Here's to a great 2007

Pohutakawa blossom, the NZ 'Christmas tree'.

Here's wishing you a happy Christmas day and fun New Year's eve. I hope 2006 have provided you with some lovely memories to take with you into '07.

2006 started with a rush for me, with three cast glass exhibitions in two months, including my first solo - a gorgeous event that saw hurricane-lashed waves crashing against the venue's windows - totally appropriate for the Seafoam theme! The day couldn't have happened without a lot of help and support from family and friends though.

Next up was a challenging project with Auckland City Council, putting the final report to bed only a few days before I headed up to the northern hemisphere for a friend's delightful mid-summer wedding, and a fabulous two month contract with the BBC. Both experiences were delightfully superb in each their own way, with the bonus of the journey being that I got to spend a goodly amount of time with my London friends again.

October saw a return to NZ, and now, the night before Christmas, brings the purchase of a new home for me in the new year. At least I'll know something will be different in 2007 - I'll be able to unpack all my stuff from storage finally. (What's the bet half of it will end up at St Vincent de Pauls op shop considering it's been packed away, relatively unmissed, for 6 yrs!)

The new abode is a small settlers cottage just down the road from my mother, in a rather special part of the North Shore just minutes walk from a park and Takapuna beach. Mum will only be a stone's throw and short scooter (her's) ride away too.

The other news for 2007 is that I've been accepted at Manukau Art School for a bachelor of Visual Art (part time). It'll take me 8 odd years to complete, but what the heck, I'll be 57 whether I do the degree or not. So may as well do it. Besides, it's something I've wanted to do for 10 years, (or is that ever?), so now is the time.

Things are looking up on the workside as well, with some intriguing possibilities in the pipeline. Will be interesting to see what lands.

So, lots and lots of Christmas love, and a toast to absent friends on the New Year.
Go well.
Susan.