In working on our annual Senior Living advertorial (September-October 2024 issue of Lancaster County Magazine), we met residents of local retirement communities who have incredible talents, interesting hobbies and creatively designed living spaces. We hated to see all of Nick Gould’s photographs go unseen, so we are sharing them through blogs.
When Jim and his wife, Linda, moved to Homestead Village, it did not mean that Jim had to downsize his hobby of turning gourds into decorative and seasonal works of art. The covered patio at their home provides a place where he can work and commune with nature. The garage was roomy enough to accommodate a workbench. There’s also plenty of room to display his handiwork.
How did gourds become Jim’s creative outlet? Spying a bear-inspired decorative gourd at her brother’s house about 8 years ago, Linda shared how much she liked it, prompting Jim to try crafting one of his own. Even though he didn’t have the correct tools, he successfully created a “bear” gourd that now resides with them in their cottage at Homestead.
Since then, Jim has acquired the tools, paints and stains that he needs to create intricate designs that celebrate the various seasons and holidays. He says his creative outlet is simply for the enjoyment of family and friends. “It’s an avocation and not a vocation,” he says of his hobby.
Now that he’s retired, Jim has plenty of time to work on his craft items and learn new techniques along the way. Some creations may take about a week to complete, while more complex designs make take over a month to finish. In addition to autumn-themed gourds, Jim has also handcrafted Easter bunnies and Santas. They also serve as luminaries for their patio during the summer. Each of his grandkids has a gourd personalized with their names. Jim and Linda also enjoy visiting craft shows and other events where gourd-art is displayed, sharing that he mainly goes to see new techniques and get ideas.
When he tires of gourds, Jim creates garden art (using cement as his medium) for their yard.
The Bears moved to Homestead from nearby West Hempfield. In selecting their cottage, they were pleased to receive a new kitchen, which they were able to customize with colors and a choice of countertops, cabinetry and appliances. They chose to turn their sunroom into a dining area that provides easy access to their covered patio.
They love Homestead’s location on the outskirts of Lancaster, as it allows them to be close to their favorite grocery stores and shopping, healthcare and, most importantly, their grandkids. As a former teacher, Linda loves taking her grandchildren for walks at Rader Park at Homestead Village, which features a scenic walking path along Brubaker Run, a fishpond, gazebo and other areas of interest.
For more information about Homestead Village, visit homesteadvillage.org.
SHARE
PRINT