Five years since the National Apology - and Study!

 my favourite food - tomato, from 'drawing a day' series

Feeling rather guilty, as I haven't posted here for three whole weeks!! As you can tell from the title, which is now rather old news, although still very significant.

Yes, its five years and a bit since then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (whatever happened to him?) made the National Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians for past injustices (such as land stealing, child stealing, and in many cases, genocide). Well said, Mr Rudd.

 exploring Burnett Lane, in Brisbane's CBD

 from our Wotif voucher Christmas present weekend.

The reason for my slackness: its the start of full time study season again, whilst still being embroiled in the aftermath of my summer semester, which is over, but has assessments outstanding. I have found it hard to get back into the full time mode, although the last workshop on Sociocultural Contexts, was pretty cool. So much so, that I asked the lecturer if I could do my next placement with her. She didn't respond yet, saying she has to 'consult her colleagues' - (It was worth a try). Plus, I have got into trouble before for trying to organise my own placement. Clearly I am not a fast learner.

So, just for the record, I am currently finishing off one unit, enrolled in 4 units, and teaching one unit. I have a student on placement with me, and my workplace is implementing a big change in our work practice. I have to keep up with my students' readings and blogs, and do my own readings and blogs, argghh. I have been dreading this semester. I am applying for Advanced Standing (credit) for one of the units, which would be fantastic if I got it. It could make all the difference, or at least it would feel like a gift at this stage.

So I am expecting I won't be posting that often in the next three months. Until this semester is over. But I will do my best. 

I was also interested to read this blog, called 'the subjects', about a sleep deprivation experiment involving 4 artists and writers, staged as part of the Adelaide Festival. You can still read their stories here.

Its good to be back, if intermittently.

more later. 

Emoticons for the real world

  holding it lightly: pastel drawing

Louise Hayes of ACT fame (not the OTHER Louise Hay) started a blog this week, to assist with the launch of her new book Get our of your mind and into your life for teens. I don't have the link to her blog here, but it reminded me of my first blog post, which really scared me. 

'Holding it lightly' is a great ACT phrase for not taking things too seriously/literally/to heart. Or for de-fusing from difficult thoughts or rigid rules, and making room for uncomfortable emotions. 

Speaking of emotions:

 emoticon fridge magnets: moulded and painted polymer clay

These fridge magnets were moulded using an emoticon ice cube tray (which I got for christmas from a colleague!) painted, and have magnets glued on the back. I will use these in my work: these are prototypes so I can assist children to make them, in aid of developing emotional literacy. 

I have made stuffed fabric emoticons before. The fact that I had time to make the fridge magnets is due to work being exceptionally quiet. This was the first week back at school, and there was storm damage to slow things down further, with lots of people still without power until later in the week.

The drawings of my dog, Jess, are part of the 30 Day Drawing Challenge I blogged about in January:

 'draw your favourite animal' #1: pastel drawing

'draw your favourite animal' #2: pastel drawing

One thing I noticed is that Jess does not stay still for long. The first pose is a very characteristic one, catching the breeze on her stomach!

The next challenge is to draw your favourite food. Since I am changing my relationship with food at the moment, via the Fast Diet, this is going to be an interesting one.

more later