Thank you!

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.

Chairs

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.