This has been a very busy week.  A family event necessitated a road trip interstate, which proved to be a journey back in time, and an opportunity to spend an extended time with my (adult) middle child, who shared the driving.  What is it about sharing a long drive, side by side, that allows a kind of intimacy and sometimes, a lack of discretion?  On the whole, though, a good experience, especially as there is sometimes little opportunity for 'deep and meaningful' discussion with one's children.  

The U3A French class is helping me to be less self-conscious about speaking aloud in French. The tutor's approach to teaching enables everyone in the class to practise listening carefully to the spoken word, compared with the written language that was emphasised during my schooling. Excursions into cultural habits, and history, etc. also add to the experience and understanding of the language.  All that's needed is self-discipline in practising more often, and using what resources are available.  The Yabla website is great, as well as About.com French Language.  Life just seems to get in the way.  This weekend it is a family funeral, which involves a long road trip and buying appropriate clothes, not to speak of dealing with the emotional stress on family members.  What will next week bring?  Whatever it is, I know I'll learn something new about Life.
One of the good things about being a grandparent is watching the growth of grandchildren.  Why is it that we generally don't give our children the same attention?  Again, Life.  Work. Housework. Study. Shopping. Relishing that tiny amount of time after the kids go to bed.  

Sunday.  Another frosty morning.  I'll have to warm up by clearing up in the studio.  Such a good day yesterday, but I hardly did any teaching, as once I'd got the participants started experimenting, they just concentrated on designing and cutting.  Once they'd got the idea (some took longer than others) I'd stuck their drafts on the glass door for them to see them in silhouette. They then chose card for their final design.  Sharing pointers for improving the originals, most projects looked very promising. This could have been a full day's workshop, as very few participants completed their works.  Maybe next time.

My first blog!  I suppose lots of people start this way.  Well, I'll begin with today's busy day.  This afternoon I held a papercut workshop.  You ask - papercut?? Isn't that when you cut your finger on a paper edge? (Painful!!) However, I am talking about an art/craft activity.  Here is a picture of two draft papercut designs made today by a couple of participants of my workshop.
Of course, these are the 'better' ones, but everyone came up with some individual designs and seemed to really enjoy the afternoon.  During afternoon tea, we talked about other workshops that will be held in the future.  So far, so good, as today's was only the second 'hands on' workshop held in the gallery (the Toora Village Studio Gallery) since the studio was completed in March. Ten participants today - more than enough for the space.  Went home exhausted.