Retired But Never Resting

Jeanne took it easy for a little while, but the restless wheels were still turning in her creative mind. It was 1977, and Jeanne was sharing an apartment in the West Village with her son and daughter, who were going to Parsons School of Design. Jeanne found a weaving studio nearby and took classes. She always loved fine quality wools, and now she had the opportunity to relax and enjoy it. Jeanne even bought herself a loom, however, weaving didn't hold her interest for very long.
Jeanne dabbled in other crafts, dined out (which was like a hobby to her), went to the movies (always being up on the latest release), and kept reading her fashion and interior design magazines. After she let the New York apartment go, she moved out to the Westhampton house permanently. She worked on her garden, spent days on the beach -keeping that perfect tan of hers, redecorated some of the house, and did some traveling to Italy.
She considered opening a boutique, like Capezio's, with Danskin leotards, and stretchy-dancewear in Westhampton Beach. She had enjoyed running a dress shop, when she was 20 in Clearwater, and this might be a fun venture to try again. It was a time when disco dancing was big and aerobic exercising was at it's peak in popularity. After looking into it, however, she decided the rent vs. the summer season success rate was too high a risk. Jeanne grew-up during the depression, so taking financial risks wasn't something she was comfortable doing. She kept thinking of new ideas.
Jeanne remained a member of The Fashion Group, and through its Foundation, found out about the IESC (the International Executive Service Corp). The IESC is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that provides technical and managerial assistance to people in the developing world and emerging democracies. (http://www.ies.org/) She accepted a volunteer position as a fashion design-consultant in Lima, Peru. It was her job to instruct promising young artists in various fashion industries who might not otherwise have had a chance to become fashion designers, and help their economy. Jeanne helped a sweater manufacturer, which she truly loved, for many weeks. Working with great fibers and brilliant colors was perfectly suited to her. Aside from some dangerous military situations, she was happy there. She met wonderful people, learned about their culture, and saw the sights including Machu Pichu.
Jeanne also volunteered to work with the IESC in Barbados. This position didn't last as long as the Peru job did, but the climate suited Jeanne nicely. Jeanne loved traveling. Shortly after she even went on a trip around Greece.