Industrious, Capable, Self Sufficient. These ALL Apply To Lesley Brown.

 Welcome to our second blog post.

We are featuring a series of 'Friends of Stone Mountain'. Lesley and Gavin Brown are good neighbors and friends. Here Lesley has used Stone Mountains pavers (cut from local volcanic rock - Andesite).

If you can't find her in the shop, yet her car is home - this is where she will be. Her lovely little hideaway from the world. *Sorry Lesley, I've ruined it for you.

 

No introduction is required here for locals. While spending years, dedicating her time and energy to her community and family, Lesley started her business "Sew What' in 2004.

Her affiliation with textiles and sewing was a natural progression from a young age, observing her mother (also born and bred in Raetihi, in fact four generations have found their life here).

Gavin and Lesley Brown with their 3 adult offspring - (Vicky, Sheree and Shane)

The surprise photo for Mum - Vicky, Sheree and Shane

Lesleys' mother was a tailoress, and raised six children, with her husband. She sewed and knitted all of their clothing. 

At the age of 13, Lesley began boarding school in Wanganui, and it was there, that she enrolled in a commercial sewing course. 

"From Truck Tarps to Wedding Dresses" - Lesley does it all. 

• Upholstery
• Farmers requirements, scrims, trailer covers, leggings
• Possom Fur Products (They bought the Furco business, in 2006 which originated in Taupo). Hats, scarves, slippers, bed throws, cushions, teddy bears, door stops, moccasins.
• Canvas, leather, PVC, vinyl - you name it. 

Alongside this, growing food for the family, was a standard practice, whilst growing up. Once again it was a natural progression in her adult life as a wife and mother. 

Spending time with Lesley, is inspiring. I have met other resourceful individuals in Raetihi, who do exactly this. They live simply, and prefer gardening, organically (like our grandparents did). The yield of fruit and vegetables, is shared and preserved for the months ahead. 

Yes, Lesley dehydrates also. 

This truly is the good life!  I am amazed how simple, yet rewarding it is, knowing that the seeds you've sewn have created abundance. Not only this, but there is no fear or concern of the poisons and tampering that happens from unknown sources - all in the name of 'progress and profit'.

Have I mentioned the TASTE??? Strawberries taste like strawberries, like they did when I was a child.  There is no comparison. For those reading, who have lived this way forever - forgive my exuberance. This ex-townie is greatly encouraged, eyes wide open and very thankful for these opportunities to observe and learn from those who naturally live the 'Good Life'.

It was NOT I, who took the bite - It must have been Lucy!

There are 11 chickens who all play there part in providing REAL food to the Brown household.

IT IS SAID - A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS, SO THE FOLLOWING IS EXACTLY
THAT. I HOPE YOU ENJOY. THIS IS THE FIRST OF MANY BLOG POSTS I HAVE WRITTEN IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THAT HAVE RESULTED IN MY BEING 'TRIGGER HAPPY' WITH MY CAMERA, AND UNABLE TO CULL THE IMAGES TO FIT. THEREFORE - I SHARE WITH YOU ALL WHAT I EXPERIENCED AT THE BROWNS. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr Brown has been extra busy of late. As many of you know, Gavin is a horse fanatic, who runs their Saddlery business.  I managed to get some time with them both, on a sunny Friday afternoon - around 'wine O'Clock'. Thanks for your time, Lesley and Gavin. Its been a pleasure.

One last mention - just recently The Browns have retired their trusty two burner Shacklock wood stove (over 40 yrs of service) for an upgraded late model gas six burner. It has gone to a good home (zero electricity - off the grid - a story in the making) Perfect timing for the Brown family Christmas where all of their children, their partners and grandchildren will be gathering, this year.  

Have a fantastic get together.  Enjoy your new cooker, Lesley - you deserve it!

Sew ... if you are requiring anything that has been mentioned in this post, don't hesitate to contact Lesley on (027) 343 1685. 

