When I was in the 6th form (Year 12 I think it's called now), my mother told me that I was going to have to leave school at the end of the year, as she couldn't afford to support me. However, my older brother, a year ahead of me at school, was to go to university. I was in the top academic class, and assumed that I would go to university along with all my friends after the end of the 7th Form (Year 13). I was distraught. This widened the rift between me and Mum, and I left home the following year, having little contact with my family for the next few years. It also severed the contact I had with my school friends (this was in the days before cellphones and the internet, you understand) and I lost touch with most of them.
While I've long ago got over this, and have done some extramural study when in my 30's, I have always hankered after university study. Recently, when searching for suitable contacts at tertiary institutions to send information about my dyes, I accidentally stumbled across a degree course at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in Invercargill, the southern-most city in New Zealand.
At one time, these institutions (formerly called Technical Institutes) could not offer proper bachelors' degrees, only more lowly-rated "technical" courses. However, that has now changed. This degree, Bachelor of Applied Media Arts (Visual Media), was the most interesting course I had seen. The first year has 3 threads - Visual Arts (painting, drawing, print-making and sculpture); Photography: and Graphic Design. All things I'm interested in. In the 2nd year, you choose one thread in which you specialise and graduate
I have applied to SIT and been accepted into this course, starting in February. Acceptance is not automatic, as numbers are limited.
However, I have some considerable obstacles in my path. Firstly, I am trying to sell my house without success (so far) as the market is extremely flat. Secondly, I have been unable to find work since returning home from overseas, and am struggling financially. This situation has made me stressed and depressed, and only the prospect of my new life has kept me going.
I am not a great believer in Fate, though sometimes it seems that things are meant to happen. I want this to happen for me. Perhaps, if I tell enough people, it will.
And, of course, when life throws you scraps, you make a quilt. Here's a couple of little tops I've dug out and will complete to take my mind off things. Above is an appliqued teapot quilt.
And this is a design called "Bento Boxes" after the clever Japanese lunch boxes.
12 comments:
Love the teapots. I too am making a bento box quilt.
I hope your house sells - not a good time unfortunately ( but when is? )
Pavlovas are very simple once you get the recipe right - I hardly ever make them these days- not good for us! ( unless topped with something other than cream )
I love those teapots! I hope that your house sells soon!
Those teapots are divine.
I too hope your house sells. I have recently moved to Invercargill and am enjoying it-only know of one other blogger down this way!! Not sure if you know anyone down here but if I can help in anyway send me an email.
How exciting about accepted onto the course. That is definitely worth the upheaval of selling/moving house for.
My advice is to make sure you are in regular contact with your real estate agent and to ask them for their advice about the best way to market your home.
Best of luck!
Congratulations on being accepted for the course. I hope you'll be able to sell your house soon.
Aw Shirley, I hope all your dreams come true and you get your degree. I really wish that lottery ticket had been the real thing now. ;-) You know I'd help if I could.
Cool teapots.
I should say, I know you're not asking for help, just positive thoughts. ((Hugs))
I hope you will sell that house, you deserve your dream come true, and you worked hard for it to happen.
Congratulations on being accepted for the course. Most of my adult life has been financially insecure and since my husband walked out last year it has got worse! I'm struggling to resurrect my business now! However I'm a great believer in positive thinking. Project good thoughts re selling your house and they will come back to you with good results! Quilts are ace!
I am just catching up on your posts Shirley. Many congratulations on getting onto your course. I am sure you will get there, just keep staying positive, you have had some good suggestions already from other bloggers. Is renting your house out an option if selling is difficult?
I love the teapots too, they are so cheerful :)
oh shirley - i will keep everything crossed for you. the course sounds fabulous!
I hope your dream will be made possible by selling your home very soon Shirley. I too love the teapot quilt.
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