Never Too Late To Learn

 

Never Too Late To Learn

(contributed by my mother Mrs. Raj Kamo)

I had been a teacher throughout my career and retired as a Principal of a Government school. I did not get time to pursue any hobbies except some interest in painting. I had a lot of time on hand after my retirement.

I was in North Carolina, USA, visiting my son and his family a few years ago when I developed a new hobby by chance. My daughter-in-law Garima had gone to attend a conference at Washington D.C. and on her return she bought two beads and magnet necklace strings, one for herself and one for my daughter Ranjana. This was an amazing piece of jewellery that could be strung in any shape around the neck or the wrist. I was so impressed by this piece of art that I wanted to make such a string for myself.

So next day we were off to Michael’s to buy beads, magnets and a jewellery making kit. I now had the tools but was not very sure of their use. My daughter-in-law’s friend Shamim happened to visit us the same day and saw me trying to design a string on the board. She told me how she too had developed this interest and had made hundreds of necklaces and bracelets. She taught me how to use the tools. She brought some pearl strings for me in the evening and helped me design and make my first three necklaces.

This hobby was turning out to be a lot of fun. I had strung the necklaces but fixing a clasp to them was the major trick item. Next morning Garima, Ranjana and I drove down to a bead shop “Beadazzled” where I observed the lady while she fixed the clasp on my necklace. It was not an easy task but I was confident that I could do it with the same expertise as that lady’s.

I was soon making necklaces and fixing clasps on them like an expert. It was not long before I was making earrings too. Garima was happy that she could gift these to her friends. I kept making necklaces and earrings and did not realize that I had made a hundred pairs. Garima suggested I hold an exhibition at the conference of A.G. Bell Association for the Hearing Impaired that was being held at Ashville that year. Garima, being a board member of the A. G. Bell Association for the Hearing Impaired, spoke to the other board members and had permission for my exhibition. I had a sale at their conference and proudly donated the proceeds to the Association. My work was appreciated a lot and this motivated me to continue with my hobby.

I have been making jewellery since then and these serve as great gifts to ladies. Jewellery making is not only my hobby but a passion and a pastime that keeps me engrossed and occupied during my free time.