Perhaps it is because I am supposed to be writing an essay on Abstraction in the Visual Arts... Perhaps it is because I am sipping my lovely cup of "Just Tea" while thinking about where I'd like to take Cuppa~T in the future... But suddenly I realised that it has been a LONG time since I last posted on this blog!
So I thought I'd write a quick little note to explain a few things about myself... If you follow Cuppa~T on Facebook, you've probably seen from time to time reference made to the fact that I'm fairly new to Toowoomba, am writing assignments and studying something, and am dreaming of owning a gallery/cafe/handmade gift shop/teaching studio kinda place... So how does all of this make sense?
I might add a little more and say that my first degree was in Theology, followed by a postgraduate diploma in secondary education and a few years teaching at a secondary school in Canberra. So how is it that I'm now in Toowoomba studying yet another degree? Well for me, I don't want to be one of those people that live their lives saying, "What if..?" So far, I've been quite a workaholic - somewhat isolating myself and throwing myself into a career... Now I know many of you are nodding your heads as you read this thinking, "Me too!"I am not looking for sympathy here! Rather, this has been the very thing that has allowed me the freedom to move to a new town, Toowoomba, just a mere 12 hours away from where I used to live, and start studying a new degree, one I have always dreamed of studying!
So what is that dream? Well, I am currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts at USQ, majoring in Visual Arts but also in Marketing. My dream is to one day run a great big arts business, including a gallery, of my own. Who knows?! I may even get there! But in the meantime, I am enjoying the trip - including the various setbacks - though perhaps not at the time.
The first setback, in fact, was the promise of government assistance for this study, which was then withdrawn only after I had spent all my savings to make the move. So while I had hope to work casually and study full-time, I quickly found this idea was not to be. In fact, something I had never done before - I found myself having to go on Job Seekers Allowance. However, it was then that I was advised that as I had a great big desire to run my own business, had passion for it, had an idea for it, and was on job seekers allowance, that I could go on NEIS.
NEIS is the New Enterprise Initiative Scheme... It takes you for one year, trains you in a Cert IV in Small Business Management and gives you a mentor to help you set up and run your small business. I already had a dream of running a speciality tea business here in Toowoomba, as, when I moved here, I found to my great disappointment a lack in this area. And, as you all know, I also have a passion for business anyway! So, six months after moving here, I became an 'even more part-time' student at uni so that I could start a business. And very, very quickly I fell in love with running a business - with relating to GREAT people and helping them find what is right for them. This has strengthened my desire to run an arts business one day - with a tea shop too! :) I want to run an arts business that is totally connected with the community, promotes artists from all walks of life, integrates art into life (where it should be!) and so is not interested in making millions of dollars each year! And I'm on the path - to get there I hope!
Bottom line: While life has become quite 'difficult' in some ways (and I'm still a workaholic), I'm learning to simply go with it - to simply keep following my heart! Being true to your heart and your passion does not mean life will be easy - it means that when life is difficult it is easier to push on through obstacles and to even see them as important or beneficial. Because despite everything, if you are following your heart, you are staying true to yourself.
...So, now you know! :) Why is it that I am running a business, studying, working casually sometimes, and new to Toowoomba? Now you know! :) I hope you've enjoyed this little post... Crazy! But hopefully entertaining! And do remember, I am procrastinating right now! SO! Back to writing that essay! It's due Monday! :)
I have a teapot that no one else has or can ever have! WHY? Because I've drawn my own design on it, splashed a bit of colour around, and fired (baked) it so that my totally unique teapot will permanently stay that way! 
So what on earth am I talking about? Well check out the pictures of some of my latest creations. There is no reason why you couldn't have a go at creating something along the same lines - or something way more creative if you are inspired to! The design was simply drawn on with a black pen and then the colours were painted in with a fine brush. The teapot was then baked int the oven according to instructions and is now dishwasher safe!
The materials used (other than the porcelain teapot) are Pebeo Vitrea 160 paint and pens. You can get these from most local craft stores - or online. I got mine from Spotlight. And the best thing about this is if, like my Aunty, you have a boring old teapot lying around (such as hers pictured right), you can jazz it up and make it into something you will always want to get out and show off to friends. 
And, of course, why would you stop at the teapot. Cups, mugs, plates - nothing is safe! And if you have kids - get them involved! Your teapot will then embody a precious memory - one to treasure everytime you pour your tea.
