Mel on Display

It doesn't matter Mel is almost 35, she will always be my baby.  A few months back she finished her colourful painting of the Muppets.  I had seen it in its infancy.  A colourful background and figures without faces.  Weeks passed and Mel gave me little tidbits of her progress; how the faces were coming alive on canvas with her love of vivid colours.
Finally it was finished and I was there to see her achievement.  I took out my iPhone and snapped a couple of pics.  Proud mummy I was!
Mel began another masterpiece  and she said in passing her Muppets were going to be displayed at the Midland Art Exhibition.  She had a couple of art pieces at the exhibition last year.  No drama.
But the story didn't end there.  The exhibition went from Midland to Fremantle, almost the other end of the earth for us! 
The opening night with the speeches was a busy Friday night with the exhibition opening during the next two weeks but only on weekdays.  Easy I thought, until I realised Merv was in respite and I was away for the whole two weeks.  The opening night was our only option.
I was tired, I was rattled.  I didn't want to go.  I just wanted to be selfish and mean!
I drank more coffee, I ran a little faster and off we went across town to the official opening.  As I battled with the peak hour traffic my brain suddenly sprung into gear and I started singing along with the radio.  I was transformed.  I was amazed!
We drove to Dustin's house who drove us the extra leg to Fremantle.  Merv is using his wheelchair more often now especially when a lot of standing is required, such as this event.
A hundred people or more were already busy admiring the art and helping themselves to wine and canapés as we arrived.
The art exhibition was opened by the Minister of Health and other dignitaries.  I haven't mentioned that the exhibition is for artists with a mental health issue.  The reason is simple.  As the presenter said, 'an artist is an artist, nothing more, the mental health of the artist doesn't make the artist any more of less an artist.'
I agree.
Mel was thrilled her painting of the Muppets stood out, close to the podium for the guest speakers.  I took photos, I drank wine and helped myself to sushi.  
I am so glad I made the effort.

Our Huntington's Family

We parked the car and walked a short distance.  The yachts sat idly together on the Swan River on a perfect Spring day.  We weren't spending the time walking or enjoying the view.  We had serious work to do and we were armed and ready to go.
Last week Mel, big sister and myself attended the two day National Huntington's Disease Conference in Perth.  Mel was the perfect conference audience, she sat and listened and took in what she could.  She never complained.  I had imagined she would be snoring on my shoulder whimpering about going home to watch her favourite 4pm TV program, but instead she was brilliant.
I love a well organised event.  Everything ran smoothly and the variety of topics kept our grey matter buzzing.
The neurologists spoke professionally and ensured us we didn't fall asleep by keeping their presentations to a level we could all understand.  There were presentations by people with HD and those who care for them.  It was challenging, inspiring and encouraging.  I am glad I went. 
The information which was new to me proved to be thought provoking. 
The HD community in Perth is like one large connected family.  On the first day I walked through the entrance door where a group of people were chatting.  Within the group I greeted and hugged;  HD staff members, researchers, carers, people and people with HD.  I have met these wonderful people in different places at different times but here they were chatting and catching up together in the foyer.
We all together supporting each other through the good times, the bad times and those so very sad times.

Harbouring Wild Animals

Life has been a roller-coaster of late, but life is like that.  Smooth sailing for weeks and then the wind changes and I am hanging on for dear life against gale force winds and thrashing waves which send me flailing helplessly, seemingly without help.

Then comes the excuses why things aren't quite how they should be! 
I have been too busy (relative or friend gasping at the height of the wild grass in my back garden!)
I have no time anymore (explanation for lack of blog entries)
I will do it tomorrow (I no longer remember what I had planned)

It's happened before and I am sure it will happen again.  It's time to just do a little at a time. 
After I showered and dressed Merv late this afternoon I took a pair of hedge clippers and took to the long grass.  I have to weave through the wild oats just to get to the washing line, but not anymore. I chomped and trimmed and pulled obnoxious weeds from their footings.  After only thirty minutes I could see the game was over.  No longer will my garden harbour the idea of wild animals.  Though much of the garden remains untouched I am inspired by the little I have done today and the promise of much more tomorrow and each day thereafter!
Just a little gardening, just a little blogging and my mojo is alive once again!

What is lurking in my wild grass?