Once again I haven’t blogged regularly, and that’s ok. I share my art other ways now, and blog when I feel it’s useful, whereas 10 years ago it was the only viable channel for sharing. 2023 has seen a lot of changes.
I no longer post about Tony on FB because I don’t feel he can truly consent. I visit 5 or 6 times a week, ring every day, take him out to a cafe fortnightly; he’s loved and cared for. He’s also well stocked for flavoured water, sugar free lollies, Vape and fruit! He prefers being in Trinity and finds the care suits him better … plus the resthome cat, Marlie, loves him.
Penny and I had a collaborative art exhibition, Shattered Landscapes, at Left Bank Art Gallery. The art we make together is so different to our solo work, and it’s a joy. I think all artists could benefit from working collaboratively and learning to let go. We haven’t started a 3rd collab yet, but strongly suspect we will.
I returned to my usual role as Libraries & Cultural Services Manager, after a period as Acting Group Manager. We’ve got exciting things coming up, including the opening of Te Ramanui. On the flip side, I feel things are going to get harder as climate change, politics, economics etc contribute to increasing incidents of aggression toward front line staff.
By best friend of *more decades than we admit to* lives with us. Sandra introduced me to Munzees this year, and we’ve been out and about playing the online game. Her long- suffering dog Bruno comes with us; he hates the car, but hates being left even more.
Alan and I have been to quite a few places this year, most recently a couple of nights in Ohakune where the weather was dreadful but the landscape was stunning. Prior to that we spent a few nights in Christchurch as he had hand surgery. We wandered the Riverside Markets, met up with his daughter and her fiancé, and ate amazing food. Who knows where we’ll get to next year…
I’m looking forward to 2024 and all it will bring my wee household. I hope the coming year is kind to you, bringing love and laughter.
Cath Sheard Art 
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