I am continuing to journal with Alison’s old family photos, building the connection I have to her memories. I’m doing the pages using bits of this and that, getting rid of stashed supplies! Love my new Dina Wakley journal because it has a variety of pages including burlap.
I love this week’s quote; it speaks to my personal journeys. I used Tim Holtz Distress paints, Dylusions paint, StencilGirl stencils, and Simon Says Stamp ink.
I am using old photos that belong to Tony’s cousin Alison in my new Dina Wakley art journal. Alison has dementia and the photos mean nothing to her, and there is no one to pass them onto. By using them, I honour the memories and build a stronger (internal to me) connection with her, which will help as I take over more of the ‘pastoral care’ as her memory fades.
In December we helped her sell her home and buy a serviced apartment at Jane Winstone Retirement Village. Sadly, she is already unable to stay there due to her deteriorating capacity. Next week she will move into a room the resthome proper so she can be better cared for. Tony and I are working through the process of selling her apartment back to Jane Winstone, and then getting rid of excess furniture etc. It’s a sad process, and one that I have done before, with my own Aunt J.
I know this – tell people you love them, label your photos, write down your stories, do stuff you enjoy when you can. Life is short, and memories are fragile.
Yesterday Tony and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. We went to New Plymouth yesterday on the hunt for comfy shoes for both of us. Thanks to the wonderful staff at Fitzroy Shoes, and Ziera, mission accomplished. We did other bits and pieces too, and had dinner at Morrieson’s Cafe on the way home. After 26 years together, we remain each other’s best support. We’re fortunate…
I’ve also been doing some art; this week’s CMP18, a new page in my Dina Wakley journal, and a page starting to process my thoughts around having to move Tony’s cousin Alison from her rest home apartment to the resthome itself due to her rapidly deteriorating dementia. 
Mixed card sets: 1 square 13x13cm card and three 10x14cm cards, with envelopes. Each set contains one card with the greeting or encouragement in Te Reo, and all cards are a mix of hand painting and colouring, purchased papers, stencilling & rubber stamp work, and dimensional elements. $25 per set incl postage.
Note: I can do sets completely in Te Reo, or with specific themes, to order.
To order email cathsheard@xtra.co.nz, message me on FaceBook or direct message @kiwilibrarian on Twitter.
Shown below are SAMPLE cards only – individual sets may not contain the cards shown.
This week’s quote is from Dr Wayne Dyer. I have followed his teachings for decades, so was thrilled to see this. He passed away a couple of years ago now, but continues to influence my life. I used Dylusions paints, StencilGirl stencils and Graphik ink pens.
You know I’ve been either busy or sick when I haven’t blogged for 3 weeks! I was away, doing some wider profession work, for 6 days then had to get the paper done. Before I went away we had a storm and lost power for 24+ hours, right when I was preparing to be away. And so on…
Here’s the last 3 week’s of #ColourMePositive2018 – I used gesso, stencils, Dylusions sprays, texture paste, Graphik pens, and Dylusions paints.
Cath Sheard 