We had a rip-snorter of a day just yesterday. I'm not sure if I believe in Feng Shui, but having my jade shrub outside the front door of the East End Gallery surely hasn't caused any of the usual havoc. In fact, I would have to say that my Crassula Ovata (to address my plant by the correct name) is a particularly pretty specimen, in a lemon yellow pot and is very healthy indeed.
Anyway, I have digressed. After a particular difficult Friday, in spite of working as hard as I could, I sold not a brass razoo. I was a bit despondent due to this lack of the financial gain when I returned to the Gallery on Saturday morning.
Right now, mid afternoon on Sunday, I cannot believe how our fortunes have become wonderful. Yesterday, we sold one of Mister John Kaye's simply stunning paintings named "Silver Princess". We then expected that having had such a great Saturday that we would have nothing for the rest of the weekend.
Much to our joy, serendipity then returned once more. A short while ago, we sold one of Michael's amazing sculptures - "About Time". For those of you who have never seen my fabulously talented husband's sculptures, Michael uses historic metal artifacts we find through fossicking to tell the stories of the items. For example, "About Time" was a three dimensional 'painting' - a recycled border with parts of bed frames and a brass clock as the centrepiece. He even left some red Pilbara dirt that had been embedded in the pieces. The story illustrated that, just like us in 2026, past folk started and ended each day in bed, with the clock or time dictating how they spent their days.
This is the first of Michael's sculptures we have sold this year. For me, this sale has vindicated his immense skill, imagination and originality as a sculptor. Michael has been sculpting for forty-five years and has always been self-deprecating. That means I need to promote and support him and his artworks. Apart from his fridge magnet spiders, he never reproduces any of his pieces. He is the master of the one-off, always pushing the limits of his intellect and creativity. I am so bloody proud of him.
Last week also featured other wonderful experiences. The bandage came off my hooter last Wednesday and my skin specialist declared his satisfaction. We quickly found a hairdresser so I could have my hair washed properly for the first time in nine days and trimmed. That was Selma, who is at Salon Express in Mirrabooka and Morley. Another hairdresser, Vanessa, took Michael in hand and transformed him from the Wild Man From Borneo into a more respectable and much tidier chap.
Onward to the kids and grandies for a welcome cuppa and then to find fuel. Burk servo in Landsdale supplied us with the cheapest diesel we had recently seen. The queue in and out was horrendous, but we persevered and eventually drove up next to a bowser. As I was standing there, pumping the fuel (complete with my rigger's gloves) into Lily, I heard a voice behind me calling out -"It's Kate the Great"! I turned around and there was my old friend Tracey who had lived quite close to me in a past life. We had a quick but fantastic chat, and if you are reading this post, Tracey, you have an invitation to visit Heavenly Beverley for your birthday.
The Gallery is looking so beautiful at present. May I say even with a touch of sophistication. However, we are determined we will remain with our original focus - to promote and support artists and artisans from the Wheatbelt and surroundings. We are determined that we will never become too unwieldy again.
Finally, I have decided that like a queen, I require a dresser. Now that the cool (freezing today) weather has arrived, I have to attempt to successfully add more than one layer of clothing. So far this week, I have twisted my bra, pulled on my singlet inside out, ended up with my hoodie backwards and having my long sleeved teeshirt ending up halfway up my arms. I have to wriggle to get my dress smooth, leave tags outside and forget to put on my socks before my leggings. Oh the trials of late autumn!
Over this weekend, we have earned enough to pay for the vet tomorrow, a friend who lent us money and some materials for Michael! Life is suddenly like a blast of fresh air. Until we are broke again....but maybe, just maybe, our jade plant is bringing us some much needed luck.
