Dear All, things have been quiet around here as I've been really busy. Last week, I finished up at work, as I decided that I wanted to move on and explore new challenges, as well as continue with some further study. It was hard to let go, but there is much to look forward to. The
fishbowl course run by Marisa Haedike also ended last week, and I complete my current studies in graphic design at the end of November.

I'd like to write about the fishbowl course before it gets a bit too late to do so. I blogged about the course previously
here.
I painted this mandala a little while ago, called "Balance & Unity". I love the mandala as a means of personal expression, and as a symbol to represent, and connect to, positive and meaningful qualities & emotions. In the last class, Marisa spoke about the importance of achieving balance in our lives. We need to manage our time in order to give ourselves the opportunity & energy to be creative and productive, so we should eat and sleep properly, exercise, and stay focused in order to achieve our goals. And we should try not to get too distracted! I think its a challenge to maintain balance in one's life. And there are so many demands on our time.
Japanese printI feel sad that the fishbowl course has now ended. I really enjoyed the class and Marisa created a very safe and supportive space for us to learn and share. Marisa shared her wisdom, her own experiences and guidance, and I looked forward to the weekly podcasts. The inspiration, encouragement, and support from Marisa and the fellow fishies was invaluable. I feel that I have been given a foundation, and knowledge that I can draw from, as I start to work towards my future plans.
So now we've been let out of the fishbowl to make our own way onward in our lives. Thank you so much Marisa and fellow fishies. I've enjoyed sharing part of the journey with you all and I miss this class! However, the wheels of change are turning and its the start of new beginnings. Its been a long road, but at the moment I feel excited, hopeful and happy about moving forward and attempting to live an authentic, creative life.


My workplace gave a me a beautiful bunch of flowers when I left and I thought I'd share it with you all here. The flowers are a gorgeous combination of bright orange roses with deep purple irises. Unfortunately the photos don't do it justice as it wasn't sunny in the kitchen when I took the photos, and I used my old camera. (I haven't learned to use my new camera yet). The colours are much more vibrant in real life!
Wishing all my readers a happy, productive, creative & balanced week, whatever you may be doing :)