The Venue

Went to The Venue in Avondale for the first time to see an art exhibition by Gareth Hook. Some great works of wildlife in oils and his pencil work is brilliant. There was one piece titled The King of Hwange that I'm pretty sure was Cecil.

Otherwise, met up with my Mum's friend who teaches TOEFL in Oman and chatted about English resources and books over a glass of apple and ginger juice. Then went to help set up a contemplative prayer room at The Base Church to pray for the children in the church and the ministry.

Going to try make writing group at the Bottom Drawer coffee shop tomorrow and might stop by the morning market at Maarsdorp (although I'm a bit broke so I should maybe avoid it to save money).

Here are some pictures of Gareth Hook's work.

Blue Moon

Silently the moon ascends
and all around me the night descends.
Silvery shadows flicker and flit.
In the cold night air all is asleep.
But with the full moon my mind awakes,
bathed in moonlight, my soul delights.
Sleep escapes me and I am alive.
My brain seems to be in overdrive.
In solitude I await the dawn.

Mindfulness Colouring

As a present for cat sitting I was given an adult colouring book called "The Mindfulness Colouring Book". I have seen friends on Pinterest sharing colouring pages but I am only just realising it is the latest fad. Below are some of the books I've come across from browsing and here is a link to a technique blog post on using pencils and baby oil.

Once in a blue moon

Tonight there's a "blue moon" which is when there is a second blue moon in the same month. Apparently if you look to the left of the moon with a telescope you can see the Swan Nebula and if you do late night star gazing you'll see meteor showers. 

It's been a good week although I've had two of my students sick and their lessons cancelled which means I don't get paid. Have met up with friends though and been keeping busy which is good for me. I have also applied for several jobs. The one, teaching English at a private girls' school is sounding positive and they would welcome my CELTA qualification. Failing that my grade 7's parents have opted to home school her next year and want me to tutor her English, science, geography and history. 

There was an advert sent out by International House in Cape Town for another language school looking for CELTA teachers. Unfortunately I need to already be in Cape Town and in possession of a work visa. Got excited nonetheless. There is a job at Stellenbosch University that I am thinking about sending an application for. I had also been asked if I wanted to apply for the art teacher position at Lusitania School here in Harare, but it is miles away and I didn't quite feel I was up to the challenge of teaching art from grade 1 to 7.

As everyone is aware there is a storm of publicity over the Cecil the lion poaching. Am sure people are a little tired of it but if you want to make a difference to lion conservation in general across Africa here is a worthwhile organization to donate to - The African Wildlife Foundation. They do a lot of work with rural communities who live on the boundaries of national parks in protecting livestock so that lions aren't killed, as well as trying to maintain viable and ecologically functional populations of lions across Africa.

Meeting with the lady I met at Verandah Gallery tomorrow to talk about teaching with CELTA. Then hope to go and see Gareth Hook's exhibition at The Venue in Avondale.

Gareth Hook Exhibition

In home group we have been following the Networking Seminar and exploring our spiritual gifts, as well as what energises us and is our passion.

Oxford

I still have a ticket to visit the UK and I am thinking about trying to use it in October. Have just switched medication to lithium and have to be monitored for 6 weeks but so far am feeling a lot better. Tentatively putting it out that will be in England based in Oxford in October, so hopefully might be able to see some of you then.

The plan is to simply just come on holiday at this point. Need to save up a little for this but that's the plan. Will keep you all posted. A friend I will be staying with in Oxford has very kindly said I could stay in France for a week if I wanted to. If anyone of you would like to join me there let me know.

Verandah Gallery 2015

Today was the annual Verandah Gallery and I went with my Mum. Prior to that had a great service at The Base Church which as led for most of it by the children which was special. We then went and had a braai and fellowship with others involved in the kids ministry.

At the exhibition in Emerald Hill there were a number of artists exhibiting. I took a few photos of what I liked and am still inspired to try and get my act together and submit some pieces at some point.

Here are just a few photos.

Sheena Chadwick

Jacqui Taylor

Darryl Nero

Kate Raath

Rosanna Turner

Glorious sunshine

Today has been beautifully sunny and warm. Zimbabwe winter really takes some beating. Am feeling upbeat and positive and it has been a good weekend.

Have this song in my head from the conference I've been at this weekend. Had a good day yesterday and received more encouraging prophetic words. For those interested here's a link to Phil Wilthew speaking at his home church, the Kings Arms.

Someone suggested today that I should maybe try writing an autobiographical book. Could combine a bit of my writing with it and photography and art perhaps. The friend who suggested it is a writer and has just come back from a creative writing course in Vermont specialising on writing for children.

I also met a lady at an art exhibition this afternoon who teaches TOEFL English in Oman. She gave me some pointers and am going to have coffee with her. She said the Oxford job did sound like a bit of a gambit for a beginner and I should look to get experience with my CELTA at a simpler level first to build up confidence. Was reassuring and she gave me some good advice.

Am energised after the Heaven Touches Earth conference and have been challenged to try and be a brighter light to others. Would like to try make my writing an encouragement to those who also suffer from depression.

My grade 7 student didn't unfortunately get into Arundel. Her parents have decided to home school her instead and I might teach her next year. Will be a challenge but had a good chat with two mums who are home schooling and they had lots of exciting ideas. The method of education is changing and with technology you need to be creative and be open to new approaches. Definitely a challenge.

A Good Friday

Day 3 of lithium and apart from nausea on the second night, so far so good. Today has been a high mood rating. Taught art this morning which went well and then went for coffee with my Mum at the new Veldemeers Belgian Chocolate Cafe. Had a yummy hazelnut latte macchiato. Whilst there had the possibility of another student to tutor. From there went to the Fight or Flight exhibition at The Studio on Beeston Close in Borrowdale. Some lovely things and art and a fascinating fabric journal by the Mavros Family.

yummy hazelnut latte macchiato latte at Veldemeers Cafe 

Veldemeers Cafe

The Studio

The Studio

The Studio

Nicole Sanderson's paintings, The Studio

Went to another session of the Heaven Touching Earth conference at River of Life Eastlea. Tonight after worship it was on overcoming pessimism and living with hope and having wisdom.

Am now back where I'm flat sitting and have Ginger on my lap, giving me a clinging hug, whilst Missy the other cat also vies for my attention.