"Thanking you Muchly"

In my early years of Buddhist practice I went to Trets on a training course. As a young Buddha I sat with two more mature Buddhas in the sun. The lady looked at me and asked “What advice can I give you? Gratitude! Chant for gratitude in your heart!! That is a good place to start.” And I have. 

After teaching a summer school in Creative Computing two students wanted to say thank you for my patience beyond. They brought a bunch of flowers to my home but I was out collecting my son. They left a note leading to the flowers, soaked by a downpour. As I picked them up the sunflowers shook off the rain and raised their heads to me; I realised that flowers are a symbol of gratitude. The card said “Thanking you muchly”, the title for this collection of my art.

I was recently asked if I kept a diary? Mine is not written, it is in my art and here is the story of my life. It is honest, it can be nothing else, and as personal as a written journal. Look at the drawings of lilies made after my mother died and see how they weep. And the joy in the felt created in partnership with my pre-school son, his drawing made in wriggling lines of yarn. Many pieces are made for my students as demonstrations and inspirations and celebrate my teaching. 

Thank you to Mitzi, Glynis and my dear friend Alison for encouraging me to share them with you, and to my husband and son for their love. And to my students, who give me as much as I give them. “Thanking them muchly”