Tuesday, June 26, 2012

at the workshop

Popa's workshop is much like his potting shed; overflowing with collected bits and bobs. The industrial theme is a little more prevalent though - spanners instead of shovels, oil instead of dirt. But just like Popa grows things in his garden, he gives new life to things at work. He restores old cars; beautiful vintage rides. He can take the shell of a Jaguar and turn it into a prize-wining piece of art. He sources the oddest of engine parts from all over the world and if he can't find what he's looking for he just makes it himself.

My dad doesn't buy a lot of new. Instead, he scours and collects and often, he makes-do. It was a lesson instilled in him during childhood - the second-youngest of five in an English working-class family. 

I love that he's encouraging my children to think the same way. 

19 comments:

  1. This post sparked memories of my pops work shed. He was very similar. My brother would emerse himself in the grease and pops tools while I would play secretaries with my Nan. X

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  2. What a great example for Che x

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  3. wow - what a great workshop, you need smell-o-vision : )

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  5. Your father and my father have a lot in common, even the tinkering around with old cars - Jags in particular. Bless them.

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    1. What vintage jags?my era is the early 50s

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  6. We have a popa, he goes by the name of Grampy. But it's not metal he works with buy wood. I love the wonder and excitement when they wander around his workshop. x

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  7. Fabulous lesson. Oscar (and Rodge) would love to play around in Popa's workshop. Very lucky.

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  8. I think many dads are 'natural' upcyclers and recyclers. I know my dad doesn't like to throw anything away that he could make into something else later. My old school bag still has life as a planter outside his shed... going strong for over 20 years now!

    My FIL is a good old fashioned Italian gent who has turned his workshed into storage for the tomato pasta sauce he makes from scratch and stores all year. Salamis and vegetables hang to dry above the workbench where he crafts garden tools by hand.

    'Grandad' (or Pops or Nonno at our place) spaces are wonderful places for kids to learn. x

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  9. Hi Jodi, lovely post as always. so special all that childhood memory making happening between Che and his Popa. On a different note, if you are ever inspired to write about your story of blogging, how your blog has grown and evolved over time, I would love to read about that and I am sure others would too. Nikki x

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    1. Oh I've never thought about writing that story. But I will, if you like. x

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  10. Hi Jodi,

    If only every child had a Popa in their life. For inspiration, for knowledge, for the joy for inventing and working with your hands - and for good stories, I am sure. A feeling I remember from being a child, when meeting grown ups who could make something with their hands, is that everything is possible. It depends on you, and how you look at things. That is a wonderful lesson for life, and you are of course an excellent example for Che and Poet yourself.

    (My blogger account has been hacked and I have had to start all over again. I would be very honored if you would like to follow my new blog as well).

    Kindest regards,
    Lilli
    x

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  11. Oh, brings back memories of my Pop! He was a builder and would make us all super cute mini furniture when we were little. I loved his workshop too!

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  12. Hi Jodi,

    Lovely post about your Popa. Sounds like your Popa is a great inspiration for your children. Have a lovely day! xo

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  13. Hi chook nice piece

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  14. This brought a tear to my eye. Reminded me of my late Papa.
    Beautiful post, Jodi. Che and Poet are so blessed to have such a wonderful Popa!
    Sar x

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  15. Such wonderful values to be passed down.

    The light in these pictures is divine, Jodi!
    x

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  16. Such beautiful photographs. x

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