Catch up

Well, it's been lovely lately just to do not a lot at all. I really need the break from the frantic 'must do' 'must fit in' timeframes I've had lately. I have about 8 assignments to mark, and that's the end of the Uni year for me as a student, and as a tutor. The good thing is that these assignments are pretty easy to mark - very clear, so that's good.

The kids had their school fair on Friday night, so we spent a few hours there, and they had a whole heap of rides like you have at the show there. We paid $19 per child, and they had unlimited rides - great value. Especially with Emily who we would see on one ride, get off, and then RUN to the next. All she did for 3 hours was run between rides! Allan got his money's worth too, but his class also had a stall spraypainting hair and putting on fake tattoos - he was quite the master - and even got his Dad a couple of tats... but couldn't convince him that blue hair was a good look! LOL!

One of the nicest things about finishing Uni is allowing myself the little pleasures, such as reading a book, playing cards and doing a jigsaw (actually a wasjig - much more fun). I've read two books lately - The Husband by Dean Koontz, and Cross by James Patterson. Both good easy reads, but nothing earth shattering about them. I also bought the latest Wilbur Smith book which has the Ballyntines meeting the Courtneys.... both family's stories I've enjoyed reading over the years.

Emily and I have started a new Wasjig too... they are so much fun. The picture on the front is just a clue to what the finished puzzle is, and the one we're doing is a then and now type one, so the picture shows the 'then' and the puzzle shows the 'now'. We've got the outside all done, but can't find ONE piece. I'm sure Michael will wander by and just pick it up out of the box... he's natty like that.

I've also been teaching Allan and Emily how to play Gin Rummy. I'd forgotten how much I loved playing cards as a child. We'd often pay Gin, Canasta etc as kids, and loved it. Too bad my kids are quick learners, because they're starting to beat me already!!!

OK... that's all for now ... back to assignment marking!

xx
Michelle

Complete and utter exhaustion

Yep, I'm totally worn out!! The past few weeks have taken their toll, and I'm knackered!

But, it's worth it. I always love the Open Day, and the day before to be with the consultants and touch base with everyone in the office. I thought I'd just show you some of my favourite photos from the Open Day - if you want more, just go to http://www.matisse.com.au/gallery and check out all the uploaded images there!

OK... this is the new facepaint toolkits I designed up - just wanted you to check out the cute kids on the front... these will be so good to get out at Allan and Emily's 21st birthday parties.... ;)



This is outside at the Open Day - Justine (my boss' wife) and their two children, David and Isobel, being very, very cute (habitual cuties that they are). Strutting alongside is Bismark - or Bizzy - who is happiest with his stick - loves walking around with one in his mouth all the time.


This is me with my great friend Sylvia - we've been long distance friends for such a long time - and it was great to see her IRL and grab a few hugs. Would have loved some alone time with Sylvia though (she's from WA) but I'll take what I can get - because everything I get is gold. Sylvia gave me a little mushroom gourd for Emily - which she LOVES - she will be nagging me to paint it with her until I do....

OK... I'm off to bed. Catch up on some sleep perhaps!

Michelle

Nearly home

Well, just a quick post to let everyone know I survived the Open Day - and had a great time - but BOY am I tired!!! We had the day before as well, which went well, with some great hands on stuff - including calligraphy - which I thoroughly enjoyed!! For those wanting to start, we used Speedball pens C1 - so much easier than the newsagency ones. I reckon I could do something half decent with them.

The day itself is all a bit of a blur - a big, happy blur.... so good. I got to meet artists I've only ever spoken to over the phone, or even by email.

Anyway, better go, I'm 'at work' in Sydney.

Michelle

Up, up and away...

Well, I'm off to Sydney for the annual Matisse Open Day. It's great fun for all and something I look forward to every year. Luckily too, Virgin have started direct flights to Sydney - so I can get there in only a couple of hours - which is brilliant - and only one take off and landing too!

So, for those coming to the Open Day - make sure you say hello!!!

Bye for now!

Michelle

This is what it's all about

Family!

Yep, if there's one thing I've learnt the past week is that my family are something special. Well, I always knew that, but it was nice to be remined.

This is a group shot of my Mum, Dad, brother and sisters, their children and partners (mostly).




This is me holding little man Jake - my brother's son - my nephew. I reckon this little fellow is what's known as a 'breeder' baby. They bring him out to make women (and in the case of my hubby, men) clucky. He is such a good child! Eats, sleeps, laughs and smiles. Gotta love that.















