Good News

What a delight to see protests on the streets on the news tonight. I had thought the modern university student just didn't seem to have the social conscience that has been the hallmark of the past, and a potent influence for chance. Maybe, at last, our complacent population might finally voice support for the increasingly large population of marginalised people in New Zealand. If the proposed education changes are the catalyst, then great.

I Dreamed a Dream

Oh, wow! I can't wait!

Art Installation

I have been planning on making this artwork for some time, and yesterday I completed and hung it. I'm very happy with the result. The mantle needed something above it and I like the proportions. In years to come, I'm sure the pieces from my 'tea towel and staple gun' period will be demanding high prices in the auction rooms.

Nasty

I'm in a minority here, but I really don't like kiwifruit. I'll eat them if offered, but would not choose them over any other fruit. Strangely, I loved them as a child. Way back then, we called them Chinese Gooseberries. They were a seasonal fruit, enjoyed for a short fruiting season and then gone for another year. They tasted just fine, never got involved with pavlovas and were almost a treat. Now they are omnipresent. Huge heaps of them glower at me in the supermarket, most of them completely rock-hard and able to stay resolutely so for months on end, finally softening but often holding on to a gnarly white core - except for the few cunning ones that ripen within seconds of being placed in the fruit bowl, hidden by their harder buddies so they can quietly ooze out brown sticky goo onto the counter below.

Location, Location, Location

I teach at a fantastic school - brilliant staff, wonderful children and parents who are involved and supportive. I love being there, but should I step out the gate I'm in the heart of the Hutt. And step out I do, with my class, to take advantage of the location. Last week we had two great experiences.

At the Dowse, now sporting the new town square in front, we were taken through the 'Can You See What I See?' exhibit by the education staff. Then, using this book as the motivation ...

... the children completed amazing self-portraits in the style of Picasso. The education programmes offered at The Dowse are brilliant, and without the prohibitive cost of buses as a factor, our children are able to access lots of the exhibits very regularly. Early next term it's a Lynley Dodd one, so we shall start immersing ourselves in Hairy McClary and his chums in readiness.

We don't have a school hall, which in many ways is an advantage because we often make use of the local area to stage school events. It was a short walk to the Little Theatre to participate in a Rhythm Interactive drumming performance. It was learning at its best, totally hands-on and the kids just loved it. This group work with children and adults, and if you ever get a chance to experience one of their shows then take it. The Little Theatre is a much nicer venue than any school hall I've ever been in, with every child comfortably seated with an unobstructed view. The picture below is not taken there, but shows how the Rhythm Interactive set up the venue, already playing as the audience enter, take up the drums and join in.

Next week it's off to the Central Library. Location, location, location.

Hump Day

No, middle of the week 'hump day' - elevate your minds, gentle readers! The main thing is, from lunchtime today it was the start of the downhill run to the weekend. It really is a shame that my working days have to begin with waking up in the dark, dark of the morning. By eight o'clock I'm a veritable box of birds, but prior to that it's agony. So as much fun as my working week is - and it really is, great class, great colleagues - there is always the countdown to the next chance to wake naturally. I wish I was a 'morning ' person. It's quite unfair because I'm not a 'night' person either. I think I've always been an 'early afternoon' person. The world does not operate well for the early afternooners. We are a marginalised minority - the 'circadian rhythms challenged'.

RIP Robin Gibb

It was sad today to hear of Robin Gibb's death. I like the Bee Gees, especially their earlier stuff. New York Mining Disaster and this one, The First of May, are particular favourites.



I find death, at any age, tragic. They are gone, and will be missed whether they lived to 9 or 99. But I particularly feel for his Mum. I can't comprehend the level of grief she has had in having three of her sons die before her, and before their time.

RIP Robin Gibb - thanks for the music.