Life Begins At...

The Retiree Summer 2010

Life Begins At.....

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YOUR SAY THE REVIVAL OF CRAFT HOBBIES From teenagers to truck drivers, the quaint and crafty pastime has quietly been experiencing a resurgence in popularity, driven by a proliferation of fashion and do-it-yourself reality shows as well as a growing “back-to-basics” mentality of people looking to recapture authentic values, writes Kelly Scott. S ome use their sewing machine almost every day and some use it about as often as a weekend travelling bag, while others use it every now and then. Men and women of all ages and backgrounds are finding a sense of accomplishment and an outlet for creative expression and artistic passion in the imaginative world of sewing. The doyenne of domesticity recently reached out to lend a guiding hand to show us all what a good (and easy) thing threading a bobbin can be as well. Earlier this year, Martha Stewart released her best-selling book, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopaedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts, to great fanfare – a sign the trend is truly taking hold. And while sewing has changed tremendously over time it is still one of the most satisfying hobbies to have. More and more of us are discovering that being able to sew means more than attaching a button or taking up a hem. Studies have shown that sewing is actually good for you, both mentally and physically. Now, I know this brings out the sceptic in you but, the Home Sewing Association has carried out studies that show engaging in an activity like sewing reduces your overall heart and blood rates and promotes relaxation. The conclusion drawn from these studies is that sewing involves muscles and the mind, promoting healthier body synergy and that because sewing has been so successful at promoting relaxation among women who sew that it may be better than therapy. CELEBRITY FEATURE In addition to these studies there are four other key benefits of taking up sewing as a hobby: 1. Sewing encourages you to try new things and use your imagination. 2. Making mistakes is okay! Have fun with your sewing project and don’t be afraid to try again. 3. Perseverance - with each completed project, your enjoyment and determination will grow. 4. Confidence in your ability to create something unique and with your own hands as well as the ability to help and encourage others in their own endeavours. Whilst we all seem to have very hectic lifestyles, many of us are looking for new ways to design, sew and wear our clothes. However, the desire to be one-of-kind is not only for the fashion forward, but for those wanting the personal touch and sentiment that only a handmade patchwork quilt can offer. Of course, thanks to the challenging times at home and abroad we also take into consideration the cost of materials versus the sales rack price of clothing THE RETIREE SPRING 69 CELEBRITY FEATURE THE MASTER GARDENER IN FULL BLOOM it all started with a sweet pea A n Australian gardening icon, Graham Ross started his career working for his local nursery during high school before going on to graduate from the Ryde School of Horticulture (TAFE) in Sydney. After a stint in front of the blackboard at the same horticultural school he graduated from, Graham’s media career began to flourish, and he started presenting his successful gardening program on Sydney’s Radio 2GB, although he is most famous for his 16 year television career on the Seven Network’s Better Homes and Gardens. “My thumbs were pretty much green from about the age of four,” reminisces Graham about his passion for all things gardening. As a child, Graham spent a lot of time in the garden with his grandmother and father, who showed him at a very young age how to plant sweet peas. “I always had that gardening interest. I wouldn’t say my grandmother did anything other than encourage. She always encouraged me,” Graham said. “By the time I was eight years old, I really felt that [gardening] was what I wanted to do, and I’m still growing sweet peas to this day; they’re still one of my favourite flowers.” 6 THE RETIREE SPRING Graham attended Bexley North Primary School in Sydney’s south – which boasts such other talented former students as Socceroos star Tim Cahill – and then went on to attend Kogarah High School. By the time Graham was 10 years old he developed a “very unusual” wide range of gardening habits. He was growing an array of plants including orchards, roses and sweet peas, along with vegetables, and was even mowing the lawns, pruning the roses and spraying them with insecticides. Although his gardening passion was perceived to be strange by his school mates, Graham continued unperturbed. “I didn’t find anyone else my age who was interested in gardening, so I just kept it to myself and it became a very solitary hobby. But I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” he said. After school Graham made the long trek across Sydney to attend horticultural college at Ryde, and graduated in 1964 with post graduate qualifications in Park Administration, Horticulture, Green-Keeping and Agronomy. It was taking this path that enabled Graham to build his intimate knowledge about the many facets of gardening. He laments that young people today tend to From gardening apprentice to horticultural genesis, for Graham Ross it all stemmed from a tinker in the backyard with his grandmother. Since then he has educated, entertained and inspired Australia’s gardening community during a career