Category: self care

February 2026

The end of February caught me off guard. Such a short month with many things going on! “Back to school”, I repeat. My daughter corrected me when she was a secondary student, telling me that it was back to school for her, but back to work for me. Absolutely right.

I think about the teacher/learner, work/school, dichotomy. I love teaching because it’s eternal learning. I love my job because I learn and connect. I have a privileged opportunity to make a difference. So many new things to learn in all kinds of ways: new students, new curriculum(I’m teaching art!), new leadership role (Marrung Lead– so humbled to take on this role) and a new team in our office. I miss having Peter in our office. My son-in-law is one of the best men I know. I’ve been so lucky to have him in my office for the last couple of years. When I recollect what’s happened in the past month, moments of such variety, I feel overwhelmed by the constant change. The overload of input and output and the range of feelings. I have noticed a shift in my energy levels and capacity to get things done. I have cried a lot about the losses that have rewarded me with this time and energy.

I went to my grandson’s first market stall. I bought a necklace he made and have received plenty of compliments about it. I feel so pleased that he is learning these entrepreneurial skills at a young age.

I could get ai to improve this writing for me, and the reader would likely appreciate it. I want to be considerate, but this is a space that has never been well read, so I’m just doing it for me.

The best thing I’ve read this month: https://tommydalts.substack.com/. It’s inspired me to write more words, rather than just sharing what I’ve been into.

This review was a good read. I never liked the novel. I love the Kate Bush song, as the introduction to enjoying her music for a lifetime.

Car Parks

Last Sunday seems like a month ago! A great and full week. My daughter started a new job that she loves – I love it when good things happen for my loved ones.

I went for float #3 and I have to say it just gets better.  I had a massage as well, so I’ve been extremely relaxed!

 

I joined the 5th birthday celebrations of the amazing Paper Dolls last night and it was laughter, fun and good company. The Paper Dolls are are an empowering dance ensemble who practice in Morwell and perform all over Gippsland. ReActivate HQ space was transformed. Here’s a pic of the delightful Poppy Playdate training us to applaud at the appropriate moment.

 

This is my favourite clip from 2014 #GetSunflowered season. We’ve been getting heaps of enquiries about the sunflowers – fingers crossed for next season.

This week the carpark reality set in. The posters promised 90 new carparks but the loss of trees is a sad side effect.  Here is a before and after. Fortunately it looks like the plane trees will remain, but our courtyard will be less protected and need more watering.

This is what it used to be like:

This is now:

I have to wonder about carparks. I use them so before I complain, maybe it’s time to walk more.

 

It reminds me of the pop up park in Tarwin St. The loss of four carparks seemed enough for it’s removal.

 

I still love this great social media (satire) comment made by Alt_Art co-director Steph (who also started a new job this week-well done!):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weeks local news:

http://www.latrobevalleyexpress.com.au/story/5203007/tarwin-street-institution-gone-with-closure-of-tanias-deli/

Things that make you go mmmmmm

The eclipse brought many changes and most of them were happy ones for me. The challenging ones have now transformed me and will bring the goods in the long run. The Leo eclipse was in my 8th house can you tell?

My favourite TED talk for this emotional eclipse week was:

The gift and power of emotional courage

 

 

Salt Water

Not much to say tonight, have ran out of time and it’s early Monday already. I’ve had a great week, family dinners, son came for a night and great news. This week I’ve enjoyed a lot of salt water. Two trips to the beach for a swim and two sessions in the floatation tank. I am a fan!

Whenever I take a drive to one of our Gippsland beaches I feel pretty blessed to live where I do. It’s an amazing drive with so many great food stops available and on the way home the smell of eucalyptus trees are the final treat of the trip.

An hour of sensory deprivation has kept me sane in this busy week. If you haven’t tried it – do!  I’m not sure if it’s the magnesium or just turning off for an hour, but it feels wonderful.

So the big eclipse on Wednesday seems to be in play, beginnings and endings. Stay calm.

I watched a great TED talk this week – the power of data visualisation –