Saturday, September 11, 2010

Shadow Shot Sunday ~ A Life Changing Experience, Part 1


Last week I happily spent as a student, not only that, but
the old hen learning from her own chick.
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Let me preface this by saying that I am rather a hermitic loner
than a group animal and spending a week as one of a flock of
18 women made me quake in my boots.
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The retreat/workshop sat snugly amongst the old and new
buildings of Glenbarr station on the ourskirts of Strathalbyn.
A homestead of the early 1840's. Sleeping quarters were
spartan and unheated, ablution block communal and
unfortunately a constant weangle with management for
adequate supplies of loo paper!
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Below, a lovely lady arriving and heading to the old converted
stables that now were pressed into service as kitchn and dining
hall with one tiny little heater to keep out the chill.
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The diverse and sometimes rather peculiar dietary requirements
for some of the ladies made us all vegetarians for the week, ably
catered for by my 18 year old granddaughter who throughout
the week alternated as country chef and city actress with long
and tiring travel distancens in between.
*
The Workshop was entitled "Enfoldments" and guided ever
so gently by India Flint, Botanical alchemist, author and fibre
artist extrordinaire.
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After a delicious dinner, a glass or two of wine and a little of
'getting to now you', India brought out a heap of natural fibre
shreds, silk, wool cotton etc. and showed us in her quiet way
how to take a piece and with nothing but our fingers, make
strong durable string.
*
Since we had no idea what it was for, we could not encumber
it with our expectations and just concentrated on strength.
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Above, the uncertainty of beginning . . . .
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below, a little technical advice from the delightful and ever
helpful Jenni.
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After a freezing night, a lovely dawn and a new beginning.
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In the old stable walls the rifle slits are still preserved for warding
off attacks by spear wielding Aborigines whose land the Scottish
settlers had bought from the government.
Rather an unequal battle, guns against a few spears protecting
the land of their ancestors.
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Next exciting episode and many more pictures to follow.
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Posted as part of Shadow Shot Sunday, hosted by Tracy at Hey Harriet.
Do go and visit by clicking the logo.

14 comments:

  1. Yes please, more of this. I should have been there but had to back out due to the drought making fina ce impossible.
    India said there was a reason behind it all and there was, my 98 year old mother died on the Friday night.

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  2. Beautiful post and photos, thanks for sahring.

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  3. Sond like an intriguing adventure, Arija!

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  4. Very interesting, thanks for sharing this!

    Hanover Park shadows.

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  5. Aaaaaaawww! This is great. I am so glad you made it to India's seminar. What a colorful and interesting place and everyone looks so happy. I want to read more!

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  6. Beautiful shadow shots, what a great time you all had. Can't wait for more.

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  7. Oh this does look like a fantastic seminar. I'm sure you'll more of this to share.

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  8. Wow, brave you for going.

    Rifle slits, eh? That tells a lot of history in one photo.

    Looking forward to more.

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  9. Arija - I am so envious. Like you I am not one for joining in group things but on the odd occasion that I have gone on one of these courses my initial apprehension has quickly turned to enjoyment and - as you say - it has become life-changing. I can't wait for the next episode.

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  10. It looks like a most wonderful time, Arija! And such a gorgeous setting.. Happy Sunday! Silke

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  11. Wonderful photos and quite intrigued with where the workshop went. I received a soliciting e-mail from the company that published India's book the other day~~thought, I know here.....the brain is not as nimble as it used to be. :)

    XXOO~~♥
    Anne

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  12. Ah, a kindred spirit. Groups leave me shaking. Wonderful post.

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  13. You are your daughter was so creative and spiritual...Lovely to be able to follow your journey of discovery my friend...Michelle

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  14. thanks Ma
    i'm blushing

    just one small correction - while i did bring out the shreds of cloth on the first evening
    my lovely assistant Jenni Worth
    proved that she had indeed been listening in earlier classes
    by leading the string-making
    leaving me clear
    to help with the dishes!

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