Develop Your Hobby Quickly

Having a hobby is great fun and a rewarding way to explore your own creative abilities. Though you may not be convinced of it, you do have a God-given talent within you. Everyone does! It only needs to be discovered and developed!

The world is full of variety and no two persons are exactly alike; each of us is a unique individual, and as such, has something special to offer. The different combination of personality, environment, experiences and interests that you have, work together to create you, and only you. There is no other person on earth exactly like you. Not a twin or even (heaven forbid) a clone. Though these people may have the same DNA, they cannot have the same exact experiences, therefore, they are different from you. Your interests may be similar, but the way you develop as an individual will determine how you express yourself and the hobbies you're likely to explore.

I was exposed to a lot of music while I was growing up. My parents would often put a Glen Miller, or Frank Sinatra album on the hi-fi while we were working around the house. Sometimes I would find them dancing in the living room. My oldest brother loved jazz and folk music. My other brother played the drums and was a rock n' roll fan. My grandfather sang and played the harmonica. My grandmother was a piano teacher. In the early 1900's my grandparents enjoyed performing in vaudville shows together.

So, you might say my gene pool, as well as my environment, were musically influenced. As a result I sang in choir throughout my school years. When I was 15 years old I began playing the guitar and writing songs as a hobby. Poetry was another creative avenue I explored. The experiences I had growing up during the turbulent '60s and early '70s also influenced my way of thinking and the development of my musical style. Though it may be similar to others of that era, it is uniquely my own.

You my be wondering what your particular talent(s), or gift(s), may be. How do you discover and develop your own hobby? Here are some ideas:

Consider Your Interests

sports, art, music, animals, books, cooking, theology, crafts, cars, science, horticulture, hiking...

Consider Your Background Environment

early childhood experiences and development, family traits, things you enjoyed doing as a child

Consider Your Personality

likes & dislikes, behaviour patterns, reactions to particular situations... What makes you happy? Sad? Angry? Compassionate? What motivates you?

Consider Your Strengths and Weaknesses

what are you good at? what do you find difficult?

Write down your discoveries, then look for a pattern to emerge. There may be several traits or areas of interest that unfold before your eyes. Try to determine which area you are most strongly drawn to. If more than one, can they be combined?

As I shared earlier, I like to sing and write, especially poems and song lyrics. I love music and playing the guitar. These hobbies obviously combine very nicely. I also have a knack for teaching and am a self-starter. My curiousity drives me to explore and learn new things. All of these traits combined together have helped me turn my hobby into a fun, work-at-home business. I am a private guitar teacher. I also created my own website which has provided me with new opportunities and additional income through google ads and affiliate programs. My hobby led me to discover the perfect job match for my personality type, skills, and interests!

There is a hobby, a creative spark, lying within you that is just waiting to be discovered. Your gift can add new meaning and depth to your life, but it needs to be opened, unwrapped, and developed for this to happen. Take a class, read a "how to" book, surf the net, or take some lessons in order to increase your knowledge and build your skills. Don't let the world and it's everyday distractions keep you from enjoying who you were made to be. Take a short break from your routine. Open your gift. Turn a new page in your life story. Time is short, so why not make the most of it today?

The Revolution of Electric Guitars

by Kathy Unruh

Electric guitars were introduced sometime during the 1930's and began a revolution in sound technology that continues to this day. The popularity of electric guitars began to grow after rock and roll was born in the 1950's, and today they are one of the most coveted instruments of all time. Things really began to take off when the Beatles turned the world on its ear in 1964 by "invading America." Soon to follow were supergroups like the Rolling Stones, Cream, and the The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Music was forever changed and today electric guitars dominate the contemporary music scene.

Originally these guitars were made with only a single pick-up. Now they usually come with two or three, thus creating a more versatile instrument. One is placed near the bridge, the other toward the base of the neck, and a middle, or third, is often added between the other two. Having these additional pickups provides the guitarist with more options for producing various dimensions of tonal quality. They can be used independently or in combination with each other and adjusted to achieve just the right volume or effect for either lead or rhythm guitar playing. Pickups are strategically set on electric guitars in order to "pickup" and produce the best sound.

There are generally two basic types of electric guitar: hollow-bodied and solid-bodied.

• Hollow-bodied guitars are often used by Jazz enthusiasts.

Ibanez AF75 Artcore Hollowbody

• Solid-bodied guitars are generally preferred by rock guitarists.

Fender American Series Stratocaster HH

If you are in the market for an electric guitar there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, take into consideration the kind of music you want to play. Are you looking for a smooth, mellow sound, or do you prefer more of a raunchy sound with an edge? If the former is true, then you'll gravitate toward the hollow-bodied guitars; if the later, then the solid-bodied is your best bet. Eric Clapton played a solid-bodied Fender Stratocaster, so it's obviously a good choice for the rock guitar enthusiast.

Now, you could compromise and go for "semi-hollow" electric guitar, which combines the characteristics of both.

• Semi-Hollow guitars have a solid center block which creates the sustain of a solid body along with the "f" hole design which allows for the acoustic quality too.

Ibanez AF75T Artcore Semi-Hollowbody One other thing to keep in mind- When you purchase an electric guitar you will also need to have other equipment, most importantly, an amplifier and a chord! If you're on a tight budget you might consider buying a package deal.

• Package Deals usually include the guitar, a small amp and a chord. Some also include picks, strap and a case.

Ibanez IJS40 Jumpstart Guitar Package

If you have money to blow, then do some research on amps and effects ahead of time so that you can be sure to have the equipment that will produce the sound you're after. You can also ask the store management for permission to test their different amps and effects while your in the store looking around. If you don't know how to play the guitar yet, ask if there is someone who could play a demonstration for you using the guitar and amp combo that you're interested in.

My final advise, before you buy your electric guitar, is to take your time and shop around. Ask a lot of questions. When you listen to music, take mental notes of the sounds you like and share your thoughts, ideas and questions with other guitar players. Then, go for it!