After their daily occupations have ended, the kids on Islandshire spend their “free time” cultivating hobbies and interests. Here, like everywhere else, we all have some sort of free time but make different choices about what to do with it. Well, on Islandshire, the kids have no truck for “time wasters”. The Island has been famous for its “interest-led lifestyle” since the beginning of time, and this generation means to continue the tradition.
For the kids born here, being INTERESTED comes naturally. For the non-natives (and we have quite a few), it’s a bit trickier and involves lots of advice and support from friends. We often ask our “transplants” what things struck them as strange when they first arrived. The answers always sound something like this. “A computer is just a tool, like a good pair of scissors or transport wagon, and not to be used unless it’s the right tool for the job. Good when you need it but stored out of harm’s way the rest of the time.” “During big events, the boys carry walkie talkies, but cellular devices of any kind are strictly forbidden on Islandshire at all times.” “Eliot is the only one with a TV.” (You remember, the one he found at Lori’s Thrift Store.) “Social media means that the community center is hosting a public movie or lecture.” And “using a bad word means you said the b word: bored”. (Official records show that this word was last used on the Island in 1754, but the record also notes that the person moved to the mainland shortly after.)
All this to say that our population is both interested and interesting. Some kids pursue one particular subject until they’re something of a local expert (no completists in this lot). Some belong to the buffet collector/hobbyist group, preferring to sample a bit of everything. Others engage in a more academic and less hands-on approach that often ties in with their day’s work. And everyone on Islandshire is ready to talk passionately about their interests. Face to face. In person. Usually with much gesticulating and movement of the arms. Just say “hello” to anyone you pass and look ready to talk, and you’re likely to hear all about their current project(s). If you’re in a hurry, best to just smile and walk quickly by. No one will be offended. It’s occasionally part of the “no time wasting” aspect of an Interest-led Lifestyle. To be used only on rare occasions, mind you. After all, learning from and encouraging others is a core tenet in the Islandshire way of life.
The population of Islandshire has grown tremendously in the past few years. Some like to think it’s the lack of focus on electronic time-wasters. While that certainly plays a strong part in making for less stress and more free time among our residents, we like to think it’s because everyone here is happy and helpful. Happiness is contagious. Unless you’re talking about Wilby, of course, but we’re still working on him . . .
As we have space in future issues of The Gazette, we’ll highlight some of our residents and their collections/hobbies. Meanwhile, you’re welcome to look through our back issues for photo stories. Who knows? You might even decide that an “Interest-led Lifestyle” beats the one you’re living now. And we always have room for more on Islandshire. As long as you leave your cell at the border and don’t use the “b word” . . .
(Click on each thumbnail to enlarge the photos, and enjoy a small sample of “interests” found in our back issues.)
