fascinating War Games hobby featuring his hand-crafted Toy Soldiers as his Authentic Refreshment. Stephen shows us how taking the time to do something creative in your day can give you a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie with those with similar interests.
Stephen shares what refreshes him, how he learned about it and how often he engages in his Authentic Refreshment:
I enjoy reading and fishing and
camping, but I probably get the most out of my hobby activities, building and
painting miniature soldiers in particular. A friend of mine introduced me to
tabletop miniature war-gaming in the early 90’s, and just like that, I was
addicted. I usually work on some aspect of the
hobby at least once a week, sometimes as often as five times; it depends on my schedule
and what is going on around the Smith household.
Stephen shares about his creative drive and his childhood refreshment in relation to what he does today:
I have always enjoyed working with
my hands and doing creative things ever since I was a kid. I used to draw and
paint-by-numbers, but over the years I have found most joy in these little
metal or plastic men (and women). [My Authentic Refreshment] is really an offshoot of my own
creative drive and interest in history and science fiction; it gives me a
chance to create something that I can share.
Stephen talks about his custom approach to his war-game activity and how he shares it with other gamers:
From time-to-time, yes, [I will change it to suit my preferences]. I will often
cut apart and re-pose the model soldiers, or modify model vehicles, so suit my
tastes and inspirations.
The “hobbyist” portion [of my crafting] is solo, but
it is also fun to get together with others and play the games.
Stephen shares how he applies journal writing and other educational sources to his Authentic Refreshment:
I have used a journal to record
games (what happened on a turn-by-turn basis, see a detailed example) as well as to keep notes on what
kinds of tactics worked and which did not. I also have a digital “scrapbook” of
images and tutorial videos that I reference when painting.
He comments on the benefits of his Authentic Refreshment, including the greatest benefit of all:
I
find it to be rewarding and relaxing; remarkably I can sit and work on my
models for hours at a time, yet my ADD often makes sitting still very
difficult. I enjoy the time alone, and the time
sharing and exchanging ideas with other hobbyists; and I appreciate the
recognition they often provide on a “job well done.”
He also shares how he anticipates his Authentic Refreshment, how he benefits in the moment, how he feels afterwards and what his favorite part is:
Oh, yes, I do look forward to having
my time in “the workshop.” After I am usually tired, in a good way, and feel
like I have accomplished something. My favorite part is creating amazing little works of
art.
When asked if his Authentic Refreshment helps him to appreciate himself for who he really is at his core, this was his reply:
I am 43 years old and still not sure
who I really am at my core… I suspect that there is a chef in there, trying to
get out.
Stephen shares how his perspective has changed as a result of his Authentic Refreshment:
I have been able to learn a lot from
others that has raised my own skill level to a point where I feel comfortable
taking on very difficult modeling/sculpting/building challenges.
Finally, Stephen shares a word of encouragement for those still looking for their Authentic Refreshment:
Keep looking! Find something that
you can’t imagine NOT doing. Then work at it, get better at it, and revel in
the ‘afterglow.’
Bio:
Stephen Smith is a married, forty-something living in Western New Hampshire who still likes to play with toy soldiers. He's had a varied work history, mostly focused on Hospitality and Entrepreneurship. Stephen and his Lovely Bride are currently planning on purchasing a small farm to join the Local Food Movement and supply a Food Truck.
You can view his online writing and blog, Words, here.
When he's not at his workbench, painting away, you can find him in the woods, hiking and fishing.
Bio:
Stephen Smith is a married, forty-something living in Western New Hampshire who still likes to play with toy soldiers. He's had a varied work history, mostly focused on Hospitality and Entrepreneurship. Stephen and his Lovely Bride are currently planning on purchasing a small farm to join the Local Food Movement and supply a Food Truck.
You can view his online writing and blog, Words, here.
When he's not at his workbench, painting away, you can find him in the woods, hiking and fishing.
