t. He turned the hose on full blast, and the spray hit me square in the chest. I laughed so hard that I nearly dropped the nozzle, and he squealed in delight, running in circles through the damp flowerbeds.

We spent hours like that, with the air smelling of wet soil, crushed mint, and sun-warmed tomatoes. Dirt smeared our shoes, and water ran down our backs. The neighbor across the street waved, shaking his head. By the time my grandson and I had finished, the garden looked like a battlefield, but every leaf glistened in the sun.

Now, years later, I water alone. However, I always think of that day. Although the hose remains neatly coiled beside the shed, I can still feel the spray and hear my grandson’s laughter echoing off the fence. Gardening isn’t just about plants; it’s about learning to surrender to the chaos, to enjoy the mess and find happiness in unexpected places.

Sometimes, I turn on the water just enough to feel the cool mist on my face. And just like that, for a moment, the garden becomes alive with a little boy’s laughter. When that happens, I’m reminded that life’s best moments don’t require neat rows or tidy plans—they just need someone to run through the spray with you.

***

The Kennedy Center Digital Stage
Enjoy hundreds of free, high-quality performances—from symphonies and jazz to modern dance and storytelling—streamed directly from America’s national center for the performing arts. It’s a gentle, inspiring way to bring the stage home.

The Morgan Library & Museum Digital Collections
Once J.P. Morgan’s private library, this New York treasure now offers a digital window into rare manuscripts, illuminated texts, letters, and early printed books—perfect for quiet evenings spent with art and history.

Internet Sacred Text Archive
A remarkable, non-commercial repository of public-domain spiritual and mythological texts from around the world—ranging from ancient epics to folklore and philosophy. Thoughtful readers can explore humanity’s search for meaning across cultures and time.

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