Between the have-to and want-to

With the exception of the issue I bought a few months ago, the only time I read Highlights magazine was at the dentist's office when I was a kid. I loved the idea of stories and projects and puzzles in a magazine.

It was the same with the early editions of Martha Stewart's Living magazine ... a curated collection of ideas, inspiration ... and activities.

The transformative power of hobbies ... 

When I was 14 years old, home alone and bored, I discovered the transformative power of activities. Of doing ... something.

That day it was making oatmeal cookies.

Since then I've had a go at sewing (definitely a good skill to have), fishing (not for me), ice skating (no camel spins or leaps, but I cut a fairly good figure eight), skiing (all set with that), snowshoeing (a keeper), gardening (which way to the farmers market?), hiking (I'll take a day hike, but there will be no Appalachian Trail for me), and lots of other things.

Some experiences (like letter writing, baking, and collage) became long-lasting efforts, others one-and-done.

But all along, what I've enjoyed most is how the doing makes me feel.

Be they long-lasting, short-lived, or complete failures, our hobbies, passions, and distractions leave us better informed, more confident, and happier for having tried.

And because of that, I believe it's in the doing, the learning, and exploring where we find our best selves.

What is Tinplate?
Tinplate, a 32-page activity book that feels like a long letter packed with ideas for things to do and try.

Ideas I think you'll like.

Why the name Tinplate?
Tinplate is a layer of tin applied to steel or other metal to protect against rust and corrosion. And that, I believe, is what our hobbies, passions, and distractions do for us. They are a layer of joy, distraction, and renewed curiosity between us and a sometimes hectic world.

I believe hobbies, passions, and distractions are the waystations of life. They offer the respite and opportunity we need to do the things we want to do ... in between the things we have to do.

July is Anti-boredom Month, the perfect time to launch Tinplate ... get your copy today!

Order Tinplate today!