I am in awe of these two - Moira Lynch and Joseph Douglas. I haven’t met Joe but I have seen him in a hat that Moira made. It makes you smile (see her review for what I mean). Moira and I have been on calls together and exchanged emails. She helped me review one of my sewing patterns. She is generous like that.
I so identify with the understated nature of Joe’s appreciation - as you will read. It is similar to my husband. I am quietly chuffed when I see Peter put those boxers or shorts on without a second thought.
I celebrate the generosity and fun of these two thoughtful humans and invite you to spend a little time with them too. Enjoy their interview.
Image courtesy of: Moira Lynch
Questions for Joe
- What do you admire about Moira?
- Tell me about the men's group you are part of and why you like it?
- What is the value of men and women working well together?
- What is a fulfilled life to you?
- How does it feel when Moira makes you something?
- Do you have input into what she makes for you - do you like being part of the process?
- What comes to mind when you think of someone who sews?
What do you admire about Moira?
She's super caring, smart, very wise, powerful and loving.
Tell me about the men's group you are part of and why you like it?
It's a mankind project group, and happens fortnightly. A group of blokes listening and being vulnerable and honest. Magic happens with synchronicity. Good food for the soul.
What is the value of men and women working well together?
Team work. Coming at problems from different perspectives.
What is a fulfilled life to you?
Being healthy, wealthy enough to be unworried by interest rates etc, engaged in meaningful work that makes a difference in the grander scheme of things.
How does it feel when Moira makes you something?
Good and important. I especially like the little details like the bucket hat reversible, caravans and logo on the other side. Play and work. She's proving me wrong every time she makes something because I thought I didn't much care for gifts as a love language...seems I was wrong, again. Plus things she makes are great source of grounded power that I like to take away with me when I'm on camps or just away. It acts like an anchor or a thread connecting me to her. A safety line.
Do you have input into what she makes for you?
Not really.
Do you like being part of the process?
No, and I like the surprise.
What comes to mind when you think of someone who sews?
Someone who has mastered the art of combining several love languages, gifts, time, touch.
What characteristics do you associate with someone who sews?
Patience, dexterity, mindfulness, gentleness, wisdom, grace, compassionate, focused, caring, loving.
...things she makes are great source of grounded power that I like to take away with me when I'm on camps or just away. It acts like an anchor or a thread connecting me to her. A safety line.
Questions for Moira
- What do you both like doing together?
- When and how did you meet? Tell me about your family.
- What is one of the favourite characteristics you like about Joe?
- When you are not sewing what occupies your time?
- When you are sewing what do you like about it?
- How does it feel when Joe wears something you have made him?
- What is the value in making something for someone?
What do you both like doing together?
Cooking, watching movies, going to the beach/river, having in-depth discussions about "Life, the Universe, & everything", spending time with our kids & grandkids. Laughing, joking, being silly. Making love. Helping others. Being of service.
When and how did you meet?
We met at a mutual friend's 40th birthday party back in Dec.2001..Joe was a full-time, single parent of his 4 young children, and I was a single parent of my son.
Tell me about your family
Joe & I have a "Yours, Mine & Ours" family! He has four(4) children from his first marriage. I have one(1) child from my first marriage. They are all adults now, and we have nine(9) grandchildren. We also have our 17 year old daughter (who is autistic), and our two(2) foster children, who are 14 & 16. We have guardianship of our 5 year old grandson too.
What is one of the favourite characteristics you like about Joe?
He is deeply passionate about what matters to him. He loves to help others. He is kind and loving. He is funny. He has a beautiful singing voice. I love his Sunderland accent, and I love that he thinks so deeply about such a wide myriad of things.
When you are not sewing what occupies your time?
My job takes up an enormous amount of my time. Also our four(4) children (our daughter, two foster children, and our grandson), along with my elderly mother and my chronically ill brother.
When you are sewing what do you like about it?
I love the whole creative process, from choosing the "perfect" fabric, to making sure the measurements are correct, then putting it all together. I love being able to make things that are unique in some way, that someone needs, and that makes them feel loved and appreciated. I also love being able to wear things I have made, or to be able to use them.
How does it feel when Joe wears something you have made him?
His response to being presented with something I have made for him can be quite understated, so when I notice that he's actually wearing it, I feel appreciated and that my "gift" has been received".
Image courtesy of: Moira Lynch
