Guys In The Garage . . . .
I have to admit that men fascinate me. Well, their psychology does. They are strange and unique creatures. They say one word to every five a women speaks . . . they can watch sports all day, even sports they’re not all that interested in. They can wear a t-shirt until it’s threadbare simply because it’s their favorite. And they love sheds. And garages. I’ve recently noticed the strange phenomenon in Australia called The Men’s Shed. These are places where men get together and do men’s stuff 🙂 Although I’m not quite sure what that is, I’d guess it has something to do with making things and using power tools. Perhaps it’s the bonding with other men, or the creating things with their hands in a world where we’ve become accustomed to buying eveything we need from the relevant retailers or the new wave of internet shopping.
My own DH has every conceivable power tool, and still browses through hardware stores for that one illusive piece of equipment he’s yet to own. He also has a project. Other wise know as a Holden UC Torana hatchback. Also known as the Mistress. Which is in several pieces and might one day get on the road! This is it, on the right. Looking very yellow! And surounded by an obstacle course of stuff and thingymayjigs and doohickie’s that I inevitably trip over every time I dare venture into this sacred and inner sanctum.
There is another shed out back – filled with a post hole digger, ride on mower, cement mixer etc . . . you get the picture.
When I thought about writing this blog it occurred to me how often I use a man’s love for his shed when I’m creating male characters. If the hero isn’t a shed man, I usually have secondary male character, perhaps a father or brother or best friend, who tinkers in his garage, often putting together 67′ Camaro or a 65′ Mustang fastback with red pony trim. Or he’s building a dog house for the heroine who lives next door. My hero in Made For Marriage is a boat builder and certainly knows his way around a workshop. I like creating heroes who can fix things. Even a CEO would probably have to know how to change a lightbulb, repair a leaking faucet or put together a piece of Ikea furniture. Unless of course the heroine is the one with the overalls and tool belt . . . which is an interesting idea and one I might have to consider later when the current work in progress is done and dusted :).
I do admire wives/girlfriends/partners who stand by and patiently watch as the sheds fill up with an assortment of must have tools and equipment and aboveforementioned doohickie’s. Until the problem arises that the shed/garage is no longer large enough to hold all the contraband. Of course, fellow author Jane Beckanham came up with a great a solution . . . build a bigger shed!
Just like this one . .
Do you like reading books with a hero who understands the workings of a V8 engine, or can fix a fence and then chop down a tree with a power saw? My guess is this guy feels at home in his garage.
But whatever hero you prefer – the carpenter, the cop, the cowboy or the CEO, each has his place in the books we love to read or write.
We have a huge shed and I am allowed my corner for my treadmill but that is about it. Hubby likes to disappear in there to get and do ‘stuff’… mysterious indeed.
Love a fixer hero too!
At least you have a corner!! My spin bike is in the TV room. 🙂
And this is going up… bigger and bigger, will fit five vintage cars, assortment of tools and machinery. Guy just has to have his man cavve.
Jane
Hi Helen,
OOh, I do like a “fixer-upperer”! What man doesn’t look hot with a tool belt on and grease on his cheeks 🙂 My DH is handy with the tools too and as a family of Revheads, it’s just as well! Add that to us being BIG Holden/GM fans and you have a shed full of car bits and a garage full of toys. Love the Torana. I’m still looking for my FJ Ute … scarce as hen’s teeth 🙂
Loved this post, Helen. Thanks
Regards, Juanita
Have to say my DH is very envious of you DH’s brand new shed 🙂
Thanks Juanita. Will get DH on the job of finding you an FJ!! 🙂
Oh Helen
Sigh… how true….
We have a shed for the boat and the fishing rods and the tinkering with all things marine. We have a massive workshop full of benches, lathes, vices and many things powerful yet unknown to me. Do you know how many varieties of power saws there are…..
However, there are still many hours in the day for the continuous fishing shows on Foxtel!
We have a son in law who works at Bunnings and often has a “run out fantastic not to be missed” deal on the last of something powered!
We have a son who has a 1964 Mercedes in thousands of pieces who is talking about moving home to the coast again and could he and his wife live with us for a while as they search for a house….
And then… I get the’ look’ if I spend several consecutive hours at the computer.
Men and their sheds… a worthwhile subject for a whole sociological study!
Annie! So many Boys Toys. Glad I’m not the only one who gets the ‘look’ . Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Ah the shed. Being a single girl I don’t have one, but I do remember the man cave well: source of mysterious clunking sounds, the odd curse, and cricket on the radio in summer time. Smelt like grease and was inhabited by huge huntsman spiders and the odd carpet snake. Definitely not a female domain!
The smell of grease is something we never forget even through the passage of time. The spiders are a nice touch too. As for the snakes . . . shudder. I’ll happily stay indoors 🙂
Sheds are the secret domain of our men folk. My man is often more at peace after a session in the shed. Great post, Helen.
I couldn’t help but giggle at this blog.. Dad is funny when it comes to his shed and tools 🙂