Just a short mudlark to recognise the year of the Ox (this year beginning on Australia Day, 26 Jan) – a hardworking year deserving of the number one place, but never quite getting there. The Ox is strong, a born leader who works well manually, but remains a little introverted and misunderstood. While patient and industrious, the Ox can also be bigoted and grumpy. Mostly though the Ox is reliable and responsible, never shirking the hard work. And in 2009, we all have hard-working plans.

Kat has talked to her boss and is getting back pay and recognition as a qualified chef. She is already feeling better about work as a result. And her alternative therapies course is also almost over, with a final semester to go. This year is her year to finish training and start flying (literally and figuratively). Anika's art is getting support. Adrienne, who runs the Chillingham Youth Festival (near Mount Warning in northern NSW), has asked her to run a workshop and hold an exhibition. Consequently, she's finding local mentors and council support, as well as painting and making with great creative passion. Ross is recovering from the busyness at the end of last year, taking a workshop break (assisted by the breakdown of the (new!) three-phase power converter). It is good to spend more time with him, especially as his '09 plans involve a mid-year paper and exhibition of work in America, and many private commissions that should keep him more than busy enough. And I am writing and enjoying the world, dreaming plans for the next Cooroora Institute event, a performance in February I think.

The days are living up to tropical summer – warm and wet. Niko is keeping the weeds back in the garden as well as managing workshop assistance and bike riding around Noosa. Scott and Donna are just back from a short festive holiday and glad to be home. Our house is full of daily visitors and good food. It has been great to build up a support base of like-minded open-hearted and creative souls working at/from the edges of Western culture. We do tread lightly, while building deep roots into this place and its community. While working hard, an air of magic always lifts our spirits. Getting recognition is not as critical as it used to be (perhaps because it is happening). We are working with our own strengths, knowing ourselves, with a broader view and a hopeful spirit. May such creative and imaginative depth empower us all, to draw deeply upon its stillness, to weather the storms, and to allow the soul its own joy.

The Chinese proverb for the Ox is "he who moved the mountain is he who had begun with taking away small stones". (Or perhaps in another culture's terms,

"If Mohamed won't go to the mountain..."!) Here's to lifting the small stones; here's to the year of the Ox!

7 January 2009

... to tread lightly and joyously upon this earth ...

2009