Hello everyone – O’h dear where did August go? Unfortunately I had a few health problems, not serious, but enough to put a spanner in my works so to speak. Glad to say I am back on top of everything and ready to write again. How easy it is to take good health for granted and going through a bad patch really does bring this home to us all.
Volunteering – why do we do it?
My first topic is volunteering. Why do we do it? I recently read that the best definition of volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain. That’s true but there’s more to it than that. I believe there’s a need within us to share our skills and knowledge, to be involved and to communicate with the wider community in whatever way we can. The spectrum of volunteering is very wide, there are opportunities for all abilities and ages at every level, but however we volunteer and for however much time we are able to give, the rewards personally are immense.
Volunteering Australia has compiled the following facts about volunteering and happiness:
- Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer
- 96% of volunteers say that it “makes people happier.
- 95% of volunteers say that volunteering is related to feelings of wellbeing.
- Just a few hours of volunteer work makes a difference in happiness and mood.
- Sustained volunteering is associated with better mental health.
- A strong correlation exists between the well-being, happiness, health, and longevity of people who are emotionally kind and compassionate in their charitable helping activities.
- The experience of helping others provides meaning, a sense of self-worth, a social role and health enhancement.
Last weekend I visited the National Wool Museum in Geelong so decided it was a good opportunity to ask the volunteers on duty their reasons for volunteering. Firstly I spoke to the lady who directed us to all the exhibits. She responded that she lived alone and it was wonderful to be able to get up in the morning and have a purpose. Next I chatted to the demonstrator of a huge Axminster Carpet Loom. He said he wanted his skills to be preserved as there were few people left who could operate the machine. Lastly I spoke to one of the guides. His reasons were a little vague though I suspect he enjoyed the interaction with overseas visitors.
Later I visited the Port Lonsdale Lighthouse and posed my question to the volunteer on duty. She said she was passionate about her area and its conservation and wanted to make the public aware.
There are obviously a myriad of reasons why we volunteer but it’s not just about the giving of our time, it is also the personal rewards we receive.
I would really love to hear what you think. Do you volunteer or are you considering volunteering, perhaps you were a volunteer in the past. You can leave your comments by clicking Leave a Reply at the top of the page.
Anniversaries make us look back
Anniversaries can be happy or sad times but they give us an opportunity to look back over the years. Ken and I did just that last weekend when it was the 50th birthday of our son Gareth and our 57th Wedding Anniversary. Let me share with you the story of our romance. I hope you enjoy.
Mine is not a fairy tale romance, no knight on a flying charger came into my life but the man who did snuck in quietly with no fanfare …….
follow the link to read in full THE ROMACE
Making lemon juice ice blocks
My lemon tree is bulging with fruit so I set about making up juice ice block trays. If you also have heaps of lemons or are donated with some it’s well worth the effort to have a long term supply on hand. All you need to do is juice the lemons and freeze the pure juice in trays then store in bags in the freezer. It’s so easy just to take out a block when needed.
By the way I recently read some quite alarming facts. The label on Woolworths lemon juice, 500ml $1.65, states that it contains: Reconstituted Lemon Juice (99.9%), Food Acid (Ascorbic Acid), Natural Flavour, Preservative (223). Preservative 223 is in the sulphite group, it’s Sodium metabisulphite, which can cause allergic reactions.
Showcasing skills – spinning with a difference
Members of the Coal Creek & Fibre Arts Group, based at the Coal Creek Community Park & Museum in Korumburra, Gippsland, Victoria, decided to showcase their various skills by video. The first of these videos in a series, is now available and features Ingrid Riddell on the Great Wheel and the Chakra.
I must thank my husband, Ken, for the time and effort he put into making this video possible and to Ingrid for demonstrating so professionally.
I’m going to sign off now with this little quote:
The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled
Until next time
Janice
Thanks for sharing your romantic memories. It was very evocative of both time and place, and you’re certainly as handsome a couple as ever.
What a great romance Janice & Ken, made to last. What a handsome couple you made then and now.
Here’s to many more anniversaries.
Sorry to hear that you haven’t been well Janice. I enjoyed reading about your courting days. Such wonderful memories for you both.
I thoroughly enjoyed your writing Janice, especially your beautiful love story. You and Ken have been truly blessed with your continuing romance. I love your wedding photo, you both look so happy and in love. Also I am glad you are now felling well again.
Great story. Beautiful couple . Luv reading your blog. Thsnk yoh for sharing. ????