For many years I lived in a large Australian city, worked hard, and in my spare time grew a few vegetables in my back yard. I was involved in a number of business activities, always more than one at the same time, and was a freelance commercial pilot as well.
As much fun as all of this was, my happy place was always in the garden, or reconnecting with my old trade as a carpenter. I wondered how it would be to trade up to a simpler, organic, sustainable life without some of the pressures of living in a large city. |
Then, circumstances changed, I found myself single again and it occurred to me that I might never again have such an opportunity to change, simplify, and probably extend my life.
So I came to Bluff, the southernmost town in my native New Zealand, to an historic 115 year old timber villa, and half an acre of north facing, fertile land.
Then, even more blessing in my life. The most amazing talented, beautiful and loving lady came to my church, and then into my life! We were married in late 2016, and bought a lovely home in nearby Invercargill, which is becoming our new Garden at the End of the World.
The wonders of the internet enable me still to earn a living in the Aerospace Industry. I have time to be actively involved in the local community, and time to garden. I cook on a wood stove, which also warms the business end of the house. Gardening and cutting firewood have greatly improved my health and fitness, and much of what we eat comes from our own garden.
I am enjoying being able to make more music, to spend more time in the magnificence of creation, and with the creator. I pulled out my old record turntable one day, ten years after putting it away because digital music was supposedly better and more convenient. Music I had not listened to for a long time sounded wonderfully fresh again, and when I looked around I suddenly discovered others were rediscovering analogue music.
Since I was about ten years old, I have always had a camera, and when the digital revolution came along, I embraced it enthusiastically, not really thinking that the lack of a tangible, touchable image might eventually result in the loss of our family's historical record. In early 2018 I saw some old cameras at the second hand store, one of which was the same as the one I remember my father having.
It followed me home, for display in my bookcase. Then I discovered my old Contax SLR, unused for fifteen years, and decided to have the film in it processed. One thing led to another, and I shot my first roll of film in over a decade. Going back to basics has has been great, and the results have me hooked. And when I looked around, I discovered a rapidly growing international community of photographers using film again!
To my amazement. since I arrived here alone in 201 1, another 7 members of my family have seen the wonderful Southland lifestyle and moved into the area. Southern New Zealand is a Foodies and a Photographers paradise, and is about as far as you can get from the troubles of the modern world.
The Garden At The End Of The World has become a place of growth, peace and blessing. I am so glad I came here! I hope you enjoy sharing the journey with me!!!
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