It looks like the start of the cold weather here in Christchurch - there's the lovely sound of rain on the roof... the quiet whistle of the fireplace. I took the bus and walked this morning getting lots of little things done towards completing my paperwork. Sometimes it feels like it will never be done in time, lots of waiting, then sending things off and waiting again. A good exercise in patience?
I've done it a few times now, but it can still be unsettling to pick myself up and put myself somewhere new and become established. I still feel not quite 'grown-up' as I don't have a place to nest of my own yet, especially filling out -yet another -form, asking me where I've lived in the past 5 years. Answer:at least 7 moves. I had to get out some old payslips and my parents' address book to fill in all the details.
I am actually someone who likes to make a place her own... Today I read a story that made me laugh - a woman said that she was such a chronic 'nester' that her husband was afraid she'd put down roots at the red light of an intersection one day. But at the moment I'm aware that being able to travel like this is a privilege.
I found some odd buttons at the Lost and Found Market on Smith Street in Melbourne, now sewn onto my beret (it's a bit infectious, Yi!). My favourite find is the one shaped like a coffee bean. The thing I like about finding buttons is that they are light, often cheap, so you can indulge; and there are so many different types. People often have some memories of buttons. Gran's button jar, being able to dress yourself for the first time or visiting the craft shop. Or if you're in Allied Health, upper limb rehab and fine hand skills!
Here's my spoon necklace, made by artist Greg Mann. I picked it out from the rest because the garnets move on the spoon and they remind me of aduki beans. I like the magpie/recycle/reinvent aesthetic.
