Your page: readers’ emails and letters
OUR READERS TELL US HOW COUNTRY STYLE INSPIRES THEIR DECORATING, HOLIDAYS AND WARDROBE — AND IS A POWERFUL REMINDER OF THE BEAUTY OF RURAL LIFE.
A BEAUTIFUL REMINDER
By the time I sit down to start my February Country Style, I am pretty defeated by the dry weather. My trees look forlorn and the veggie patch is becoming a thing that was a good idea in spring. Sitting at my kitchen table reading the Your Page letters, it takes me all of two minutes to look back up at my sun-scorched paddocks with a smile. Country Style never fails to inspire and remind me why I continue to live in rural NSW. Sometimes my mind wanders to houses on the beach, but I am grateful for the beautiful reminders on your pages. My subscription is a much-treasured birthday gift from my Mum every year. I explained it to her the other day as the gift that comes 12 times a year. I love it; it makes me squeal every time I see it in my mailbox. Carrie Watchirs, Gum Flat, NSW
TREASURED MEMORIES
Whenever I feel the pressures of city life, I yearn for the comfort of Country Style. The February issue provided that fabulous sense of escapism. Absolutely loved your ‘On The Lake’ feature with it’s focus on the Sapphire Coast. Merimbula is a particularly magical place for me. As a child, I spent many holidays there and I recently rediscovered its wonders. It was the first time I’d been back since my parents died. Yes, I shed a few tears, but I found the trip a true journey in every sense of the word. Remembering when we were very happy as a family gave me such joy. Thank you for reuniting me with those treasured memories. Linda Nathaniel, Riverview, NSW
TRANSPORTED BY SCENT
This morning was special — my annual stripping of lavender that I picked in December. I spread a large sheet in the courtyard and set about stripping each bundle. It is labour intensive, but the aroma is intoxicating and takes me away from the humdrum of Melbourne... a little bit of country in my suburban garden. All done; now I can enjoy a coffee and Country Style. Helen Lovass, Surrey Hills, Victoria
WINNER STYLE INSPIRATION
As a longtime reader I felt compelled to write and say how much I love the Style Diaries pages that feature real women, their stories and fashion tips. Living in the bush, I find my town trip outfits need to work for multiple scenarios including outback travel, protection from our harsh weather, café visits with friends and organising young children. Dressing appropriately for visits to the dentist, hairdresser and our children’s school also need to be considered. My final outfit requirement is that it must help me to remain cool, calm and dignified while loading groceries and dealing with the occasional tyre, machinery, tool or fodder shop before heading home. Finding a balance between style, comfort and practicality can be tricky, but these pages provide me with more ideas and inspiration than I have found anywhere else. Thank you, this has become one of my favourite parts of Country Style! Jane Smith, Broken Hill, NSW