The next little man is Sam - my cousin Kim's first child (only child). He and Jake are only 4 days apart in age - and he's another cutie, isn't he? Lucky I'm all over beign cluckie, aren't I?















This is Zoe and Kerry (my sister) you wouldn't pick she's 8 months older than the other two, would you? She's lighter than both of them. Now, this little girl has TUDE. She acts a bit like a teenager - hot and cold. For some reason, she sometimes doesn't like me and will try to jump out of whoever's arms she's in if I try to take her - and other times she's all kisses and smiles. She does play hard to get - but you can't help but love her.

That's all for now - thought I'd share the happier side of things - a family coming together.

Oh, and I should say, I've now lost FOUR kilos - which is pretty darn good!!!!


Michelle

RIP

Well, today was the day for my Grandma's funeral. It was a simple gravesite service and I think Grandma would have liked it. My cousin and I did the eulogy - and I know our Mum's were really happy with how it all went.

It's all been a bit of a blur since Wednesday. Things have been so busy here - and the house has been like Grand Central Station with my family, including cousins all being here and us all trying to get things organised. I managed to scan and print a whole lot of old photos of Grandma and my sister put them into a pretty notebook. She even scanned (reduced in size) her birth certificate and other documents as well. Everyone then wrote in the book today - and it was so great to see my Uncle Les reading through it with a huge smile on his face. This is the same man who was literally sick when he realised his Mum wasn't going to make it.

I also made up an order of service - just a simple one (it was a simple service) with a few photos of Grandma in it. Of course I worried if I'd done it right (never done one before) but I overheard the celebrant saying how nicely it was put together - so I must have got something right.

But with all the rush and bustle here, I haven't had time to myself to truly think about what losing Grandma means to me, and I haven't cried for her yet. I know it will come, but I needed to hold it all together to be strong for Mum and Gail - and to just get everything done I had to do with more people in our house than we can manage most Christmas'. Even at the funeral I was worrying about the music being played at the right time, and everyone being sorted, and really making sure that the service was a happier place to be. During the time for quiet reflection, I can remember looking up, seeing Grandma's photo, and just feeling happy. Well, not happy exactly.... glad. Glad that she'd been in my life. Glad that we could share that with everyone. Glad that the rest of my family were together - if only for a few days. I can remember thinking when I looked at her photo - you did good, girl, you did good. And she had. Even at the end, the reflection of her was how the family came together and celebrated her life.

And that's how I want it to be for me - when the time comes. I want my family and friends to celebrate what I have done - not what I haven't done.

But enough for now. I'll leave you with the poem I chose for the service...


She is Gone

By Anonymous

You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Gone

Well, Grandma passed away this morning peacefully. It still doesn't feel quite real - but I'm sure it will sink in at the funeral a lot more.

I've had various members of the family here nearly all day - our house is home base for everyone at the moment - which is nice actually. Mum and Gail have been organising everything and it's good that they can meet here and do it all. Makes me feel like we're contributing in some way.

I had to go out today to meet with the Diabetes educator - it took 6 weeks to get the appointment - so I desperately needed to go. It worked out well though, as it allowed Mum and Gail time alone with funeral director to organise the hard stuff. However, in typical Mum and Gail fashion, when I came home, the floors were washed and there were clothes on the line. But as Mum said - I wanted to do it - something I had control over.

Anyway, that's enough for today. I have to prepare the eulogy (sp?) tomorrow and create the book (what are they called - order of service or something?) for printing. Going to be busy.

Grandma

This is my Grandma and my Mum. I took these photos a couple of years ago for a Uni project I did for photography called Mother Mother.

I just think Mum and Grandma look so cute together here.

Which brings me to the sad news. My Grandma is in hospital at the moment, and they have told us that it's only a matter of time before we lose her.

Which just sucks! I spent most of last night up at the hospital with her, and went up again this morning - and this wonderfully strong, noble woman is gone. She's just this shell of a person - who breathes and doesn't do a lot else. I don't know if she is aware of anyone anymore, but if she is, she doesn't seem to be able to let us know. It's sad, but what's worse is watching my Mum. That hurts - Mum and I are great mates, and I just want to be strong for her, so she doesn't have to be.


But enough of the morbid stuff. Let me tell you why I love this pic on the left. This shows things just as I remember them. They've been this way since I was a little girl. Grandma at the table, with bottles and jars of lollies, biscuits, dried fruit - many things to feed you with.

