One should always be appropriately dressed when teaching! It's New Years Eve, how did that happen?  It is a great time to look back over the past year and think of friends you have met, places you have been and the wonderful things you have seen. 2015 was a busy year with 2 trip to the Antipodes, 3 trips to Ireland - 2016 will be even more bonkers . . . A sign on the wall of the World of Wearable Art exhibition in Auckland. I have met a lot of you at the various shows that I do throughout the year, both for myself and for Vilene. We have wonderful chats and discussions about all manner of things as well as textiles, and of course, chocolate!  One of the main topics seems to be how lucky I am. Until the middle of this year, I had never really though about it - I always say Yes! I am. A good friend of mine who also works on the stand with me, pointed out with great emphasis, that I am not 'lucky'. I have made the decisions and choices that have brough...

 Some of my collection of shells from Curracloe beach. So - here I am in Carrick on Shannon, Ireland on a 13 day break. With nothing planned!!!! I have 4 days left before I travel to Dublin and the Knitting and Stitching Show. As many of you will know, my life is usually planned out at least 2 years in advance with little room for manoeuvre.  I have had time to catch up with emails, this blog, do some exploring . . . and rest. I was a bit worried about what I was going to do with my self - I have managed to occupy myself splendidly. Regular readers will know I taught in Australia in September at the Geelong Fibre Forum. One of the tutors there was Nicola Brown - from Ireland. The world just gets smaller doesn't it? Nicola is eco dyer, eco printer and felt maker. She is great fun to be with and it is great to meet like minds. As we got on so well I suggested we meet up when I was over here.   On the road, across country, to Borris. It took just ove...