WISE WORDS FROM OUR LESLEY...

Don't be a WASTER - whether it be valuable garden space - plant food! Feed your family.  

Don't throw away well made sturdy furniture - RECOVER.  Ask Lesley for details.

The Man From Stone Mountain NZ

An introduction is required, not for locals, but for anyone else who may happen across this blog.

Max Cody, proud father of two children, Lucy and Dan, is a bit of a legend in these parts. Aptly known as 'Max the Machine' in his younger days (nowadays known as 'The Stone Guy'), due to his hunting prowess and the stories that came with those adventures. A 'good mate' to many, a genuine bloke, who is centered, level headed with the calming presence of a Zen guru - not to be mistaken for a pushover. In fact, 'true individualistic kiwi' is also an accurate description.

Max Cody - Stone Mountain NZ

Lucy, Dan and Mischief (Misty)

Like Father, like son

The lovely Lucy 

The eldest child who recently went flatting

Max had an affiliation for rural living, from a young age. Growing up, partly in the back blocks of Raetihi,in an era where it was perfectly acceptable for a lad to hunt and provide food for the family, instead of attending 'normal' school. Being home-schooled was a way of life for a few years. 

Although living in a few cities, as a young adult, he returned to his roots in Raetihi in 1993, then later purchased a 6 1/2 acre lifestyle block, as a base for his timber business.

His love for the outdoors, working with his hands, and being able to see what he had created at the end of a hard days work. Although he has always loved working with exotic timber, Max realised it was a finite resource. Hence, one day early in 2008, he asked the question "Can we cut the local stone?" (Andesite - volcanic rock)

To view more, check out Stone Mounntain NZ on Facebook.

No one seemed to know the answer. Therefore, Max the 'can do' man, set out further abroad for some answers.

His saw mill, which had served him well (and still does), was converted into a dual purpose machine.

With some tinkering, trial and errors, and successes, Max decided to get serious about his new stone craft. It was proving to be a unique, sought after product.

In 2009, Max spent 4 days in China to observe some stone cutting machinery, with a company he had been building a relationship with over the previous year. He invested in one machine, which he later converted into the current diamond-wire saw. With kiwi-nous, and the help from his engineering friend, (and carver - Ted) it was redesigned and purpose built.  Kiwi ingenuity at its finest!

Fast forward nine years - Memorial Stones
                                       - Natural Edge Pavers (Stacked on pallets for shipping)
                                       - Stone Furniture
                                       - Sculpture
                                       - Stone Signage
                                       - Graphic design and sandblasting (text and images)

 All of the stone used, is volcanic andesite (central plateau). The majority of headstones sold, elsewhere in NZ are imported. These are usually priced anywhere from $2,000.00+,  Many kiwis and especially maori families,  seek the spiritual connection that comes with natural NZ stone, to memorialize their loved ones. This is one of Stone Mountain NZs unique differences, not to mention collaborating directly with families, to ensure their memorial stone has their own personal touches added.

Natural edged andesite volcanic rock

Each paver uniquely different

Any guesses what this is?

The heaviest rock handled by Max, was 14 tonne. This will be hollowed out, and formed into a solid stone hot tub. Watch this space!

In 2010, Whanganui District Council held a sculpture competition, to beautify parts of the new walk way on the river front.
Max, and his mates Kerry MacDonnell and Mikel Brown collaborated on this piece. It remains there today.

Sculpture - 3 man effort

In addition to the above, Stone Mountain NZ now offer the service of text and images being etched (sand blasted) into stone, which was once a service, outsourced.

This is the 1943 Willys Jeep, that Max, Lucy and Danny use to find stones, for their customers. It was lovingly restored, by Max and the kids, over a 13yr period.

Word of mouth, is usually the way people have found Stone Mountain NZ. This has always been a solid way to increase business, especially when locals know and like each other. Social media has not been used for Stone Mountain NZ until now.

Please share our story.

Regards
The Stone Mountain Crew