At the back is the piano - I don't know if ANYONE could play it, but it is a great place for the photos. I love looking at the old photos - especially of Mum and her brothers and sisters. I love seeing their children in their faces. And of course, Les' paintings on the wall - pride of place. But best of all - a cuppa and a chat.


Can you believe this woman is over 80 years old? Where are her grey hairs? Up until a fall a bit over a year ago, Grandma was a very strong woman. She still mowed her yard, still did the groceries, still did all Uncle Les' washing.... it's shattering to see it slide so quickly.

Only the other day, Mum was saying that she hoped she didn't ever become a burden to me - and I told her that I hoped she lived long enough to be a burden to me, because the alternative was much worse.

And, as I said to Mum, Grandma's 86. This last year has been Mum's payment for having her in her life for so long. For being so lucky. Grandad died before I was born, and I know if Mum had the choice, she'd put up with the past year to have had him until he was 85 too.

Here's to Grandma. We are all secretly hoping you'll rally around and come back to us - we know it's not a rational thought... but it keeps us going.

Love you Grandma.

One down.... one to go!

Yep, I've handed in one assignment, and now only officially have one to go until I'm totally, absolutely, FINALLY finished my degree!!!!

Not sure how the one I did today is - really couldn't get into it... but the next one will be fun - it involves a bit of graphic design.

So, guess what's planned for this weekend....

;)

All done!!!

Well, yesterday was officially my very last class at Uni!! My very last tutorial!! I now only have to finish off the final two assignments and I will be officially finished! Ready to graduate! Isn't it exciting... except for the whole having to write the assignments. But that's not too bad. I'm 1500 words into a 2000 word assignment, and the other is a group project - which I'm doing all the final editting and design for... I actually think that one will be fun.

So... a slightly surreal feeling today to know I never need to walk into a classroom as a student again for this degree.

Won't be long before I'll have photos to share of me in a cape and mortarboard accepting my Bachelor of Communication (with Distinction).

Cool!

DT

For anyone that knows my husband......

He is the type of man that doesn't hold back when he laughs - and his laugh is LOUD! One of the problems is, is that sometimes, it takes a while for him to get a joke. Imagine being in a movie theature, everyone's laughing... the movie moves on.... and then..... someone beside you is slapping their knees laughing so loud!!! Hubby did this one day when he went to the movies with my Dad.... there was a particularly funny ad on.... and during the subsequent ad he got it and started laughing... but the next ad wasn't funny at all.

Last night, an ad came on, and I knew it was something DH would find funny.... and I also knew it may take a while... so I started counting after the punchline... 5.... 10.... nope, he just didn't find it funny.... then well into the SECOND ad after the one I saw he made a comment... And I mentioned to him that it was well past the time for making comments... and we laughed.

Then it happened again - and I told him that he seemed to be operating at a different time zone to us....

That's when we came up with his new nickname.... DT

Delayed Telecast

(Hey, HE said it!)

;)

Oh, I do love these two!

Just look at them! How could you not love these two! Allan actually let me take some photos of him today - this is one of my favourite.... And Em.. well... she loves a good photo shoot ;)

I don't know how two children could look so similar, yet be such different personalities. Allan hopes to be loved, and Emily expects it. Emily shows her love in so many ways - she is forever doing something beautiful and sweet, while Allan doesn't always express himself as openly. But I see it - I see it in the way he looks at me sometimes - and the way I am the first to see his latest Lego creation, and the way, every so often he just holds my hand or sneaks into my study for a hug. He is the one we've got to be careful of because he will back out of the limelight and be hurt by the shadows... while the light radiates from Emily. They're so different, and yet each so utterly loveable.

They burst my heart these two beautiful children.

Oh, and I should say... "Go the Broncos" for the man in my life... it was good to see him all kitted out in his new Jersey - and shorts he bought to match yesterday - his Broncos hat on and a XXXX Gold in his Broncos stubbie holder. Good to see he could wear it proudly... not that I watch much of the game!

Another one bites the dust

Another kilogram that is....

So, I'm well on my way to the target 5 kg's the doctor set. Not trying to overdramatise it all - just change some bad habits... and it seems to be working. I will start up some more exercise soon... soon as Uni finishes that is and I can reclaim some of my life....

Oh... I have so many plans for my spare time... I think the first couple of weekends will be just veging out..... love that idea!

Only 2 more assignments to mark for today... 6 extras after that.... (late submissions).