THE GREAT PAUSE

Here we are at the end of June, already halfway through 2021. Life seems to be still on hold and while I write this almost half of Australia is in lockdown due to Covid19. It has been a strange time. My state of Victoria has been through four lockdowns since the outbreak here in Australia in 2020. In May last year I was to fly to London, a trip planned the year before to visit the UK and Ireland. My Great Grandparents on my Mother’s side immigrated from Edinburgh Scotland and Limerick in Ireland in 1854. They met in Australia and originally lived in Emerald Hill, where my Grandmother was born. Very close to the Australian Tapestry Workshop. Even though I am a third generation Australian, my DNA on all sides of my family is deeply rooted in England, Ireland and Scotland. Unlike many who migrated to Australia after the Second World War, I have no connection or knowledge of family left behind, or any real cultural connections. I was to stay in Galway Ireland during an International Tapestry Symposium, so I am disappointed that I did not get the opportunity to meet up with the artists in person. Rather than over the unreality of the internet. It does seem strange to look back over the past year and count on a few fingers the amount of times that I have visited a gallery. I have no real reason to complain as my Shire has only had around 5 cases on the virus. But in a way I think that we are all suffering a slight bit of lockdown fatigue. The photo is of a linen apron embroidered with shamrocks and a brooch with shamrocks. The only things that I have, that belonged to my Irish Great Grandmother. What did I do in the past year? My physiotherapy after I broke my hand was to teach myself to knit two handed Fair Isle. Eight Jumpers a few hats, cowls and shawls kept me busy!

Wherever you are in these strange times, I hope that you are safe and well.