My grandma has lived a long life, 94 years thus far.She has witnessed 'marvellous' and 'colossal' things as well as endured an abundance of grief and sadness.She says she doesn't like to complain, often refers to herself as a 'nuisance' and frequently says 'thank you'. Sometimes I dismiss these comments as ritual and habit but after visiting her in hospital this weekend, it occurred to me just how hard it is to express heartfelt thanks. On this occasion, she had thanked me for doing something practical for her and I turned to her and said, “oh no, thank you”. It was meant to mean so much but it felt pathetic. How can I thank her for the gift of her genuine, unfaltering love and devotion? How can I thank her for bringing the wonderment and joy of electric blankets and flannelette sheets into my life... the delicious waft and taste of lamb stock, barley and vegetable soup with 'duckies'... hot apple pie with ice-cream... milky cups of tea, loaded with sugar, served on TV trays in the lounge... brisk, happy walks and tram trips up to 'Puckle'... birthdays never missed... How can I thank her for her patience and for creating such a loving, homely environment where I have always felt wanted and nurtured, never a 'nuisance'.
Thank you Ma, from the heart. I love you and am thinking of you.
I have been a little occupied of late. Three weeks ago I started a new job and at the same time, commenced a diploma course in Visual Arts. It has taken some adjusting and will continue to be a challenge but at this stage, I feel energised and enthusiastic.
Before I commenced my first painting class in this new course, I was informed that we would be composing and painting 'a chair'. I nearly fell off mine on hearing that, as my last experience of drawing a chair was a complete disaster.
I had just started a Certificate IV course in Visual Arts and the first task was to draw 'a chair'. At the time, I was severely lacking in confidence and skill. I was the sole mature age student amongst a cohort of young, artistic and talented students. Drawing a chair that day was definitely the most challenging task that I undertook that year. My picture was pathetic BUT it was a start and what I am most proud of is that I pushed through the challenges and persisted. I finished the course and it changed my life.
I still lack confidence but now know that it is only through practice that I will improve. I don't expect to create a masterpiece at every sitting. I am as keen as ever to learn and am so excited by this study journey that I am continuing on.
I was due to start a new job on Monday but it has been postponed until next week. Although I had an abundance of free time at home last year, I feel more readily able to treat myself this week knowing that work is just around the corner. Ridiculous I know but there you have it!
So how did I go about treating myself today? Well, I went and saw The Artist at the movies and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is set in Hollywood in the late 1920s/early 1930s and centres on the careers of two actors - George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), an established actor struggling with the emergence of the talkies and Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), an up-and-coming movie star.
This movie is predominantly silent (aside from some well placed music and sounds) and I found it particularly intriguing viewing for the modern day. It left me contemplating the negative effect that words and noise can play in our society. How it seems that everywhere we turn these days, we are bombarded with intrusive clatter and banging, all in the name of must do, must have and should be.
Football games are a perfect case in point. Part of the attraction of going to the football for me is the social aspect. Life can be hectic and football has always been a great way to see a game and catch up with friends and family. My recall of games is often according to who I have attended them with and the hilarious and passionate debates and discussions we have had in the breaks.
Well, not much chance for that now. As soon as you enter the ground these days you are confronted with thunderous, insistent and ear-splitting noise. Advertising, commentating, money-making rubbish. Watching a good game of football can be exciting, exhausting and loud. What a shame that we can't just relax and ponder the atmosphere for a bit at half-time any more.
Fortunately there are many other ways to enjoy the company of othersin peace and there will always be the memories of those great "silent" games of old!
Today was the last day of the Summer school holidays for us. Every year I get to this day and feel the same - a little sad that the holidays go by so quickly.
Fortunately today's weather forecast was perfect so we decided to spend it visiting the Zoo. Wonderful! We wandered around at a leisurely pace, enjoying the animals and the beautiful surrounds.
Most particularly for me though, the joy was in simply appreciating some quality time with my gorgeous girls.
Of course, it doesn't all end here. Starting a new school year is exciting, whiffs of promise and potential waft through the air.
I just need to remember to slow down and relax every now and again...
Finally the quiet day I had been hankering for in order that I could complete my Jubby Doll!
A few weeks ago I had my first attempt at dying fabric - lace for Jubby's dress. It didn't turn out as bright as I would have liked but I didn't have time to experiment. I actually wouldn't normally work with lace but the pattern I was following did, so I thought that I would give it a go in my own unique way (Creative Cloth Doll Faces by Patti Medaris Culea)
I really enjoyed making Jubby and am pleased that I overcame the hurdles that it took to get her finished. If anything, I am most satisfied with that simple fact - that I have seen a project through to completion :) I feel surprisingly free and inspired and overall I am happy with the result.
She will sit in my studio now and be an ever-present reminder to me of what is possible if I am patient and persistent. Thanks Jubby... and thanks Mum!
Well it seems that I am being drawn to the sea lately. Not too surprising I guess, considering that it is Summer here at the moment.
A Garden
This photo looks like it could have been taken on some faraway, exotic island... oooh, how I wish :) But no, it is actually beautiful Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.
My sister and I had a lovely visit to Heronswood Gardens there yesterday (http://www.diggers.com.au/gardens-and-cafes/gardens/heronswood.aspx). It was an extremely hot day so the children were happy to sit in the shade and chat whilst we wandered and explored. A wonderful place to be inspired and to dream.
A Book
I am currently enjoying reading The Lightkeeper's Wife by Karen Viggers. It tells the story of a dying woman who is reflecting on her life, particularly the 25 years that she spent living in a lighthouse with her family. It also features her son who is struggling with issues of his own and time he has spent working in Antarctica.
I am interested in where this story might be taking me but I am also enjoying it for the wonderful references to the wild, windy and isolated parts of the Australian coastline and Antarctica.
A Movie
And now today, I have just heard from a dear friend about a movie called South Solitary which looks like the perfect accompaniment for my book!! Thank you!
A lovely visit yesterday to sunny Queenscliff to see Emma Hack's exhibition at Seaview Gallery. You may know her from the work she did on Gotye's video clip for Somebody That I Used to Know. Amazingly beautiful but extraordinarily time consuming work! Fabulous.
I took my eldest daughter with me, who was none too impressed about the prospect of a long drive or an exhibition for that matter. However, it was a lovely thing to do as a one-to-one with her and we had a great day. Well, she didn't go so far as to say it was great but I was very satisfied with an alright!
