Just a brief update on happenings here at the shop and life in general. I was in town earlier this week and lucky enough to visit the Art Deco exhibition at the Art Centre. It was truly wonderful and if you love Art Deco you must get there. The beautiful dresses and sculptures are something else. I just loved it. Also had the opportunity to visit Lumina gallery in Malvern which was also a delight.

It was the best trip to Melbourne I’ve had in a while. The weekend started with a fantastic workshop with Marilyn Townsend. The girls painted, embroidered, transferred dyes and slashed and burnt all they could get their hands on, including organza and tyvek. The results are really amazing. Marilyn is as always a wonderful and patient teacher. Then I flew up to Melbourne for the 18th birthday celebration of my beautiful niece Lana. She is the baby of the family and how confronting is it when the baby is old enough to drive herself to school? I had to sit and wonder awhile, where the years had gone. It made me reflect on where I am in life (and how I got here) and where I think I’m going. I have to admit that whilst the body is fighting the battle to stay upright against gravity, and losing that battle, the mind and heart are in a truly great place. Age brings many rewards including a greater sense of self and purpose.

With the shop I have found a great blend of lifestyle and work environment. It allows me the freedom to be who I am and live a life that honours who I am. I am surrounded by wonderful people who support me and live the dream with me, and for them I am truly grateful. As I have said before they support me even when the dream becomes a nightmare! (happens all the time). The reason I am touching on this again is that I come across so many women who are locked into situations that no longer support them, who do not yet have the support to move or change their lives. The rate of depression suffered by so many people is really overwhelming.

One of the many wonderful things that have developed from having groups and classes at the shop is watching how many women have bonded and who support each other. They have developed this bond through their creative endeavors. So if you are feeling poorly, or a little flat, reach out and get involved. Many local community houses offer low-cost groups and classes and places like ours offer a combination of groups and workshops. And if you have the time and are feeling great, take a look around and see if there are any women around you who might need a cup of tea and a little ‘knit or sew’ with you. Lumina gallery is also running a great creative program to support women with breast cancer. You buy a little pink pack with all the bits and pieces to make a small doll. The cost is $20.00 and then you make the doll and return it to them for sale in October. All proceeds go to Pink Day.

Well my fingers are freezing up now, so on that note I’ll say farewell.

Take care and cheers
Catherine