that has spanned more than 40 years. What’s more, it all started with the planting of a humble sweet pea, writes Kathryn Edwards. stick to the same field of work, be it landscaping, or nursery work, and don’t move around. “During that time I was working my way through the industry, and kids don’t do it today which is really sad. I was quite happy to have an apprenticeship with my local nursery, finish the apprenticeship over three years, and then go into another field of work and start another apprenticeship – start back at the bottom of the ladder. Which was very lucky because that enabled me to do what I’ve done on radio for the last 30 years,” he said. “Back in the 60s and 70s you had to do everything because you were never quite sure what future laid ahead, and I think a lot of baby boomers did the same thing, they chopped and changed jobs a little bit more, or gained different experiences, and I was really keen to do that. I had no idea where it was leading me, but I just knew I needed to learn as much as I could.” Although provided with much guidance in the garden by his beloved grandparents, it wasn’t until Graham was 24 when he discovered just how deep his family’s connection with gardening actually was, this was when his grandmother revealed to THE RETIREE SPRING 7 Sewing up a storm Sewing’s great! I absolutely agree with your article that sewing is popular again [Sewing is back! – spring]. I have always been a casual sewer, but never really for myself, I mainly used to sew the odd items of clothing for my children and repair school uniforms. However, I’ve dusted off the old machine and have started making clothes for myself, about time! And you’re right, I’m saving lots of money in the process, which hopefully I can put towards a new machine. Stephanie Fitzhardinge Via email Garden love Lately, I have really enjoyed your celebrity interviews. In the last magazine, you interviewed Graham Ross from Better Homes and Gardens – I must admit this has been my favourite story so far [The Master Gardener in Full Bloom – spring]. Graham seems like a really good bloke and after reading your article, much to my wife’s delight, I was even inspired to tidy up the garden a bit and grow some tomatoes – just waiting for the weather to improve now! Keep the great stories coming. Jack Lowed Via email Back in the game I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for your article on seniors dating [The Dating Game – spring]. A few years back, my husband and I divorced and I find the concept of dating very daunting, but after reading your article I took your advice and asked my brother to give me the number of a friend of his that I had always fancied. The date went very well... I might even decide to have a second! Much appreciated. Cecilia Posey Shepparton, VIC THE RETIREE SUMMER 3 Write and win Express your views about issues in this edition of The Retiree magazine and you could win a Hoyts double movie pass valued at $34. Send your letters to : GPO Box 1746, Adelaide, SA 5001, or email: editor@aprs.com.au. Please include your full-name, suburb and state for publication. This edition’s winning letter Inspirational I have been watching Graham Ross on television for years, and even though I’ve always thought he was very humble and down-to-earth, what struck me about reading your article was how hard he worked to get where he is [The Master Gardener in Full Bloom – spring]. It’s clear that Graham’s passion for gardening and ambition is what drove him to such success in life. What an inspiration! He is definitely the type of person that younger generations should be looking up to today. I hope he never retires! Audrey Hailes Murray Bridge, SA The dating game DATING FOR THE OVER 50S One of the unexpected changes that confront many people in their 40s, 50s and 60s is that their partners die, or they go through a divorce. After a period of grieving, we often decide that we would prefer to have someone special in our lives and that generally means getting back into the dating game. For most of us though it’s quite a shock to be single and back on the market after many years of married life, writes Julianne Hunt. T he rules of engagement have certainly changed since the last time we played. Instead of dealing with young, inexperienced but predictable boys and girls, we are now dealing with mature, experienced men and women who generally know who they are and what they’re looking for. If you haven’t been on a date with someone new for 20 years or so, it’s a bit nervous making. But take heart! It’s a great opportunity to start an exciting new chapter of your life. Dating, with its ups and downs, certainly makes life interesting and keeps you on your toes. It has the additional benefi t of causing your children some of the anguish that they caused you, when they were dating people that you didn’t approve of. Based on my personal experience and the stories from some of my friends, who were single again in their 50s, here are a few dos and don’ts for the modern dating game. (1) Check your presentation. I don’t mean just looking in the mirror. Check with your children, or other younger people, about getting some newer, more fashionable clothes, perhaps a new hairstyle and possibly a course at the gym. Whether you like it or not, personal appearance is important in a competitive market. It also helps if you’re an aware and interesting conversationalist, so keep abreast of what’s happening in the world. THE RETIREE SPRING 79

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