I'm back down to work on the degree but motivation is a bit lacking now OPUS is officially no more and the JCS isn't completely up and running yet. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed its all going to work out and 3 years work towards the degree- to say nothing of the cost -won't be wasted. I must say I think the whole OPUS business could have been handled better its left me quite cross. I also feel for the two tutors who are trying to set up the new school and rescue us all.
On Saturday I went to Textiles in Focus at Cottenham in Cambridgeshire which proved a nice diversion and I enjoyed the talk by Mary Sleigh who is bringing a new book out in the summer to accompany her African inspirations book so something for the birthday list. It took me back to when I was doing some 'ethnic pieces' perhaps something I might revisit if I get time. For now its get on with what I can towards the degree and play the waiting game.

I'm feeling all 'confuzzed'. I was getting all enthused about starting my next OPUS module (Liturgical Embroidery) next week - I had been into my local Church to do some research for the altar cloth I was to attempt and had a lovely time looking at some of the other textiles within the church. I always feel very peaceful there, it has a lovely atmosphere- probably because it contains the prayers of over 900 years worth of Hornchurch people-and it seemed like such a fresh start after the last 2 modules (which I hated) when Crash, Thump! an e-mail drops into my inbox to tell me (and all the other OPUS BA students)that the course is no longer to be operated by OPUS and they hope we will all transfer to a new company (school) being set up by two of the tutors. It wasn't exactly a surprise after the sad death of Julia Caprara, the school's founder, but it happened in such a sudden way. Semester is due to start on Monday - but who with? we have no documentation, presumably our original contracts with OPUS are now null and void, we have had an approach by the new 'school' but nothing is in black and white. It doesn't make you feel like leaping into work. Its alright people saying its going to be lovely but if you are approaching this in a professional manner you have to get down to the nitty gritty, the financial ramifications and the proof of actual university verification etc.. It could actually be better if it works out as things haven't been wonderful lately but so far we have received nothing in detail.Its REALLY annoying.
On the plus side though I've finished the decorating and put up the piece requested by my husband. Stitching is about all that is keeping me sane at the moment.

We're Snowbound! Ok, I know we get a little tiny bit in England and everything stops whereas places like Canada are under loads of it for months and carry on but we're not really used to it and we've actually got a REAL amount in London. Its also given me a chance to stop for the first time since Christmas. Everything has been so busy just lately and I've hardly been able to get to the computer for a couple of weeks because we are decorating.
Things I've been doing;- tidying up after Christmas, decorating,Finishing degree module, designing pieces for an exhibition this year, making some panels for my newly (almost) decorated front room - I don't usually put my own work up but other half actually requested it (must be his age!), site visits for next degree module, exhibition visits, sorting out family things, etc....
But now we have snow. I can't wait to get out with the camera. The dogs are enjoying it- its the first time Teddy has seen proper snow- the cats aren't. Even the daughter has reverted to her childhood and is throwing snowballs in the street with her friends , college being shut. Now its coming down again - whoopee, where's my wellies?